DOs & DON’Ts |Tweet up, Meet up, Greet up
Don’t get hung up on it, but there are “standards” ya know
A What UP?
Organizing a meetup of people in your area is a great way to bring your online connections to a real life relationship. If there isn’t one happening – schedule one!
Connecting with people can be a lot of fun – and an investment in your future. I should repeat what sometimes I leave unsaid and hear about it in comments and so people are not confused… you should not be a part of these events nor organize something if your only intention is to “get a deal”. Sure, that could potentially happen – but let that be a bonus – otherwise people will steer clear of “that salesy person”.
What to DO
- DO try to meet as many people as you can.
- DO pass out Moo Cards or your online links/identities.
- DO use name tags if you are hosting. (It makes it easier on everyone)
- DO hook up with attendees as they RSVP by reading their Facebook Status, Twitter, etc to learn more about them.
- DO make sure there is a sign up sheet (or pass one around) – distribute to everyone after the event.
- DO take pictures and post on Flickr or Facebook for the attendees to enjoy.
- DO help promote the event by spreading the word – even if you didn’t set it up – you can help spread the word to different people.
- DO try to learn people’s real name
- DO bring your money – unless the event is sponsored, everyone is usually on their own.
- DO organize an event if there isn’t one planned for your area! (Pick a place, date & time and spread the word! That’s it!)
- DO follow up with everyone you met at the event by leaving a comment on their blog – or better yet – a handwritten note.
- DO make sure you have some signage or something pointing people to the right direction. (A friend of mine made some nice tent cards with the Twitter bird & Fail Whale that worked great!)
Don’t be the Party Pooper
- DON’T forget that Rules are meant to be broken – sometimes.
- DON’T not attend because you’ll be by yourself – many other people will be as well (or bring along a friend it’ll be fun to see the reaction when people start talking about poking, google juice, and DMs)
- DON’T let people meet the lens of your camera before you.
- DON’T plan on getting the laptops out and tweeting the entire event – converse, interact, talk in real life!
- DON’T let anyone sit by themselves in a corner – go talk to them!
- DON’T overwhelm with “I follow you” and go down the list of their last 50 tweets from memory.
- DON’T sit in one spot the entire event.
- DON’T pass out a bunch of business literature and “sell”. (The tweetups I’ve attended, business cards aren’t even passed)
- DON’T drink & drive – or drink & tweet – before, during, or after the event.
The Most Important Thing … Have Fun !
Suck it up – and Get Going !
(Note in image: Twitter Tent card by Todd and Twitter Necklace – a special gift from a friend)
