Schmoozing at South By SouthWest

So, I took my shy, introverted self to SXSW. It was a “once in a lifetime experience” that I hope will not be a once in a lifetime thing for me.

This event was more productive for me than the usual conference. ?I actually established the foundation for some business relationships that will impact my life and my career long-term. Here are a few things that I did differently:

• I didn’t go to as many panel discussions where I usually end up only meeting the person sitting to me. Instead, I spent more time going to receptions, brunches, and dinners sponsored by groups that I’m either a part of or admire. Looking at you Black Women On Boards , Springboard Enterprises , BrainTrust Founders Studio , Black Women in Venture Capital, Project W , Black Women Talk Tech , The Female Quotient , & Sistas In Sales . (Sorry I missed you BFF !) I had to register or RSVP for most of these in advance - so make a plan.
• Our shared interests made me feel comfortable enough to really work the room. But I didn’t just do the LinkedIn QR code thing and quickly move on. I spent enough time with each person to find some common ground (“We’re both from New Orleans!”).
• As we talked, I tried to think about how I could help them….who I could introduce them to. Give + Get.
• I also started the week with a list in my head of a few people that I wanted to meet – and I did.

A huge thank you to the mentors, sponsors, and connectors that I met for the first time or got to spend more time with: Merline Saintil , Kay Koplovitz , Gina Loften , Brandy Jackson, Emily Fallon Baum , Jeannie Edmunds , Tiffany Hardin , Jared Morris , Lynn Loacker , Natalie Buford-Young , Rachel Wilson , Rachael Kim , Erica Franklin , Chantel George , and Jacqueline Jones .

Here’s to the VC’s and entrepreneurs that I connected with and who I expect to keep doing big things: Cherae Robinson , Kendra Bracken-Ferguson , Lisa Stone , Elisa Miller-Out , Mica Le John , Erika Brodnock MBE , Sydney Paige Thomas , Dorian Morris , Rachael Palmer , Samantha Rodriguez , Jill Ford , Jess Riegel , Ariana McGee . ?

I enjoyed swapping notes with board members and future board members: Lauren Baker , Michelle Diggs, MBA , Jen Clarke and Angela Chadwick, JD, MBA .

Let’s rise together!

The next issue of Schmooze will feature an interview with the amazing and indomitable Lauren Maillian !?

#SXSW #BWOBatSXSW #networking