Config? Networking Guide!
John Rodrigues
AI Product Designer | Designing Human Experiences for Emerging Tech | Sr.Product Designer at JPMorgan Chase | Mentor
I know it can be nerve-wracking for some to meet strangers and network at a conference. But it doesn't have to be, here are some tips that can help you overcome that.
1. Know that everyone there is excited to meet each other, it won't surprise anyone if you stop by and say Hi and introduce yourself.
2.Keep a short intro ready and a couple of ice breaker questions ready, it can prevent you from going blank.
3.Make a mental list of people who you'd like to meet, it can be someone who you might look up to or have been following their journey and content. Share something that you have learned from their content.
4.Be open and welcoming when someone introduces themselves, if they feel shy to talk facilitate the discussion and ask simple questions like which events are you excited about? How are you liking the conference so far?
5.If you are networking for job opportunities, do let the other person know that you are open for freelance or full-time job, connect on LinkedIn and send them a DM. Meet recruiters and connect with them, share your portfolio and follow up after the conference.
6.Push yourself out of your comfort zone, make it a goal to introduce yourself to at least 10 strangers, it can feel uncomfortable but having a defined goal will challenge yourself.
Everyone is there to meet people and make friends. The design industry is a small world, make more friends and all the best with Config tomorrow.
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