A couple great things I’ve learnt from TLCC that really helped me out.
Before going – do your research
There are questions you are going to want to solve. Have a list.
- Some will require testing with the Devs.
- Some will be pestering the Vendors/Sponsors.
- Some will require bugging Tessitura Staff
Stalk people (responsibly)
Remember that list? Look up the people who likely have the same issue and meet up with them. In my case it’s about emailing and finding a time to catch up or say “hi” at an event. It’s less creepy than it sounds. We are there to network and solve problems after all.
The Meetup
Best things to have when I need a hand from someone …
- A value add. Sometimes a collaboration is enough. Sometimes you can intro someone to someone else. It’s always good to be able to exchange help though and mutually grow from the experience.
- A two way conversation. Listen and learn as well as talking about your own issue. Listening is a great way of solving your problem and follow up with an open ended question to dig deeper.
- Keep it short. We all have many things to see and do. When you have an ask try to not monopolise someones time and catch up for more later. You will bump into the same people about 100 times over the week.
- Speaking on bumping into people – I’ll often find myself introducing people to other people that have like interests. Two people are a conversation. Three people are a network.
- More business cards. I ran out on the first day when chatting to people about my presentation. They are great to have and a good way to keep the conversation going.
- Follow up. A thanks is always nice and also you can expand your network with Linkedin invites or whatever works for you.
- Thanks cost nothing. If your moved or excited about something a quick thanks can really make everyones day.
The thing with Tessitura is that people are incredibly keen to share. It’s a great community. Keeping these things in mind really help with my anxiety and occasional bouts of impostor syndrome.
Heath Wilder 