What I learned in a New York meetup

A few days ago, I went to a recent New York LinkedIn Fam meetup.

I made my LinkedIn post and left the house.?

You wouldn't believe what happened.

My train got delayed and it was already 10am.

The F train decided to go on the E train line I was on.

The train stalled while it went slower than my internet connection.

I couldn't believe it.

30+ minutes later, I got off and went to the Blue Bottle Coffee in Manhattan.

Saw my accountability partner in person.?

This was the first time we met since we chat online for about 1 and a half years.?

For safety, I wore my mask.

Meetups are great. You get to meet people you know and don't know.

You talk and get out of your comfort zone.

Even make new friends.

Here are three things I learned from a recent New York meetup.

Tip #1: Keep people in the loop.

When someone organizes a meetup, make sure to let the group or leader know.?

Who remembered the movie: Home Alone 2: Lost in New York??

That's what happened to me before.

I was lost and I couldn't find the place, even with a fold-out subway map.?

Let people know and you save people stress.

Tip #2: Pay for someone else's coffee or food.

If someone organizes a coffee meetup, pay for their coffee or food.

They organized it, they deserve it.?

If they are not a coffee drinker, pay for what they want.

It's about them.

Tip well with respect for their service. They will remember you.

Tip #3: Be a guide to someone new.

My accountability partner needed to get to the LinkedIn Office.

Like Dora the Explorer, I used the Map.

I used the map App, typed in "LinkedIn" and it said:

"Starting walking directions to LinkedIn."

Since my accountability partner is new to New York, I have to be the guide.

To keep one eye on my partner, one eye on the ground, and one eye on the map.

I went to the Empire State building and saw the LinkedIn logo.

Said our goodbyes and I went home.

What else did I miss about meetups?