Networking for Software Developers

Most people go to conferences and hope the right people show up. The best ones engineer it. There's one tactic almost no one uses that pulls every person you want to meet into the same room, at the same time, during the conference. It's called the anchor tenant dinner. Here's why it works: Instead of chasing people down one by one, you create a table so compelling that the right people come to you. Pull, not push. Step 1: Find your anchor tenant. One person you already know who others would show up for. Call them and say: "I want to pull together the coolest people at this conference. Would you co-host a dinner with me?" Step 2: Pick your night. A free night during the conference works great. So does the night everyone's headed to one of those boring obligatory dinners. Give people a better option. Step 3: Decide the structure. A private room at the hotel. One long table. An intimate dinner off-site. The format matters less than the people in the room. Once your anchor tenant says yes, start building the list. Don't go after the biggest names yet. Start with the "medium" people you genuinely want to meet. Your pitch becomes: "So-and-so and I are hosting a dinner during the conference. Would you like to join?" They may not know you yet. But they know your anchor tenant. That's enough. Once two or three people say yes, you have three names. Now you add those names to every new invite you send. The list becomes the pitch. That's social proof in action. People don't just say yes to the dinner. They say yes to the room. The best time to host it? The night before the conference officially kicks off. Everyone's already there. Energy is high. And you get ahead of the chaos before it starts. Here's proof this works. At Davos this year, this exact approach led to a roundtable breakfast of 26 people during the conference. CEOs of three of the biggest tech companies in the world. Major, major names. A day before the breakfast, several of those CEOs had already said no. Then they saw the list of who was coming. The response? "Holy sh*t… of course I'm making room for that." The right list doesn't just attract people. It makes the people who said no change their minds. Stop chasing people at conferences one business card at a time. Build the room they all want to be in. And let them come to you.

How many times have you come back from a conference or event and thought, “I should’ve done more to maximize that experience”? Not just attending the sessions or showing up at the dinners, but turning it into something meaningful for your visibility, your relationships and your business development efforts. Me too 🙋🏼♀️ It’s easy to get caught up in the travel, the meetings, the panels and then move on to the next thing without following up. But the days after the event are when you can actually turn conversations into relationships and visibility into opportunity. Here are some ways to make the most of it: ✔️ Add new contacts to your LinkedIn network with a brief personal message ✔️ Follow up with a quick note or article relevant to what you discussed ✔️ Set up a coffee or Zoom with someone you want to get to know better ✔️ Thank the organizers and tag them in a post that shares why the event was valuable ✔️ Share a thoughtful takeaway from a session or speaker and connect it back to your work ✔️ Turn a question you were asked at the event into a LinkedIn post ✔️ Make a short list of people you want to stay in touch with and schedule reminders to check in ✔️ Look at the attendee list and identify one or two people you didn’t meet but want to and reach out to them saying that ✔️ Update your contacts or tracking sheet so you don’t lose momentum ✔️ Review your notes and pull out insights or trends that could spark future content or outreach You already invested time and energy to be there, and a few intentional steps afterward can help that investment pay off. Which of these tips are you going to do first? #LegalMarketing #ClientDevelopment #LinkedInTips #BusinessDevelopment

Introverts, do you cringe at the thought of "networking"? You're not alone. I've had my moments too. But here's the secret: networking doesn't have to be a forced conversation at a loud conference.  Think of it as building connections, not conquering crowds. It's about finding people who share your interests, exchanging ideas, and creating a network of support.  Here are some examples from networking opportunities: ➡ SHARED INTERESTS Jessica Hoffman, CISSP - As tech professors, we enjoy seeing people learn and grow. Jessica is convinced we met before! Mary K. - Our interests in Tech and STEM led us to meet at a Tech summit then again at a Tech networking event. Brittany Jacobs - loved hearing Brittany's story as a Co-Founder of Jersey Shore Women in Tech. We also learned we both enjoy making realistic art over abstract art. ➡ EXCHANGING IDEAS Bobbie Carlton - I learned how to be a better speaker from Bobbie's talk at the Women in Tech Summit and learned about her journey in a one-on-one conversation. Tyler Powell - Tyler asked great questions about product management, and I shared tips on how to get started in the field. Kelsey Spencer - I shared ideas for networking events before Kelsey's internship begins. Jackée Clement, MD - We discussed the cognitive flexibility inherent in pivoting career paths. Nadia Clifford- We shared ideas to visually represent our multidimensional career paths as technology leaders. ➡ CREATING A NETWORK OF SUPPORT Char Mattox and Nefertete Williams, MPH - Attended #WITS24 together to support each other. Muffy Ashley Torres - We learned Sylvia Watts McKinney positively impacted both of our careers. Tatiana Carett, PT, MPH, MBA - We had a serendipitous meeting as fellow Consulting leaders with shared experiences and network connections. Tokunbo Quaye - We're fellow Tech leaders with lots of commonalities and are ecstatic to continue our conversation. Amber Robinson - Our initial conversation covered consulting and wildlife. After, Amber kindly shared positive feedback she heard in a virtual room I wasn't in. ➡ WHAT HAPPENS NEXT Networking is not a one-shot deal. It's about making new friends and building relationships. The above examples provide a basis to keep the conversation going by offering value and learning from each other. The rest will follow organically. What are your networking tips for introverts? #Networking #Introverts #CareerGrowth

Attending a conference? To increase the ROI from your time, effort, and money - it's important to 1) prepare ahead of time, 2) craft a game plan, 3) stay engaged during the event, and 4) take proactive steps afterward to maximize professional growth and connections. Below and attached are some key tips and a roadmap of to dos to maximize results from conference attendance. ➡️ Prepare Before Your Go: - Define clear goals for attending the conference, such as networking, learning, or scouting new opportunities. - Review the event schedule and identify sessions, speakers, and networking events relevant to your objectives. - Research attendees and, if possible, reach out for pre-conference meetings or introductions. - Prepare an elevator pitch to describe yourself succinctly and bring business cards, or digital equivalents, for easy information exchange. ➡️ Be Ready to Maximize Your Experience: - To expand your network, attend both formal sessions and informal events, such as coffee breaks, dinners, or social activities. - Attend a variety of session formats to broaden your learning, from workshops to panels and lectures. - To cover more ground, consider distributing your team among parallel sessions and share notes afterward. - Throughout the event, take notes on key takeaways, interesting contacts, and actionable tips. - Use the conference app or social media to connect with other attendees and keep track of sessions and people you meet. ➡️ Network Effectively: - Approach new contacts genuinely and avoid overly sales-focused conversations. - Refer to name tags for personalized introductions and ask follow-up questions to foster meaningful dialogue. - Be a giver: offer assistance to others and share insights from sessions to start conversations. - Be ready to end conversations politely and move on as needed. ➡️ Post-Conference Actions: - As soon as possible after the event, review and organize your notes on sessions and contacts. - Summarize and share insights, key takeaways, and resources with your team or network to extend conference value. - Follow up with new contacts via LinkedIn ASAP, and later via email to continue professional relationships. - Take time to reflect on your original goals for attending and whether attending the conference helped you achieve them, then plan for improvements at future events. - Rest and recharge as needed: balance intense participation with self-care. When approached intentionally and actively, attending a conference is a valuable opportunity for professional development and networking. With solid preparation, engaged participation, and strategic follow-up, anyone can turn a single event into long-term benefits and connections! Please share other tips in the comments. Thx! #businessdevelopment #marketing

Do you ever ask strangers out for coffee? The other day I messaged Ben M. on LinkedIn after noticing his posts - he was talking about hosting hackathons and being active in Winnipeg’s startup scene. We’d never met. I simply thought: how do I not know this person yet? He seems like a great member of our local tech and startup community! I also noticed we had many connections in common. He was quick to say yes to a coffee - so without any lead up conversation, we met at Le Croissant. The point when they walk in might feel a tad awkward (only because you do not know them at all yet), but push past it. It is all in your head. Ten minutes in, we were swapping life stories and trading help. He’s building an SMS tool for event organizers (already used at major events in Canada!). And I’m an event MC who lives inside conferences. We had so much overlap. We traded ideas, offered to make intros, and left with a list of ways to support each other - and our community. ---- Here's a few things that make a 'cold' coffee meetup work: 1) Prep the person and the context. Read their LinkedIn, recent posts, and what they’re building - then show up curious. 2) Start with alignment. Why this meeting? “We both care about Winnipeg’s tech/startup community” was our anchor. 3) Ask early: “How can I help?” It opens the best doors. Try to leave with one concrete next step (and then be sure to follow through!). If you’ve been meaning to reach out to someone local, here’s the one-liner I used that might help you: “Hi [Name] - I loved your post about [specific thing]. It's exciting to see that kind of energy here in [city]. I’m [your role] and love to often get involved in this too. Are you up for a coffee next week? No agenda at all, just curious to connect with another builder and exchange ideas." Do you do this? Do you remember to make time for networking? P.S. If you want more tips, I am doing a free-to-attend webinar Dec 19 on how to master these skills; check it out via Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship. #Winnipeg #Networking #NetworkingTips

Over the next 3 months, I’m hosting 4 major events in France, UK, USA and KSA. Beforehand, I want to share my top tips on how to get the best out of networking. 1. Set Clear Targets Action: Make a hit list of the top 10 companies or people you need to meet. Research what they care about—know their wins, pain points, & what they’re hunting for before you walk through the door. Outcome: These conversations won’t just happen by chance. By doing your homework, you’ll turn a five-minute chat into a deal-building moment. Schedule meetings in advance, & after the event, send a tailored follow-up email that shows you were listening. 2. Take the Stage (Literally) Action: Get on the agenda. Whether it’s a keynote, panel, or fireside chat, nothing says “I’m the one to watch” like holding the mic. Use this time to address the industry’s biggest challenges & position yourself—& your company—as the answer. Outcome: Speaking builds instant credibility. It’s not just exposure; it’s authority. Post-event, share the highlights on LinkedIn & invite attendees to continue the conversation, turning an audience into a lead pipeline. 3. Own the Floor Action: Don’t just lurk—work the room. Engage with key exhibitors, ask questions, & position yourself as a resource, not just another pitch. Be direct but curious: “What’s your biggest challenge this year?” and “How can I help?” are powerful openers. Outcome: You’ll stand out as someone who listens. Take notes during conversations, & follow up within 48 hours with a personalised message. Not a generic “great meeting you”—send actionable insights or specific ideas that move the ball forward. 4. Host the Inner Circle Action: People bond better in a more relaxed setting than over Wi-Fi. Organise an exclusive dinner, roundtable, or cocktail event for a curated group of heavy hitters. Keep it intimate—this is about building relationships, not just showing off. Go easy on the heavy sell. Outcome: People remember who brought them value & connections, not who handed out free pens. Post-event, share any key takeaways & book one-on-one follow-ups to solidify what you started over drinks. 5. Hack the Tech Action: Use every tool at your disposal—event apps, LinkedIn, QR codes. Pre-event, reach out to attendees & book meetings. At the event, swap contacts digitally to keep things seamless, & use a CRM to track every interaction. Outcome: You’ll leave the event with an organised roadmap of leads, not just a stack of business cards destined for a desk drawer. Follow up strategically with segmented, value-driven emails & keep the momentum alive. The Bottom Line: Trade fairs & exhibitions aren’t just networking. Preparation, presence, & follow-up separate those who close deals from those who just collect swag bags. Be human. Don’t think of this as just a branding exercise but an opportunity for long term partnerships. Be genuine - your new contacts will become close contacts, if not friends. Make it count! #revenuegrowth

Step forward. Step outward. Step together. Three simple steps to build community I learned from Rhona Segarra and shared at Future Product Days. In my opening night keynote "With Heart and Head and Hands" I tuned Rhona's simple yet powerful steps to the context of a conference (or any other meeting of people). My goal: to help people overcome the awkwardness of not knowing who to talk to and instead meet one another to have meaningful conversations and build new relationships. Here's what to do: Step Forward (literally): When you see someone you want to talk to, walk up and engage! The place to start is with Vanessa Van Edwards' viral conversation starter: Replace "How are you?" (a recipe for dreadfully boring empty convos) with "What's good?" Step Outward (to be your true self and invite others to do the same): Now that you have a conversation flowing, make sure it is meaningful and inclusive. The place to start is by share your values and purpose: Tell your new friends what you care about and what you want to discuss, and find common ground. And as you do so, make sure to stand in an open circle and invite others in so your group can grow. Step Together (to keep the conversation and relationship going): When connection is built, make it last without making it the only connection of the day. The place to start is by making concrete plans for when and where to re-engage. "Let's grab coffee some time" is the end before anything has begun. "Let's go to dinner tonight! I'll suggest some options and send you the details. 6:30PM, and bring your friends!" stalls awkwardness and hesitation before they have a chance to take root. And once you take the initiative, your problem won't be finding someone to share your meal with, but finding a place that can host everyone around a communal table. The day after my talk, several people pulled me aside to let me know they'd tried these steps and they worked. And that evening, I found myself at a table outside a restaurant in Copenhagen sharing a meal and deep conversation with friends new and old. Because Rhona is right, and these three simple steps do in fact build community. Here's Rhona's TEDxSurrey talk "3 simple ways to build community." It just might be the best 10 minutes you spend with the internet today: https://lnkd.in/g3db79Ti #futureproductdays #tedxsurrey #howtomakefriends #connection #keynote #linkedinlife

Standing alone at a tech conference, I realized why I'd been failing at networking for 20 years. Everyone else was collecting contacts. I was looking for humans. After two decades as an HR leader, I still hate networking events. Until I stopped trying to act like someone I’m not. Introverts don’t need to network like everyone else. We just need a different playbook. 1. Forget the room. Find one person. Skip the crowd. Look for someone else on the edge. “This music’s intense, right?” works surprisingly well. 2. Ask better questions. Not: “What do you do?” Try: “What problem are you working on?” People light up when they feel seen. 3. Quality over quantity. The extrovert walked away with 47 business cards. I had two deep conversations. One became a mentor. The other, a real friend. 4. Use your superpower. We don’t just talk. We listen. Not just to words, but to meaning. That’s where connection begins. 5. Exit without guilt. “I’m going to grab water.” “Just stepping outside for a breather.” No need to over-explain. It’s your energy to manage. My best connection at that conference? Met him near the coffee station. We laughed about hiding from the noise. Five years later, we still grab coffee every month. No agenda. Just honest conversation. Two introverts who skipped small talk and built something better: real friendship. The secret to networking as an introvert: Stop networking. Start connecting. One real conversation can change everything. Twenty surface ones change nothing. Your move. 💬 Where do your best connections happen? ♻️ Share this if you believe introverts connect differently and more meaningfully 🔔 Follow Steven Claes and grab my free weekly newsletter on my profile for more introvert survival strategies Visual inspiration: Jean Kang

Gather around for Jerry Paffendorf’s 5 Rules for Successfully Attending a Conference: Sharing because this also came up in conversation at the GeoBuiz conference, and I wasn’t laughed at. ‘Wait? You have rules for conferences? Tell me.’ I find myself repeating these enough to the team, and I have eaten my own dog food at enough rodeos to know this is pretty much everything you need to know right here. Rule 1: Before you go, set some intentions on who you want to meet and why. You don’t need to go crazy, but note a few people you definitely want to meet with, and what you hope to learn or advance; you can try to schedule some anchor meetings if appropriate, but setting concrete times is not always welcome or wise — outside of scheduled talk times, conferences are a spontaneous flow and people are hesitant to obstruct their flow (see Rule 4). Rule 2: As soon as the conference is starting, it’s ending. From the moment you walk in, as soon as you see someone you want to talk to, go up and say hello immediately; you cannot assume you’ll have another chance — the sister to this is to set an open posture of accessibility so that others feel welcome to approach you when they see you, and of course strike up conversations with anyone similarly postured — you are not too cool for anyone. Rule 3: Take notes on everything. Small thoughts and observations, interesting lines from presentations, people you shook hands with, possible follow-ups; you think you will remember these things but I guarantee you will not; the constant code and context switching as you remain “on” in a variety of social situations will scramble your brain and details will not enter long term memory — these notes will also be very important to rule 5. Rule 4: People don’t remember what you said, they remember how you made them feel. I mean, of course they’ll remember some things you said, and you should aim to say interesting and useful things, but they will more-so remember if you gave them energy and were interested, and they will certainly remember if you took their energy or pushed your own ideas without mutual curiosity — ie you have become someone not to engage with because you are work. Rule 5: Winning the conference is winning the followup. This means going through your notes when you get home, organizing ideas and recaps to share with your team, putting things on your to-do list, adding people if you’re an adding people person, and following up with personal messages when you found a signal. That’s pretty much it. Everything else is luck, and anything less is doing you a disservice to the time you invested, and, ultimately, the community you are a part of (yourself, your team, and your peers in your industry). PS If there was a sixth rule that often goes unspoken, it would be to thank the organizers, so thank you, Geospatial World team for a great event. 🫡

Conference season is picking back up, and I keep seeing the same mistake over and over: incredibly smart people walking away from rooms they paid to be in with nothing but a stack of business cards and a LinkedIn request pending. So I'm sharing the exact framework I use to make sure that doesn't happen to me, as someone who builds professional communities for a living. I call it the 3 C's: Connect, Common Ground, Collaborate. It's not a script. It's a structure that keeps me from defaulting to the forgettable credential-dump most of us were taught. Connect starts with your full name. Ladies, that means first AND last. Then share what you're currently passionate about and how your work ties into it. Don't forget to weave in your value as context, not as a credential. If you want to know more about articulating your value, see my previous post. Here's what that sounds like for me in practice: "Hi, I'm Sadasia McCutchen. I'm here because AI is fundamentally changing how work gets done, how GTM teams operate, and how product and engineering decisions get made. As Head of Ecosystem at SignalFire, I build rooms for leaders to think through this together, and I'm actively exploring what those rooms need to look like right now." Then end with a real question. Something like: "What's been the most useful community or room you've been in lately that's actually helped you make better decisions around AI?" See what's happening? My value isn't listed as a credential. It's woven into why I'm there. That's the difference between an introduction that lands and one that gets forgotten by the time you reach the reception. Common Ground is about listening for what you actually share, not just surface-level overlap. Not "oh, we're both in tech." The shared tension, the shared curiosity, the problem you're both quietly trying to solve. Collaborate is where most people drop the ball. Once you find common ground, name it out loud. "It sounds like we're both thinking about X, and I'd love to keep this conversation going." Then actually follow up. The whole sequence takes maybe 90 seconds. But it's the difference between leaving a conference with a stack of business cards and leaving with two or three conversations you actually want to continue.