I am terrible with ‘networking’ events. The word “networking” makes my skin crawl, as it is, but I’m also not good at striking a conversation with random strangers. On the other hand, I’ve met a lot of random people at events only because they took the first step.

In Stockholm, I went to a Creative Mornings. I didn’t really want to go, as it became apparent that I was returning home before I had planned, and wasn’t in the mood to be social. At this particular CM event, one of the agencies that peaked my interest, announced they were putting on a creative festival. They announced Aaron Draplin and Jessica Hische would be there. To be honest, I didn’t know who Aaron Draplin was (and I call myself a designer) but I had certainly known of Jessica Hische and thought, maybe it would be interesting.

Turned out, Jessica was sick and couldn’t make it but it was interesting nonetheless. At the event, I met another girl who also came alone. We chatted and got on well. I hadn’t planned to go to the afterparty but she seemed nice and at least I would have someone to chat with…maybe for a couple of drinks.

While we were sitting, a small group of guys come up and surely were using a line, “Don’t I know you from somewhere?” they asked the other girl. Whether a line or not, she didn’t know them but they seemed nice enough. If I was alone, I would have brushed them off. We all started chatting and two or three were formed an animation agency. The other was also a graphic designer who recently went through the grind of looking for an agency to join.

A few days later, I met up with one of them to talk about agencies, work, and the wonders of glögg. It was a great conversation and nice to meet someone that I could truly relate to and could provide me with insights on approaching agencies. Although I still have a long way to go, I do carry with me, some of the things he said. Tools that will come in handy, soon.

Years later and I’m still crap at these things. In Berlin, I made myself go to events nearly one a day, if not two. It was exhausting. I had a rule that the more I didn’t want to do something, the more I needed to do it. I still stand around and wait for someone to come to me. Usually, with a drink in hand…which I learned in Berlin, seems to say I’m approachable. It’s bad I know but a bad habit that has been reinforced by positive results. If you met me at an event and we had a conversation, that’s probably because you came up to me or I was already talking to someone who came up to me. I have met quite a few people this way…in Berlin that is. Even some that I touch base with, now and again…and hope to reconnect with, soon.

In Vancouver, it’s a less effective strategy, especially with some compounding issues (such as the reason I took everything off this site). A work in progress, but it feels good to be back around creative individuals.

The article that triggered this post, was from InVision’s Blog “The Introvert’s Guid to Surviving Design Industry Events”.