I’ve seen a lot of requests, and advice, for networking at conventions and conferences. I thought I’d add my own two cents to the pile.
If you are planning to do business at a convention (meaning, talk business to people, not just go as a "fan"), buy a decent pack of printer ready business cards at the local office supply store and print yourself up a gob of them. Put your name, contact info, and title on the front. A pretty logo to set yourself apart, too, if you can manage it.
For writers, on the back of 1/3 of the cards, put your elevator pitch for your most recent WIP. These are the cards you’ll hand out to agents and editors when you introduce yourself. Keep the back-blank ones for other writers. Carry them with you at all times.
Ask the people you’re talking to if they also have business cards. If they do, make sure to write down what you were discussing when you talked to them and when / where you met them.(You will NOT remember 2 months from now when you find the card in your wallet).
Send an email or thank you card after the con, reminding them where and when you met them and thanking them for their time.
Again, for writers: Do not ambush anyone with manuscripts. They don’t want to carry it home after a con. But do, indeed, give them your card. That doesn’t take much space in their luggage. And it’s a reminder to them when they’re going through their post-con junk that they networked with you.
