Professional networking event

[fsc]

So...I sorta-impulsively RSVPed for a professional networking event because I saw Jessica Alba and a couple of models from Wilhelmina and other agencies on the attendees list.

Now that my brain has resumed operating, I realized I've never been to a professional mixer lol. The majority of folks will be engineers, entrepreneurs, and other professionals, so the mixer definitely can help me expand my network since I am in the tech startup world, except I don't have a clear purpose or need of being there; I'm not looking for a job, I'm not looking to hire, I don't even know what advice I need regarding startups/entrepreneurship at the moment, etc.

As of right now, I'm going with the mindset of "Just to meet people, perhaps find me an entrepreneur mentor, see what happens, and maybe get Jessica Alba to be my sugar mama" and "I guess this is sorta like a politer, less-sexual version of a party for big boys and girls" ...lol

I'm currently reading up "professional networking 101" type of articles, but I'd like some input from yall who've attended these professional networking mixers. This is super vague and broad, but any input is appreciated. Thanks

 

[Chase]

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I used to go to a lot of these when I was big into my "learn social circle" phase. None with Jessica Alba, but lots of professionals young and old, some fairly high up and well-to-do.

The key is to have something interesting you're working on that other people can provide value on. In your case, I'd probably go with something like, "Well, I run a tech startup, and it's at that point where I don't know what I don't know or don't know what I need to learn, basically." That'll let the more experienced (older) guys pitch in with networking help ("Oh, you should meet Jim Kellerman, he's a tech startup veteran and he could give you a one-over and give you some input - what's your email, I'll put you two in touch"), and it'll come off humble enough that the young folks aren't scoffing or auto-rejecting and going, "Huff, tech startup, he probably isn't even Ramen profitable and is just saying he's in a startup while working full time at Linda's Donuts," like they can if you just go, "I run a tech startup," and leave it at that.

I'd just be the social guy who's moving around meeting the various people. You'll realize pretty quickly that even at these networking events, there's only a handful of folks who circulate among the crowd - most just pick a safe zone with a handful of people and huddle in their groups.

Chase

 

[Michael]

Definitely bookmarking this. Chase, the advice you give on the "rest of life" is so useful, I'm glad you started off-topic board.