#NetworkingEvents #SaaS #TechHub #FounderInsights
Hey fellow SaaS business owners! I’ve been braving networking events in my city 🌆 to connect with other founders and gain valuable insight. But let’s be real – sometimes it feels like a total snooze fest 😴. Here’s the usual crowd I run into:
– People who only care about what they can get from you 🤷♂️
– Folks who think small business owners aren’t worth their time 🙄
– Idea stealers lurking in the shadows 👀
– Conversational duds who can’t keep it interesting 😴
– Crypto/AI enthusiasts with shady intentions 🤑
– Creepers making things uncomfortable 😬
Every now and then, I’ll stumble upon someone amazing who’s willing to share their success stories and advice. But they’re like rare unicorns 🦄.
So, should I keep subjecting myself to these events, or throw in the networking towel? 🤔
Possible solution:
– Maybe focus on smaller, more intimate gatherings?
– Online networking platforms could be a less draining alternative 💻
Let’s hear your thoughts and experiences! #NetworkingStruggles #SmallBusinessOwner #NetworkingTips
I went to a small handful around the RI/MA area, Uncle Jays networking events were pretty great but the rest seemed to attract those cryptobros you mentioned. Lots of students from Brown + surrounding colleges looking for pump and dumps. Would also love to know if there are better ways to find quality meetups where you can just chat with likeminded business owners
Sounds like you’re going to the wrong networking events? If you’re not meeting the people you want to meet, why waste your time?
You can also easily find individuals on LinkedIn who you think you could have valuable relationships with, and start conversations with them online.
Have you considered which one they think you are?
Stop. Go to quality ones. Research or maybe paid ones
Potentially different take on your experience. Time is one of the most valuable resources for an entrepreneur and so why not look at these events as purely a marketing opportunity and laser focus on your goals and actual returns?
For example, online marketers are familiar with terms such as ROAS and CPM. What is your cost of attending (time) and what is your return (leads, partners, customers)? If the numbers don’t add up, stop doing it. There’s no such thing as long-term branding at events for SaaS. Cut your losses and invest your dollars and time where you can get real returns.
Go talk to customers. Pull in paying customers.
I work in growth marketing for startups and agree networking events are important, but the first thing I always ask clients is **why** are you networking? if it’s ‘just because,’ I am not always sure you are doing it for the right reason. I agree with the statement below about maybe going to the wrong events. Set a goal as to why you want to spend your valuable time talking to like minded people. Is it to get new ideas? get more thought leadership? find new leads, etc?
Don’t go, waste of time. Better talk to potential customers if you are looking for valuable insights.
Sounds like you are somewhere at the first or fourth bullet point , you could probably see people in a better light if you improved your communication skills and allow others to express themselves better
I never know what I am going to get out of a meeting or phone call. Often it seems like nothing, however, I always seem to gain something.
Don’t go, waste of time. Better talk to potential customers if you are looking for valuable insights.
Bit of a necessary evil, I think 😅
I’ve often left networking events disappointed, for most of the reasons you’ve mentioned 😅 and its annoying if I’ve spent money to travel etc but there’s definitely a benefit to getting out there in person.. At least for the important/key events.. (For those that don’t mind holding a real-life conversation anyway)
At least in the tech space we can push for virtual meetups/events and comes off as innovative rather than flaky 🤣🤭 jk
Does anyone really get anything valuable out of networking events? I’ve never been, but I also don’t know what you would get out of some random connections you make out there.
Are you looking for business partners or collaboration opportunites or what??
My wife feels the same way about tech events. We changed from going to tech events to only going to entrepreneur events occasionally. It’s been much better with fellow entrepreneurs only.
I don’t believe you need the events to build a successful business.
As an introvert and someone who runs networking events (from small meetups, to larger events), I’ll share a few thoughts:
Only go to events where you have an interest in the topic or are looking to make genuine connections. Having dozens of conversations (often having to repeat yourself) can be exhausting. I find it helpful to focus on making deeper connections with 1-3 people. If you’re not into a conversation, politely move on.
I also find it helpful and more rewarding if the last conversation I have is with someone I know or with a person discussing a topic I find valuable. After that, I leave.
In closing, if you’re not feeling it, don’t go. If it sucks, leave. 🙂
I don’t own a business but I totally get it, it’s so annoying, especially those that look down on you
Unfortunately I’ve run into plenty off this list as well. Just smoke a pre networking joint and focus on why you’re there.
My perspective: I’m an introvert serial founder, and I fucking hate networking events. I don’t go — for me, it’s a drain, and waste of time. [Magnitue of my dislike per hour] / [probability that i run into someone professionally useful in the time I’m there]. There’s always a better ROI for me, the business or my professional network.
The conditions that I do go to conferences, events:
1. I know a “sherpa” who is extroverted, well-connected and can introduce me to the people I’d enjoy speaking with, with the aim of talking to 1 or 2 people for the whole night
2. I’m speaking, so I can attract people who’d I’d enjoy talking with
3. I’ve created the event, so I can design it to be something that would be useful for me/people like me
4. Someone else like me has created the event to be useful
It’s probably worthwhile to attend more industry focused events, I.e. conferences, that include networking events rather than network events that focus on a common geographical location.
Essentially, go to where your customers are and focus on only those networking events.
Networking will get you very far. You’re fried if you don’t know how to do it. Hire someone that does. Get a co-founder that does.
I stopped attending those for the same reasons like a year ago. BEST DECISION EVER. Business is also going way better when I actually put the work in.
Funniest thing is that you always see the same people on those events haha.
Check out the StartupSauce SaaS founder community OP.
The calibre of founders there is probably more what you’re looking for.
They’re all established SaaS founders and we screen out the tire kickers and self-promoters.
Plus there are lots of opportunities to learn via mastermind calls, expert workshops and weekly “office hours” drop in sessions with experts.