Thread by @societyforepi

#MillerTwitterTakeover Networking: Since networking is impt. to jobs & success after you have one, & it relates to another question I'll answer, I guess I should talk about it. Disclaimer: I am as introverted as they come & hate networking, esp. with people I don't know.WCM 1/n

My early career poster strategy was to stand next to it & if someone came up to look at it, I'd walk away like it wasn't mine & start looking at another poster. Don't do that. 😄 But you can learn to network & manage those introverted tendencies, if you have them. 2/n

1) Set reasonable expectations. How many conversations can you manage in a day at a conference? Pick a #, say 3-4, & make that your goal.
2) Choose any bigshots you want to meet ahead of time. Email them, or better yet, have your mentor email them & ask if to meet at a break.3/n

3) Talk to people after their talk or at coffee after a talk. People like to hear what you thought of their talks & ask good questions.
4) Ditto for posters. If you think it is interesting, ask about it. You don't have to do a lot, just the ones that relate to your interests. 4/n

5) Look for peers. They are often easier to meet & talk to than bigshots. And they can become lifelong conference buddies.
6) If you meet your goal, it's ok to go back to your room and have room service or go out to eat on your own or with a friend. That's what I usually do. 5/n

7) In the bigger picture, your mentor is key for good networking. They should introduce you to the people you need to meet-in person or by email. Alternatively, if you can find someone that worked with that person you want to reach before, they might do the introduction. 6/n

8) Lastly, pick a 2-3 conferences and make those your home. I've gone to the same STD conference for >20 years. And now, those peers that I met way back when are the bigshots at the conference & I look forward to seeing them. 7/7