TheSumMeet’s Post

As I have joined and dived into TheSumMeet initiative, I am thinking that we are embodying #JosephCampbell 's #HerosJourney. The Hero's journey starts with a big jump into the unknown, beyond your own comfort zone, and continues through a series of challenges that make you learn in the process to find yourself changed at the end of the journey. We still do not know what #TheSumMeet will turn into, but we enjoy the ride that is fuelling our creative power! TheSumMeet has been a very creative and spontaneous decentralised initiative, in which a bunch of people, strangers to each other, casually joined and managed to deliver something, that far exceeded what each of us thought possible, in just 24 hours. How did it start for me? It was last Saturday, after Stuart's initial post that I offered to help draft some basic policies for the very first version of our website. I rushed into it as the deadline was fast approaching. Shortly after the release of the product, we had a sensitive IP issue to address that led us to rebrand and relaunch afresh and anew in the following 24 hours! It was as crazy as it sounds, but so inspiring and fun as everybody in the community was just UNSTOPPABLE! So much has been achieved and happened in these few days almost by itself and thanks to the amazing spontaneous efforts of the people who had contributed. Most of us have found purpose, creativity, joy and beautiful connections. Personally, I have learnt a lot about so many different things, and I listen to amazing and inspiring personal stories as they come out of this community almost on a daily basis. Trust and genuine willingness to cooperate are the pillars of this initiative. The energy is incredible and each of us are fuelling each other. Together, let’s spread the word and help others connect with purpose! 🌟 👉 Follow us on LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/dUBX8u7m 👉 Our platform: https://lnkd.in/dNnFzkHH 👉 Follow us on Instagram: https://lnkd.in/dppHEEt9 👉 Follow us on YouTube:  https://lnkd.in/dkSM-qcb #TheSumMeet #CommunityDriven #24HourStartup #ConnectingWithPurpose #Networking #WebSummit

Okay, its increasingly clear to me via what I am seeing on my LinkedIn timeline, that it is MOST definitely conference season. Now that I have processed ViVE from a couple of weeks ago, I thought I'd share some thoughts on how I approach conferences as an early-stage founder. Conferences are an 💰INVESTMENT💰. Seriously, for early startup founders, it's tough figuring out what's worth the cash when you're just starting. 💡So, I've been playing it "smart" by diving into peripheral, non-conference events. There is a whole world of these types of events, at ViVE they were hosted by different groups; from investors to consulting groups to non profits. 📋 Here's how I've been navigating these events: 🎯 Goals and Metrics: I set myself 2-3 clear, tangible and measurable goals to hit. Like pitching to 5 investors or linking up and learning from 3 founders who are where I want to be. It’s like a treasure hunt; know what you’re looking for. ✨Authenticity (and disingenuity) Speaks Volumes: Conferences are mega networking hubs and they are exhausting. But here’s the thing, if you are your honest self, it’s a breath of fresh air, and people respect that. Be honest with what you are looking for and how you are approaching the relationship. 🤝 Genuine Follow-Ups: Hit it off with someone? Don’t just swap cards and forget. Reach out, see how you can genuinely help each other. Effective networking is about building relationships. Looking back, events like ViVE are great learning experiences. Approaching them with a thoughtful plan and an open, authentic mindset can turn them into invaluable opportunities for growth and connection. ⚡ Be scrappy, and make it count. ⚡ What are some of your scrappy tips for making the most of conferences?  #ViVE2024 #healthtech #founders #founderstories #conference #networking

Where did the time go? It’s crazy how two full days at TechBBQ, from morning till late night, can feel like just 10 minutes! The energy, the conversations, and the interesting people – everything flies by when you’re in the zone. Part of me wishes it lasted longer, but I also appreciate the time to finally reflect on everything afterward. 💡 Can anyone else relate to this feeling after intense networking events? What were your favorite moments? PS. I even managed to only take one picture during those 48 hours :’) #TechBBQ #Networking #Startuplife

“So…Was Collision worth it?” And who ACTUALLY benefits from it? Firstlying, we made sure to set goal for this conference. Ours was to connect and learn. Ken Gray and I made a schedule of all the sessions we wanted to attend and booked meetings with people as well as Konabos partners and clients that we wanted to meet! By approaching every opportunity with our goals, we made the most if our time there! I can confidently say I expanded my network with people and new collaborations that I would have never done otherwise. The “human touch” and team bonding was especially refreshing for our fully remote company! 👉 Is the event overwhelming and overstimulating? Absolutely. For so many people pitching and trying to get leads or jobs, it can be intense. Unfortunately, we encountered many attendees and businesses fixated on finding investors and clients, leading to less fulfilling conversations. It was clear they were overwhelmed by their own goals. 👉 Who/what it’s for: - People who love in-person networking - Professionals who genuinely want to learn - People looking for mentors or mentees - Startups wanting to learn from investors and industry voices - Speakers, who get significant ROI by promoting their books, business ventures, programs, etc. on stage - Collaboration opportunities - Pitch businesses and finalists 👉 Who/what I don’t believe it’s for: Anyone whose goal is to walk away with a specific number of new clients or investments. The chances of that happening in the short tem are slim, leading to a frustrating experience. 👉 My advice: For businesses focusing on ROI, I recommend using the conference as part of their top-of-funnel strategies, organic word-of-mouth marketing, market research, and professional growth. 👉 What would I do differently? If I attend another conference of this size, my goal will be to speak at it, be a mentor, or an investor (in addition to learning and connecting). Thoughts? #collisiontoronto #collisionconference

What is Un-conference? In the bustling world of startups and entrepreneurship, where innovation never sleeps, and networking is key, a new event format is making waves: the un-conference. Unlike traditional conferences, where agendas are meticulously planned and speakers dominate the stage, un-conferences break the mould, fostering an environment of engagement, spontaneity, and participant-driven content. The Essence of Un-conferences: At its core, an un-conference is about empowering attendees. Imagine walking into an event where the schedule is blank, ready to be filled with the topics and discussions that matter most to you and your peers. This is the heart of the un-conference— a democratic approach to learning and sharing, where everyone has the opportunity to contribute, learn, and connect in a meaningful way. Why Un-conferences? - Engagement Over Observation: Say goodbye to passive listening and hello to active participation. Un-conferences encourage every attendee to be a speaker, moderator, or participant, blurring the lines between experts and learners. - Real-Time Relevance: The agenda is set on the day, ensuring that discussions are timely, dynamic, and directly aligned with the interests of those present. - Networking with Purpose: The informal, collaborative atmosphere of un-conferences makes networking feel natural and fruitful. Connections are made over shared challenges and interests, leading to more meaningful relationships. An Un-conference for Founders: For startup founders, an un-conference like the 'Founders Un-conference' is a goldmine of opportunities. It’s a chance to step away from the echo chamber of conventional conferences and dive into an ocean of collaborative wisdom, where every conversation could unlock new insights, solutions, and partnerships. If you're tired of the same old conference format and crave something more interactive, more democratic, and more impactful, the un-conference is where you want to be. Join us in redefining what it means to come together as a community of innovators and change-makers. #UnConference #Innovation #StartupCulture #Networking

Level Up Your #Networking Game: Essential Skills for Building Lasting Connections! Networking isn't just about collecting business cards ♀️ or exchanging contact information . It's about building #genuineconnections, fostering #personalgrowth and #professionalgrowth , and unlocking exciting opportunities . Try these things and see the difference! ➡️ Master These Key Skills! Develop a Compelling #ElevatorPitch: Craft a concise (30-second) pitch that sparks curiosity and highlights the value you offer in your profession or venture . This pitch can be customized based on the audience. Use quantifiable data (numbers) to demonstrate your #impact. Become a #Connector: People appreciate those who facilitate connections . Identify individuals in your network who share similar interests and introduce them! Embrace #Storytelling: Weave captivating narratives about your experiences and passions . Stories help build rapport . Share both successes and challenges you've faced ♀️, along with the lessons learned. I am always excited to share the mistakes I made when running my startups and lessons learnt. The Art of the #FollowUp: Don't let connections fade ⏳. Send a thoughtful follow-up message in a messaging platform after meeting someone, offering value or simply staying in touch. #Authenticity is Key: Be yourself! People connect with genuine personalities . Let your unique strengths and interests shine through ✨ Be a Giver, Not Just a Taker: Offer your expertise , share valuable resources , and be helpful to those in your network. It's also always valuable to be part of a #community with like-minded professionals! In my case, I find time to volunteer with the Headstart Network Foundation sharing my knowledge and expertise to empower the startup ecosystem. Here's the volunteer's group picture from the last event, #WEwin, organized by Headstart. Now It's Your Turn: Share your best networking tips in the comments below! #careerdevelopment #growthmindset #professionaldevelopment

Hello Explore a community where passion meets purpose, and collaboration knows no bounds. Circle Community or Mighty Network is your go-to destination for meaningful interactions, expert insights, and limitless possibilities. Why Circle Community or Mighty Network? Dynamic Discussions: Engage in thought-provoking conversations with peers and experts in your field. Personalized Learning: Access exclusive content, courses, and resources tailored to your interests and goals. Networking Opportunities: Connect with professionals, creatives, and enthusiasts who share your passion. Community-driven Events: Participate in virtual meetups, workshops, and events designed to inspire and educate. Supportive Environment: Share challenges, seek advice, and celebrate successes in a supportive and encouraging space. CONTACT ME NOW AND GET A DISCOUNT OF 20% https://lnkd.in/d82S7biv #growyourbusiness #businessdevelopment #businessgoals #businessowners #motivation #socialmediamarketing #businesscoaching #startup

Building networks isn't about being viral — it's about being present. 🔥 A lot of people assume that networking is about getting quick wins and going viral. But 2024 showed me again why that's totally wrong. Here's what I mean: 👇 This year wasn't about virality — it was about creating massive reach & access through patience & consistency: 🎙️ Speaking at Atlanta Tech Week & on numerous podcasts re: networking strategy 📈 Growing LinkedIn Local ATL to multi-hour drive attendance 💥 Being selected for a SXSW 2025 workshop ✅ Growing #InnovATL even bigger with incredible community partners 🙌 Mentoring at SXSW, Atlanta Tech Village, Fusen World, The Hatchery, Emory Center for Innovation, & other killer orgs But the REAL validation? When students & founders tell me months later that one small strategy tip totally changed their access. Top resonant moments from 2024: ⏱️ 1. On relationship timing: "Great relationships take TIME to really gestate... Being a founder or entrepreneur is about being able to distinguish which is which. And being able to ignore the naysayers." https://lnkd.in/eF8t7A8A 👏 2. On authentic connection: "You don't have to think 100% like everyone in your network. The best networks are built on mutual respect & learning." https://lnkd.in/ezWV8WPC 🌱 3. On playing the long game: "Focus on creating value first. That's what people remember & respect." https://lnkd.in/egEpEp8z That's the kind of magnetic access I help companies build. 2025 is about scaling that impact: ⚡ SXSW workshop on "Networks of Scale" ⚡ More founder cohort workshops ⚡ Growing the Atlanta tech ecosystem ⚡ New collaborations brewing with amazing partners ⚡ Working with my contacts in higher ed to bring this skillset to their students & admin teams Patience + consistency + value creation = unstoppable access. Come build with me in 2025. Just #LookForTheOrangeSunglasses 😎 ➡️ Follow The Zero to One Networker to work with me in 2025! 🚀 #networking #entrepreneurship #relationships #Atlanta #tech

💡Tips for a successful 🇫🇮 #Slush experience around the matchmaking area 👇♻️reshare this post if your network is attending Slush! I'm not attending Slush, unfortunately. I volunteered and filled in as group lead for the matchmaking area before which was a pleasure. As a certified Event Matchmaking & Networking expert, here are some tips: -------- 📲 1 - Use the matchmaking tool, well before, during and after. Use filters, be picky, but RESPOND to a meeting request by accepting or rejecting. Doesn't matter who you are, RESPOND to a meeting request if you are participating in such tools. #Investors, you'll get tons of requests but if you're opting into a matchmaking tool, you know what you're getting into. Respond no matter who you are, trust me, it's to your own benefit so the right 🦄 request can come in. Or go a facilitated matchmaking route through other services. 🤓1.5 - Organise your time slots, use preferred calendar integrations, commit to your commitments, don't no-show anyone, it's plain rude. 📖 2 - Ask the organiser for 'best practices' in the networking tool's knowledge base. Taking time to fill out your profile will increase your chances of getting meeting requests accepted and booked in. Don't be a 👻 🥲 3. Don't go unprepared. Keep in mind startup funding life cycles, manage expectations as well as your own. Maybe quickly read 'The Mom Test' before the event. 📆 4. Plan the follow up on the spot. Budget that last minute for it. 🥰5. Remember to take a deep breath, be your best self, so don't get too wasted at the after/side parties. You got this! Bring the energy and hope for the future. All the best! 🤩 -Aaron

🌍 Reflections from Web Summit 2024 🌍 As a representative of my bestie’s startup, I had the chance to dive into one of the largest tech gatherings of the year! Here’s a breakdown of my experience: Inputs ⭐️ Represented growing startup ⭐️ Used the Web Summit app to connect with participants based on predefined goals ⭐️ My focus was on the Marketing stream ⭐️ Attended talks, panels, and networking events, including side parties and informal meetups Takeways 💡One valuable contact can open doors to many more. 💡Side parties and informal events were surprisingly more effective than official sessions for bypassing bureaucracy and sparking genuine conversations. 💡Small talk is the secret weapon to starting meaningful connections. 💡Personal branding is crucial—standing out among hundreds of experts with similar products is non-negotiable. 💡While AI dominated discussions, I missed hands-on insights and actionable guides. The verdict? Will I attend next year? Absolutely. But next time, I’ll be back with: 1️⃣ My own product. 2️⃣ Better preparation. 3️⃣ Sharper communication skills to make the most of the opportunities. Web Summit reminded me that success isn’t just about showing up; it’s about showing up strategically. Who else attended this year? I’d love to hear about your takeaways! #WebSummit2024 #Networking #StartupLife #TechInnovation #PersonalBranding