No More Waiting Lines

Authors, promise never again do a "traditional" book-signing. Here's why.

People usually stand in line, isolated, not talking to each other.

If you take even a moment to answer a question, that time "adds up."

People in the back of the line get impatient/frustrated, give up, and walk away.

That means you don't get to meet them, and they don't get to meet you.

That's a preventable missed opportunity.

The good news is, there's a better way.

Turn your "waiting line" into an "interactive community."

I do this every time I do a book-event, including the one I did last week at the Conscious Capitalism Conference in Dallas.

With a big smile, I invited people standing in a single file line to "GATHER AROUND!"

Then I suggested, "Let's turn this into a mini-community, shall we?"

I asked the person in front, "What's a project you're working on you're excited about? Let's all brainstorm it together."

Please note, I didn't ask people, "What do you do?"

They may not work or may not want to talk about their work.

Asking people to share a project they care about gives people OPTIONS.

They can discuss whatever is important to them - a cause, a creative priority, a business opportunity, a launch they're planning.

Everyone in the group is now getting to know each other and swapping helpful insights - which gives you time to write a personalized message on each book.

Be sure to ask people how to spell their name.

One time I didn't do this because the person's name was Jane. I thought, "I cannot ask JANE how to spell her name" and went ahead and signed her book.

She corrected me with, "Actually, it's spelled JAYNE."

Oops. My bad.

You may be wondering, "What if there are only a couple people in line?"

Ask, "Do you know each other?" Often, they don't.

Suggest they introduce themselves and ask, "What was a highlight from the event that was particularly timely or relevant for you?"

They may mention something the opening keynoter said - or an epiphany that emerged from a breakout group - or a tip they learned from someone at lunch.

Sharing lessons-learned benefits everyone - including the conference planners - - because you're turning STRANGERS into FRIENDS and giving them a hook on which to hang a meaningful conversation.

By the way, this doesn't just apply to book-signings.

When I run events, we train our volunteers to turn "lines" into "communities."

Any time we anticipate there might be a line - whether it's for registration or one-on-one sessions - we assign a volunteer to be there to facilitate introductions.

We even suggest specific questions to kick-start purposeful conversations.

Instead of asking "Where are you from," ask:

"What session are you most looking forward to at the conference?"

"Is there a particular speaker or panelist you want to connect with?"

"What would make this conference a success for you?"

These focused questions draw out attendee's priorities and intentions which transform "chit chat" and "small talk" into mutually-rewarding discussions.

People go from feeling shy or anxious - "I don't know anyone. I feel like an outsider. I want to head back to my hotel room and hide out" to feeling welcomed and part OF the group instead of apart FROM the group.

People go from wondering, "Will this be worth all the time/money I spent to be here?" - to concluding this was a smart investment, within minutes of arriving.

Often, they discover shared interests and commonalities and ask, "Want to sit next to each other at the opening session?" or "Want to have lunch together?"

The point of all this?

We are not just authors, presenters, event planners - we are community builders.

Anytime we can fast-forward friendships, we have a responsibility to do so.

Choosing to be inclusive servant leaders who make the people around us feel seen, heard and respected - is an opportunity to add "rising-tide" value.

As Carl Rogers said, "The degree to which I can create relationships and facilitate the growth of others is a measure of the growth I have achieved in myself."

Here's to turning "waiting lines" into "growing relationships."