Speed dating bloggers event lowdown

Last week I attended the Arabian Travel Market. As part of this four day long event, on the last day a speed dating blogger event was held. This was my first speed dating blogger event, actually it was my first blogger event. I was really nervous before the event about what to take and what it would be like so I thought it would be worth writing down what I found out and what I think you need to know

Elevator Pitch

This is essential. Know what you are and what you can offer and be able to explain this as precisely as possible. The maximum time allotted per meeting is 5 minutes, though I found towards the end you had much less than this as people tried to talk to as many people as possible.

Business Cards

Remember to take them! I was the idiot that got distracted by her baby while packing and left her business cards on her bedside table. Make sure you have a plentiful supply but even more important remember to get other peoples.

Importance of Instagram

I am starting to understand the spectrum of uses for each of my social media channels. What I learnt at the speed dating bloggers event is that Instagram is king at these events. During my meetings, I was surprised that as I was talking how many people checked my instagram feed rather than my website as we chatted. If I were going to another speed dating bloggers event I would make sure that my top nine squares were really on brand and matched perfectly my elevator pitch. Luckily, just before my speed dating blogging event I had been to the Maldives so my Instagram feed was really on point. I would do this more deliberately next time.

Don’t feel like you have to be the right fit for everyone

I spoke to some really lovely people at the speed dating blogging event however not all would work well with my niche. While I love Rwanda for instance, going on a cultural tour of Rwanda with my one year old is not the right fit for me. There is no point wasting either of your time so make sure you are clear about who you are and what you can offer and don’t be afraid to say that you aren’t the right fit. However if you know someone who would be a good fit why not recommend them? The brand and the blogger will be pleased and who knows in the future you may get a referral back.

Network with bloggers as well as brands 

One of the most useful things for me at the event was speaking to other bloggers. An offhand comment by another blogger who is familiar with your site can make you rethink your blogger worth and help refine your brand. It is also great for sharing hints and tips. Therefore don’t only focus your attention at brands.

Follow Up

Don’t treat the end of the meeting as the end of the conversation. Email thank yous for meeting with you and reaffirm your brand and offer and continue the dialogue about future collaborations.

Have you ever attended a speed dating blogger event? What are your best hints and tips?