11 Stellar Networking Tips

Jay Zarate and Lucas Mayer demonstrating how to deliver the proper handshake.

We all know that first impressions matter and in the world of business it’s all about the people you know. With Dreamforce taking place in San Francisco this week and the conference season upon us, how you can you make sure you meet the right people and leave a lasting impression? We’ve rounded up our favorite networking tips so you can easily connect with other professionals and make the most out of these new relationships.

WHAT TO DO BEFORE THE CONFERENCE

1. Research people and companies ahead of time

When you do your homework, you feel more confident and prepared. Take some time to not only read a company’s website, but also check out their Twitter and Facebook for additional information. By doing research, you avoid wasting valuable time talking to the wrong people. For instance, if you are looking to expand your network in the mobile security industry, you want to make sure you’re talking to people who are in the trenches and know the market.

2. Make sure your portfolio and social media profiles are current

The first thing most people do after accepting your business card is look at your social media channels like LinkedIn. Outdated information on your LinkedIn profile gives a false image of your credentials and expertise. Make sure your information is up to date and accurate and put your best face forward on all of your social media channels.

3. Dress for Success

Always strive to look your best at conferences because not only will it make you feel great, but also like a bad online profile, dressing sloppy can deter from an otherwise great business interaction. So take the time to pick out a great outfit, and remember to opt for comfortable shoes!

4. Memorize an easy introduction

Sometimes your nerves can get the best of you. One way to avoid this is to memorize a simple phrase to start a conversation with anyone. Ask them what brings them to the conference or if they know a good Wi-Fi spot nearby. Once you get past this hurdle making small talk doesn’t seem so hard.

WHAT TO DO DURING THE CONFERENCE

5. Network during down time

Your best chances to connect with people often happen when you least expect it. Such as during coffee breaks, the hours before the conference, walking to your car or public transportation, etc. Noteworthy working professionals, always have people waiting to speak with them, so it can be tough to introduce yourself during peak hours. At a conference, the quiet moments of the show are the best time to speak with someone.

6. Carry a pen with you at all times

You’ll go through a lot of business cards and even with your helpful friend, Google, it’s easy to forget the important connections you made. So always jot down a quick note on the back of their card to help you create an effective follow up email later.

7. Be creative with your name tag

Everyone wears a nametag, but how can you stand out from the crowd? One clever trick is to write one word or phrase below your name that can be a conversation starter. Jot down your alma mater, favorite sports team or the city you are from to spark conversations.

8. Grab lunch with a stranger

You’ll meet a lot of friendly people at conferences and taking the time to befriend them can pay off later. They may not seem useful now, but when you’re making a career change or moving to a new city having someone there to help you can make your transition easier. Lot’s of conferences have power lunches and open seating so breaking the ice with someone new doesn’t have to be uncomfortable.

9. Listen as much as you talk

Your elevator speech is important, but your listening skills can be invaluable. People love to talk about themselves, and the fact that you take the time to listen rather than rushing to respond is crucial. Practice one or two thoughtful questions you can ask people about themselves.

WHAT TO DO AFTER THE CONFERENCE

10. Take it easy on the alcohol

Making a good impression is hard enough so don’t ruin your efforts by drinking too much at evening receptions. Yes, many parties have free drinks available, but make sure to be responsible.

11. Send personalized LinkedIn messages and follow up on Twitter

Avoid sending generic invites on LinkedIn. Instead, take some time to remind them who you are. If you don’t have time to craft a great e-mail, then send them a short tweet. You can build a strong working relationship with someone by engaging with them on Twitter, but ideally do it within 24 hours, so you’re still fresh on their mind.

Conferences can be overwhelming, but if you keep these tips in mind and adequately prepare for the event, you can make sure every conference is a networking success!

Introducing the New Faces of BOCA: Laura Golden

It’s time to meet another new member of the BOCA team. Say hello to Laura Golden, our Chief Culture Officer, who manages the BOCA office and helps make our company run more efficiently. She also keeps track of everyone’s birthday and brings the team bagels every Monday, which makes her pretty popular around here.

Laura is originally from the Bay Area and after being raised in Sunnyvale, California, she moved to Seattle to study theater with an emphasis on directing and stage management at the University of Washington. Her experience in theater management proved to be a good fit for PR office management and after moving back down to the Bay Area, she has spent ten years working in the PR world in San Francisco.

1.How would your friends and family describe you?

Easygoing, creative and likes to find the humor in life. Some of my hobbies include hiking, photography, playing with Photoshop and looking for new environmental and surrealistic artists. I also still like to direct plays and do one about every two years as a community builder and fundraiser for my Temple in Fremont. Last year at the play I directed at my temple had a cast consisting of around 60 to 80 people with an age range from four-year-olds to seniors in their eighties.

2.How did you hear about BOCA and what are your job duties?

Kathleen Shanahan (BOCA’s founder) and I have known each other since working together at Schwartz many years ago. She once told me that she was going to start her own agency and wanted me to come work for her when she did. The planets finally aligned and I couldn’t say “no.”

My title is Chief Culture Officer, and my job duties include office management, new biz research and basic culture development. I’m excited to be at BOCA and thrilled at the aspect of growing with the company.

3.If you could be an animal for a day what would you be?

When I was at the San Diego Zoo, there was a baby panda that fell out of a tree onto a bunch of leaves from a fairly high branch. I asked the docent doesn’t that hurt them? The docent replied, “No, actually, they bounce.” I’d be a panda because I’ve been in a lot of situations in life where bouncing back made a big difference.

4.What’s your favorite food?

My initial instinct is to say probably evil things that have too much sugar. Are Starbucks Frappuccinos a food group? Pizza was a favorite food of mine for many years, but I’d have to say now its really good fish tacos.

5.Where would you like to travel?

Europe, I’ve been there before and would go back to Italy again just for the food.

6.Which famous person would you like to have a 30-minute conversation with?

Robin Williams. I enjoyed his work and his comedy, and if I were to have a 30-minute conversation with him, he would still have to be alive to do it. I’m actually turned off by most “famous” people’s egos, but Robin was down to earth and certainly felt more real because of it.

BOCAlife: Photo Recap of Our Recruitment Party

The BOCA team had its first recruiting party last week. Check out these photos for a quick recap of the event. 

Alivia Snyder, one of our Account Executives helping prepare for the party. Everyone who attended received a free #BOCAlife t-shirt and a bottle of wine.

Just a few minutes to go until the party starts and a few guests have already arrived.

 It’s a full house at BOCA!

Account Executives Brittney Danon and Ann Hodge posing for a group photo with one of our guests and Jordan Eggers, our content writer.

Here’s Jordan sampling some of the delicious food at the party.

Look at that crowd waiting to hear Kathleen Shannahan our BOCA leader give a speech.

 There she is delivering it in style!

 Ajay, our DJ, closes out the BOCA party with some great music.

Thanks to everyone who attended for a great and memorable party.

Top 10 Productivity Tips For a More Efficient PR Workday

Michael Kellner, our Vice President of Media Relations, being productive.

Working in PR can be stressful, and sometimes your daily responsibilities can feel overwhelming. Luckily, almost everyone can benefit from better time management to work more efficiently. Here are some productivity tips to consider to make your workday more enjoyable.

1. Work in multiple locations

Staying in the same spot can dampen your creativity and make it harder to finish your work. That’s why working from two or three different locations helps to boost your productivity. At BOCA, we’re fortunate to have three buildings to work from, but in a pinch a nearby cafe or a local library is a great alternative.

2. Work in short bursts with five-minute breaks

Having trouble getting anything done? Try setting a timer for 25 minutes and do as much work you can in that time frame. You’ll often find you want to keep working after your timer rings. The Pomodoro Technique is a great timer and resource to consider.

3. Choose a quiet room where you're looking at a wall

If conversations from your coworkers and other background noise are distracting, try moving to a quiet room. Total silence can be very effective for tasks that demand a lot of focus and concentration.

4. Listen to music or podcasts for repetitive tasks

Do you feel frustrated and find yourself frequently procrastinating? Try listening to something entertaining in the background. Some background noise can be helpful to silence the voice inside your head that distracts you from starting an unpleasant task.

5. Go for a walk

Sitting in front of a computer writing and reading e-mails for hours can drain you. So, try taking a walk for 15 minutes around the block or sitting in the sun and people watching to clear your mind.

6. Play with pets

At BOCA, we have three dogs and two cats who roam around our offices and help everyone cheer up during stressful times. Sometimes the affection from a friendly animal is all you need to brighten up your day.

7. Be proactive

Instead of anxiously waiting to hear back from a client, take some time to outline a new project or future goal. Use your down time to plan ahead so you’ll always have set tasks to keep yourself occupied.

8. Do your most unpleasant task in the morning.

Ever heard the expression you should swallow a frog before noon?  Mark Twain and other working professionals stressed the importance of getting the most difficult task of the day done immediately. Once the thing you dread is gone from your to-do list the rest of the day doesn’t seem so bad, and you can concentrate on what’s important to you.

9. Always carry a notepad and pen

Sometimes, writing longhand can do wonders for your productivity. Transferring stressful thoughts to paper can help you clear your head and concentrate easier. Also, it’s a great way to stay organized and multitask.

10. Use desktop and mobile productivity apps

Desktop time tracker apps can be great for managing all your assignments and ensuring you stay productive.  Like to write to-do lists? Wunderlist works together with your computer and phone, and sends you reminders for due dates so you can stay on top of everything.

With these tips, you’re on your way to a having a more productive workday and being prepared for the daily challenges of PR. See which tips work for you and tailor them to your routine. If you can make them a habit, you’ll be more efficient and less stressed in no time.