The annual Online News Association (ONA) conference starts Thursday in Washington, D.C. I'll have a session that morning called "Getting Into Position: Developing The Right Skills." We'll talk about what you should do before you start applying for a job.
This conference (thank goodness it's where I live this time) will be my eighth this year. Yes, I've attended eight different conferences in eight different cities in 2010. While preparing for "ONA10," I thought about all those conferences and the dozens and dozens and dozens I've attended during the last decade. From Hispanic journalists in Puerto Rico and Los Angeles to radio and television broadcasters in Las Vegas, to public media in Anchorage and New Orleans to Asian-American journalists in Hawaii and New York to College Media in Kansas City and St. Louis and ONA in San Francisco and D.C., I've seen a lot, talked a ton, met brilliant people and got great swag. And, I've built a network. Have you?
In hindsight, each conference brought out in force the simple art of conversations. Some deep and spiritual, others laugh inducing, a few included a little anger and disappointment but 95 percent were constructive and part of making connections to people who care about something.
If you are attending ONA in D.C., or another conference in some city or country, go with the intent and purpose of getting at least one major thing out of that conference. There is far more teaching going on these days than even five years ago. Planners are very in tune with the economy and the needs of attendees; so are we who are called "the regulars." We always seem to be "there." You can recognize us because we're always talking to somebody.
While I'm listed in the program this week and also will be mentoring two students, I do plan to just hang. I know why I'm at the conference. Do you?
After meeting new movers and shakers in online media, it's important to keep in touch and follow through on your relationships. In fact, there were more than a few trips I had this year where my meet-ups were planned via FB e-mail; I never actually called anyone. To that end, If you want look me up, I'm on FB (there are a few Doug Mitchell's, but you'll see certain logo and you'll know it's me) and Twitter @nextgenradio and can be found on via the phone too (!!).
Technology is very effective for self-marketing if used properly. But, we have yet to move beyond the need to talk face-to-face and I don't believe we will. I won't give that up.
So, "Touch a Hand (Make a Friend)"
