I have to remember that it's okay to start small. There are people around me who need an act of kindness, and those small acts help others feel included, welcome, and important. It shows that I see that person and I care. Here are a few things I'm doing to start small that take less than five minutes.

When you ask interesting questions, you typically get interesting answers. When you get interesting answers, you don't have to force the small talk. The conversation flows more easily and is more memorable for both of you, making your follow-up notes easier to write.

The energy at a good conference is palpable. The buzz of new ideas and repurposing old ideas permeate every session and congregates around every outlet. I love going because I always learn so much and I feel like I absorb that energy and excitement. I struggle a little bit because, while my primary goal is to build relationships with professional contacts, my inner voice tells me to sit off in the corner, or better yet, disappear to my hotel room after the sessions are done.