Attending conferences and events representing your blog or brand has been proven to not only help you network your name to a niche group of people, but improve your street credibility among other bloggers and businesses. For example; if blog about WordPress development, then your niche category is obviously WordPress development. In that situation attending something like WordCamp might be very beneficial to your new brand.

At these events, you are able to network with the interesting people that represent the blog that you might read. Many times you can learn something new just by engaging in a physical conversation with other bloggers. Once you put a face to the business, it’s only human nature to begin trusting someone just enough to maybe give away one or two secrets.

Having an Ego

Every time that you get together in a large group setting with other designers or developers, there happens to be people that have larger ego’s than others. Don’t approach people with an ego, try and be as friendly as possible, if you have a good project - be proud of it. But don’t let that go to your head. If others are complimenting you on your work, then you should just feel more proud. But treat others just as you want to be treated. If you have an opportunity to help others or possibly teach them something, you can certainly attempt to do that. But don’t forget that some people don’t want to be helped, so you may be treating someone in a way that they don’t want to be treated.

Being Shy

A lot of developers and designers have problems interacting with others, especially when they become intimidated by people they recognize. This happens to everyone, even skateboarders when they see Ryan Sheckler. The only way to get over this is to be yourself, be comfortable with who you are, and realize that they are just normal people. Have fun and try and be as outgoing as possible. If you still can’t do it, take a couple of drinks and then try, it should help!

Not having a business card

Even when you are at the grocery store, you can still market yourself. Just like meeting a new girlfriend at the grocery store, you have the same opportunity to gain a new business contact. Carry your business card on you at all times, slip a couple into your wallet for backups, if you follow the previous two rules - you should be outgoing enough for that person to remember you and then reference your personality to your business card. The most opportune thing that should be going through that persons mind is, “That guy seemed really cool, maybe I should contact him.” Being friendly is your best salesman, and having a good product is your best marketing tactic.

Humor is Happiness

Making people laugh not only makes them produce some endorphins, but it helps with your whole goal of producing a fun and outgoing personality. Since friendship is your best salesman, making your new contact laugh a little bit is the best thing to keep them coming back. Everyone remembers a funny joke, but not everyone remembers the best business model. So break up your serious discussion with a couple of jokes or a less serious discussion topic.

Not having fun

If your just sitting in the corner, or have your arms crossed with an unhappy face on your head - people are going to think that you just are not having fun! No one wants to approach the cranky guy at the grocery store, and no one wants to talk to the unhappy person at any conference. Have fun or you might find yourself falling into all of the above mistakes that are commonly made. A good couple of ways to have some fun - bring a friend you know to the conference, have a couple of drinks, produce endorphins (do a couple of pushups), make sure you don’t wake up on the wrong side of the bed, and be open minded to all situations.