Another post unrelated to pure web strategy, however – Speed Networking is pretty good. I tried it today for the first time, and I have to admit, I quite liked it. Here are the rules:

• You have a given amount of time (60 seconds or so) to pitch.
• You then listen to the pitch from the person opposite.

It’s that simple.

My advice:

• Break the rules.
• Whatever you do, condense it down to 30 seconds. Keep it simple. "Hi. I’m Ben. I help businesses develop strategies that make their websites work. If you have an existing website, I look at it to determine what’s working, what isn’t, and make sure it fits your business goals and strategy. If you don’t have a website, I make sure you develop it based around what your business needs." 30 seconds. Then ask them to do the same. Then find out how you can help each other.
• Take plenty of business cards.
• Speak loudly and clearly.
• Listen.
• Follow up every lead.

That’s it.

Really, it’s quite good fun (though headache inducing!), and the time will pass very quickly. If you are lucky, you’ll end up with some good leads. Worst case, you get a chance to practice your pitch over a dozen times – and it’s worth it for that alone.

Good luck!

Ben