Let’s face it, the best way to learn influencer marketing is to meet and talk to people who do it.
You can learn more from a 15-minute conversation with a knowledgeable person than by browsing social media or reading a dozen blog posts or articles. It’s one reason why conferences are popular…
…and also, why you should attend them.
But how many conferences are dedicated to influencer marketing?
Unfortunately, not many, but the good news is that’s changing and there’s one that’s gaining steam.
The Influencer Marketing Show hosted by PI Live in London is that conference…
…and I’m happy to say they are now a media partner of The Influence Marketer.
But it gets better:
Not only is it one of the best influencer marketing conferences around but as a reader of this blog… you get 10% off.
You see, last year, I had the privilege of speaking at the IMS in London.
It was an honor and a rich experience for me as I had the chance to meet social media friends, peers, companies, influencer marketing agencies and service providers – all in person.
While there, I expanded and deepened my relationships within the marketing industry more than I ever could have online.
Making that human connection is special and there’s nothing like speaking to someone in person to learn what makes them tick and to glean their expertise. Most people are generous by nature and willing to share valuable, hard-won experiences with you.
Coffee with the right person can mean saving you from being a victim of clickbait content marketing articles and getting frustrated by all the false promises.
But want to know the best part?
After being there last year, I’ve got some tips to help you make the most of your experience at IMS — so you can learn influencer marketing quickly.
1: Update your LinkedIn profile
When you meet someone new at a marketing conference, the first thing they’ll do is look you up on LinkedIn.
Be sure to have your profile updated so it reflects who you are, what you do and why you are good at what you do.
Be sure to use a banner image that supports your expertise, authority, and personality. Think of it as a form of content marketing. It could be a picture of you speaking at an event or in a meeting with clients. You’d be surprised how many people don’t use this valuable piece of virtual social media real estate to their advantage. It’s foolish to let it go to waste.
While at the IMS show last year, I met new people and made a point of immediately connecting with them on LinkedIn – even during our conversation.
It’s better than a business card.
Remember, IMS offers a lot of value because global brands, content creators, social media personalities, influencer agencies, content marketing pros, digital marketing gurus and tech providers all come together for two days of networking, collaboration and facilitating strong future partnerships.
Make the most of it.
2: Identify interesting people
Marketing conferences attract thought leaders, influencers, vendors and businesspeople – and IMS is one of the best for influencer marketing.
They come from all over Europe, Russia, Australia, and the United States.
Last year, there were top-quality digital marketing people in attendance including the Danielle Lewis, CEO of Scrunch, Robert Levenhagen of InfluencerDB, Alex Frolov of HypeAuditor, Tim Williams of Onalytica to name just a few.
This year will be even better.
Identify who you want to meet beforehand.
I like to jot down a list of people I want to meet with a target goal of meeting and conversing with 80% of them by the end of the event.
3: Take advantage of the workshops and the case study theater
Knowing the IMS organizers, they are keen on providing deep, rich value.
Last year, I was impressed with their digital marketing workshops and the depths to which they went to make these rewarding and useful.
This year they are expanding these deep-dive workshops, so be sure to check the online schedule once the final agenda is released.
Also, check out the Case Studies Theater.
This is where you’ll be able to see how others have used influencers in campaigns and programs from a variety of industries.
You’ll learn more about influencer marketing strategy just by attending these sessions than taking an online course or reading a bunch of articles.
4: Get into conversations
Like most marketing conferences, IMS has a lot of opportunities for networking.
But it gets better:
IMS puts a premium on making networking as easy as possible.
Before we dive into how they do that, be sure you understand the psychology behind meeting people, so you get the most out of it and avoid being an ass.
Remember:
Your objective is to get into conversations with people you find interesting.
Do this by following Tim Ferriss’ Three Rules to Rule them all:
- Don’t dismiss people: Behave as if everyone you meet has the ability to get you a million-dollar deal or a cover story on the Wall Street Journal.
- Don’t be a jerk by putting people off with a lame excuse and then avoiding them later. If you don’t want to speak to someone, be respectful and decline politely.
- Don’t rush, play the long game. VIPs at conferences are often mobbed so you won’t get much time to speak to them. See how to get their attention below.
Forget the elevator pitch because that’s what everyone else does. You’ll likely be forgotten anyway.
Instead, leave behind a memento, something interesting that you’ve personally crafted.
Give them a piece of paper that you’ve carefully composed in your own handwriting with an interesting observation or statistic.
Be sure to make it personal by saying something like “Hi [NAME], I see that you’re mobbed and lots of people want to speak to you, I thought about this [INSERT STAT or STATEMENT] – I think you’ll find this intriguing.” Include your phone number, email, and Skype.
This way they’ll remember you.
5: Get out of the hallway and find a comfy spot
Hallway conversations are some of the best value, but they are noisy and it’s easy to get interrupted.
Your feet are also killing you by the end of the day!
However, IMS, unlike other conferences, puts a premium on facilitating your networking.
How?
They have a number of what I call “comfort zones” where you can relax, sit back and have a cup of coffee or an adult beverage while getting into cool conversations. This makes all the difference at a marketing conference.
Believe it or not, the space you are in can either be conducive to networking or it can be detrimental. If you sit down with someone, other people are less likely to rudely interrupt you. It also changes the dynamic putting you on a more equal footing with your conversation partner.
IMS, unlike many other conferences, has thought this out.
Here’s what they offer:
- Beer garden – grab a beer and discuss all you’ve learned against the backdrop of the historic Thames (great view, btw)
- Prosecco lounge – sip a glass of bubbly on comfy seating whilst overlooking the exhibition floor in this quieter area (one of my favorite areas to relax and chat with new contacts)
- The nookery – charge your phone, rest your feet and meet up to four people in one of the quiet nooks (these look cool)
- Day One wrap up drinks – let your hair down at the end of Day One with a complimentary drink or two
So, if you’re serious about learning influencer marketing and making top-quality connections, you need to get to the IMS this fall in London.
You’re sure to learn a lot and meet top quality contacts in the process.
You won’t be disappointed.
Great advise for most of us conference amateurs and a cute pic of you, Dudley and Owain. Love it.