Read Time = 2 minutes

This week I was in Atlanta for a 2-day conference with investors and start-ups.

My goal was to identify partners and find ways to do business together.

While traveling for work is awesome, conferences can be exhausting and socializing with random people can be hard.

In this post I’ll share my guide for meeting people, coordinate events and starting conversations with strangers.

1. How to meet people

As an introvert, there’s nothing more intimidating than walking into a conference with 1000+ people and you know no one.

My #1 rule when going to events is to set 3-5 meetings on day 1.

Many conferences share the event list ahead of time. If they don’t, still ask.

When you get the list, block off two hours the day before the event for outreach to people that fall into your ideal customer profile (ICP).

Not only will this give you an opportunity to research people in attendance, it will also lead to pre-arranged meetings that takes the sting out of networking.

Here’s an example of outreach I did for this event:

2. How to start conversations with strangers

Most tech conferences are filled with people sporting their company swag.

Others are more formal with people dressed to impress in dresses and blazers.

Next conference I attend I’m leaving my cheap company t-shirt at home and wearing a polo with:

• favorite sports team

• boujie golf course

• alma mater

There was a tech sales guy at this conference who was raking in conversations just by wearing a Jets shirt.

Dream scenario for introverts that struggle to strike up a chat.

3. How to organize partner/customer dinners

One of the best ways to facilitate conversations and networking is small dinners.

The challenge is on any given night there are dozens of dinners being hosted by various companies, making it tough for people to choose where to go.

Here’s a strategy I learned from a friend that’s a master at organizing get-togethers…

His secret applies to networking events too:

• Step 1: invite [person 1] - get a "soft yes"

• Step 2: call [person 2] - say [person 1] is going

• Step 3: call [person 3] - tell them [person 1/2] is going

It’s called the "bandwagon effect"

And it works. Try it.

Conference season is here.

Business travel is back.

Next month I’ll be in NYC for an event, let me know if you’re around.

Until next Thursday,

TSG

P.S. I reply to all emails.