How to Survive Your First Meetup Event for Young Professionals
Social gatherings: Getting what you want
Summer brings a wealth of opportunities to venture outside, socialize, and meet new people. One of my favorites is meetup events.
Personally, I attend events that align with my interests, such as writing, education, AI, building apps, technology, and occasionally dancing (although that’s not exactly a meetup event).
Having attended these events for quite some time, I became curious about why people go to them. What compels individuals to face one of the most daunting tasks — meeting new people?
When I converse with attendees, I often hear similar reasons: they’re looking to meet new people, find a job, or just to talk with like-minded
Interestingly, when I follow up with people and ask if they have achieved their goals, the answer is usually “no.”
Why is this happening? The answer is simple: there’s no strategy.
Here is my three-part formula to simplify your decision-making and help you achieve your goals at an event:
The formula is simple: Things you need to do before, during and after
Before the event
Planning for the evening is essential. The first step is to open a document and ask yourself critical questions.
- What are my goals for this meetup? (e.g., job search, industry knowledge, networking, mentorship)
- Which key individuals or companies do I want to connect with?
- How can I add value to the people I meet?
Spend about ten minutes on each question to clarify your objectives. This preparation allows you to approach conversations with intent, navigate them confidently, and know when it’s time to wrap things up.
By investing this time upfront, you set the stage for focused and purposeful engagement.
Why am I attending this meetup?
When attending events, my primary goal is to socialize and immerse myself in new cultures and experiences, especially at industry events where connections with experienced individuals can be incredibly beneficial to my journey.
Which key individuals or companies do I want to connect with?
The essence of networking is genuine connection. Over time, I’ve learned that true connections arise when personalities align.
Finding common ground makes it easier to create lasting bonds. Instead of targeting someone just for their influence or potential job opportunities, focus on building authentic relationships based on mutual interests and meaningful conversations.
How can I help the person I am meeting?
This question has greatly influenced my networking approach. By adopting a mindset of giving rather than receiving, extraordinary things can happen.
At one meetup, I met a head of development seeking engineers for his company. Post-event, I reached out, offering to help him find the right candidates. I ended up connecting him with five potential hires.
There’s an unparalleled satisfaction in helping others without expecting anything in return. By facilitating connections, I not only assisted him but also provided job opportunities for those five candidates.
I’ll follow up to see if anyone has secured a position, reinforcing the value of a “how can I help?” approach to networking.
During the Event
This is showtime.
Since events typically last around two hours, you have limited time to make an impact. Understand that the atmosphere will be charged, and you’ll likely feel fatigued from the constant noise. To maximize your presence, follow these three simple rules:
Be approachable
Engage in conversations
Listen actively
Let’s break it down.
Be Approachable
Being approachable means creating an inviting atmosphere. Smile — whether you’re a man or a woman, a smile always makes you more attractive and accessible.
Feel at ease in the environment. When you project calm and confidence, people naturally gravitate toward you.
Anxiety, on the other hand, is palpable and can push people away. Cultivate positive energy and watch the difference.
Engage in Conversations
You’ll be in a bustling, loud space, so be prepared to speak up. Conversations will often be brief — sometimes just a minute or two. Focus on quality over quantity.
When I meet someone, I aim to genuinely understand them. Investing time in meaningful interactions leaves a lasting impression.
Listen Actively
I prefer listening to talking for several reasons. It conserves energy, provides valuable insights, and most importantly, people love being heard. In a world where attentive listening is rare, it stands out as a powerful skill.
After the Event
Make a list of all the people you meet
Once the excitement of the event has subsided, it’s time to bring order to the chaos.
Chances are, you’ve connected with everyone on LinkedIn during the event. But what comes next? Create a detailed file for each person you’re interested in building and sustaining relationships with. I recommend using a tool like Notion.
Document what they do for a living, where you met, and what you talked about. This meticulous approach allows you to pick up the conversation seamlessly the next time you connect.
Follow up within 24 hours
Speed is of the essence here. People tend to forget quickly, especially after engaging with ten to twenty individuals at a large venue.
Send each person a personalized message (avoid generic templates) that reminds them of your previous conversation and where you met. For example,
Crafting individualized, concise messages for each person on your list is an investment in building authentic connections.
While this may take an hour or more, the outcome is a robust database of individuals with whom you can foster meaningful relationships.
Building relationships
Establishing relationships is a nuanced process that begins with initial engagement.
It’s crucial to share common ground with the person you’re reaching out to. Start by thoroughly reviewing their LinkedIn profile to understand their background and interests.
Engage with their posts by commenting thoughtfully, sharing mutual ideas, and suggesting events or meetups that align with their interests.
Building trust is a gradual process that requires consistency and genuine interest. Not everyone will reciprocate immediately, which is why casting a wide net is essential. By meeting and engaging with a diverse group of people, you increase your chances of forming enduring and valuable connections.
Nikita
