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This past week I attended a conference in Chicago specifically for bloggers—BlogHer 2013. It was my first blogger conference and to say the least, I was petrified. I don’t consider myself an extrovert and meeting new people and connecting with them on a professional level has never been easy for me. But I packed my nerve and hid away my fears and went to my first conference session. Over the next few days I learned some things about networking: some I knew, some I didn’t know. And it occurred to me that these new found realizations could apply to the college admissions process and even as students enter college. Following are 10 student networking tips that I learned at Blogher:

1. Remember that there are others feeling just as insecure as you do.

When you enter an unknown situation and you feel like you are all alone, remember that there are others feeling the same way you do. They will most likely be sitting alone, walking alone, or not speaking to anyone. Keep your eyes open for those signs and pay attention to others around you. This applies to relationships in high school and college.

2. Don’t be afraid to make the first move.

If you see someone standing or sitting alone, walk up to them and say, “Can I join you?” You will be surprised how relieved and welcoming they will be. The first day in high school or college can be a bit scary, especially if you don’t know anyone. Take a chance and approach those who seem like they are in the same boat.

3. Know what you want to say before you say it.

When meeting with an admissions officer or college recruiter, know what you want to say before you say it. Be prepared to define who you are and what you want from your college experience. Know what you are looking for and communicate it clearly.

4. Sell yourself but don’t be obnoxious.

Nobody likes a braggart. Be able to talk about yourself without spewing out a list of accomplishments and/or name dropping. Let your personality shine through and just be yourself.

5. Listen, listen, listen.

Don’t talk over anyone. If they are speaking to you, let them finish. Ask questions and pay attention to their responses. Pay attention to what they are saying and pick up on conversation topics. Most importantly, act interested.

6. Look for something in common and expand on it.

If you listen, you will most likely find something in common. Talking about subjects that interest others will help and you will find it’s easy to find common threads: hobbies, interests, family, etc.

7. Don’t neglect to follow up.

You should always follow up on every contact you make, especially with college admissions officers. It’s one thing to say, “I’ll be in touch,” or “I look forward to contacting you,” and not following up on the conversation. Make notes immediately after your conversation and mention them when you contact them. This will remind them of you and the topics you discussed.

8. Future business contacts are everywhere.

I always say that your job in college is finding a job. Actually, the beginning of your job search begins in high school. Every contact you make is a potential business contact. Networking is key in your future job hunt, and the process begins in high school. Employers, family friends, and school administration can all play an important role in your future job hunt.

9. Dress the part.

Dress seriously if you expect to be taken seriously. First impressions are key when applying to college and networking for your career. The person you meet will remember how you presented yourself and be more likely to recommend you for admission or employment if you made a positive first impression.

10. There will always be naysayers.

There always be those that don’t “get” you or your passion. It’s inevitable. If you run into those kind of people, thank them for their input and move on. You know what you want, you understand the vision you have for your future, and you should be committed to your final goal. Don’t hang with the naysayers. Look for those who encourage you to follow your dreams.

BlogHer 2013 was an eye-opening experience, especially for this self-proclaimed introvert. I made some viable business contacts and stepping outside my comfort zone reminded me that without taking a risk, you will rarely win the prize.

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