Successfully navigating tech industry networking events can be difficult, whether you’re a startup founder searching for the right talent, a developer looking to advance your career or an enterprise HR representative. Chances are, what worked five years ago won’t work in today’s plugged-in environment.
More and more, local tech events and Meetups are popping up around the world, and it’s now common practice for many people within the industry to end the workday by heading out to the "Meetup du jour." These tech events have become extremely popular, presenting convenient opportunities to meet people that can help expedite your job search.
Here are a few tips for getting yourself — or your company — noticed and remembered (in a good way) by the folks you meet.
1. Start a dialogue before the event
Most tech events rely heavily on promotion via Twitter, and use a hashtag (i.e #TechinMotion) to update people on details — but people also use these hashtags to discuss the event itself, and some of the larger events have very active Twitter streams. Starting conversations using the designated hashtag gives you exposure to everyone following the stream, so by the time you get to the actual event, people already know you. You've just turned the awkward introduction into a "good-to-finally-meet-you" moment.
2. Get creative with name tags
If you're going to an event with a specific goal in mind (looking for a job, internship, etc.), yourname tag is prime real estate: When you walk up to someone, the first thing they’ll do is look for your name. Take advantage of that by adding a call-to-action to warm up the introduction (Justin Miller: Ask me about my new app project, for example). In addition, because it’s a tech event, mostly everyone will have a QR Code scanner app, so you might want to consider investing in stickers with your website/Twitter/LinkedIn profile’s QR code to stick on your name tag.
3. It’s not all about you
One of the biggest and most cringe-worthy mistakes I’ve seen people make at tech events is talking other attendees’ ears off about their app, website or service. By all means, discuss what you’re working on — but there’s nothing worse than a one-sided conversation. Instead, create a dialogue in which both parties are able to get a word in about their latest project or startup. This is the true definition of networking — an exchange of ideas, rather than a long-winded product pitch.
4. Don't bring a resume
People won’t want to walk around with your resume all night, but people do hold on to memory drives. It’s never a bad idea to carry a few USBs loaded with your resume (and other relevant information) and hand them out to people. If the USB route sounds out of your price range, be sure to ask for new contacts' emails, Twitter accounts or LinkedIn information and continue the conversation with a follow-up the next day — never rely solely on the other party to follow up.
5. Do your research beforehand
Events will often share a list of attendees and their companies/industries ahead of time, and there will often be sponsors attending as well. If you notice that a particular company of interest will be attending, make a point to seek them out and talk to them about what it's like to work there — and don't be shy about asking if they're hiring. Referrals are far more effective than applying through job boards, so this can be one way of getting your foot in the door. Some startups don’t even post jobs they’re hiring for, and rely solely on referrals for recruiting — so it’s always smart to be aware of which startups will be attending. This way, you can master your pitch beforehand.
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