Part 2 of a 2 part series to make sure you get the most out of the Offshore Technology Conference 2014. We showcase 8 tips on how to network productively at OTC.

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Hey, folks. Let’s learn something new about the oil and gas industry.

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All right. This is the second part of our two-part show about maximizing your time at OTC. And the number one thing that you need to when you get there is network. But so many people do this wrong, right? So, we’re going to go through eight tips on how you can network properly.

So the first one is know your purpose in networking. Are you trying to meet a potential employees? Are you trying to meet potential employers? Are you looking for potential clients? Are you looking to learn more about the industry? Are you looking to broaden your contact base? Without having a plan on how you network, you can be really nearly everywhere and not accomplishing anything.

Next thing is do your homework. Once you figure out what the purpose is of your networking, then do your homework around that. So for instance, if your networking is to help you find new prospects to sell your product or service to, make sure you do research on those companies and figure out what troubles they’re struggling with, right?

Next thing, listen. Too many networking events, everything is about them, them, them. People talk, talk, talk. Don’t do that, don’t be that guy. You need to listen ask open-ended questions, be genuinely interested and try to learn as much as you can about the people that you’re networking with, right?

Next thing is respect your contact’s time. Everybody’s busy, everybody has their own purpose for being at OTC, so if you can get one or two-minute conversation with somebody, that’s awesome and then let them exchange contact information and let them go on. Don’t follow them around.

Then also, later on ask for help in small doses. So if you meet somebody, say a prospect company, don’t immediately ask them if you can put a pitch deck in front of them. Don’t do that. Get to know what’s going on with them, trade them some useful information they see value and then ask for maybe an introduction to one of their co-workers who may be the prospect for you. Do that in small doses.

Next thing is get permission. Don’t ever do this. I’ve had people do this to me and it pisses me off, right? If you reach out to me and we’re connecting, don’t reach out to one of my contacts that you see on LinkedIn and said I said it was okay without getting my permission, right? That’s a no-no. Stop doing that people.

Then, don’t use the word networking. The word network has such a bad connotation that the moment you say it, people’s head shields go up, right?

And then remember, networking is two-way street, it’s not all about you. Make sure you add some value to other people’s lives, so maybe there is a vendor that can sell something to your company, sit down with them talk to them learn what’s going on, give him some contact information beside your company. All right?

So here’s eight steps to help you network properly at OTC which is going to be a great show this year. I’m going to be there along with my gang. If you’re going to be there, text me, e-mail me, whatever and let’s see if we can connect. This could be a great show.

And then finally, don’t forget the week after OTC, we’ll give away those 19,000 oil and gas contacts for free, so stay tuned.

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