RULE #2- Investigate

"RESEARCH IS CREATING NEW KNOWLEDGE."
- NEIL ARMSTRONG

The more you know about everyone attending the conference, the better off you'll be. Start by researching the coordinator(s), then influential speakers, and then the influential attendees. In this case, influential means two types of people: those you can help, and those who can help you.

This can take some time, and I'm not telling you to research every single person who will be at the event. However, if you have the time to research, the more the better. Finding information on the coordinator(s) and speakers should be relatively easy. If the coordinator(s) don't provide you with an attendee list, shoot them a quick email or phone call. Let them know how excited you are for their event and that you'd like an attendee list so you can make the absolute most of your attendance.

Once you have everyone's name, you can start by looking them up on Google, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. As you research, you'll most likely come across more ways you both can add value to each other. I recommend keeping track of your research and highlighting anything you and the other person have in common. People post all kinds of information about themselves, so it'll be easy to find out about their passions, career, hobbies, and anything else you feel is relevant. Maybe you have someone in mind you'd like to meet at the conference. Just knowing this person likes to play golf can give you an idea of what they're like and help you understand them that much more. Any information you find is helpful because it will help you start and continue a conversation with them.

If you know the email addresses of any of the coordinator(s), speakers, or attendees, Install Rapportive to your computer and follow the necessary steps to link it with your email. Open up a window to compose an email and plug in the person's email address. After this, wait a few moments. Another small window will appear with a picture of the person and links to other sites the email address is associated with such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, AngelList, and more. Now you have all of the links to their information in one place. I know you're thinking, "This sounds like you're telling me to be a stalker." Don't think of it as stalking, think of it as information-gathering with a purpose. Your goal is to provide value for them and for yourself, not to be creepy.