Networking at SaaStr: How to Build Connections To Level Up Your Career and Company

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With over 10,000 SaaS people flocking to SaaStr every year, the conference brings a perfect opportunity to expand your professional network. But with so many happenings crammed into just three days, it can be overwhelming to figure out how to best leverage SaaStr for networking.

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Whether you're extroverted or introverted, strategic planning is clutch to ensure you make connections during SaaStr that bring value long after the conference wraps. Use these tips to max out your networking success at SaaStr:

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Set Networking Goals

Don't just walk around hoping to catch the next successful SaaS master. You should be intentional about who you want to meet and what you hope to gain from meeting them. Some networking goals could include:

• Meeting investors or advisors for your startup
• Connecting with execs at target customer companies
• Building relationships with fellow attendees in your niche

With clear goals, you can be more focused on how to spend your limited time at SaaStr.

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Leverage Social Media

Before SaaStr, start connecting with fellow attendees on LinkedIn and Twitter. You can share that you'll be at SaaStr and are hyped to connect. Ask to meet up or follow up during the conference.

Many attendees are open to social media outreach leading up to events. Just keep your asks casual and low-pressure.

You can also join SaaStr-specific social channels like the SaaStr Annual Facebook group. Introduce yourself and start conversations to build familiarity.

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Schedule Meetings in Advance

Again, refrain from relying solely on organic run-ins in the hallways. You should email people you want to meet at least a few weeks before SaaStr and request to schedule a meetup time. People are often available for coffee between sessions.

Come prepared with a few potential discussion topics so the meeting has focus. Suggest meeting locations like the expo floor lounge areas.

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Maximize Keynotes and Sessions

Sit next to new people instead of just coworkers. Introduce yourself before sessions start. Once you exchange biz cards, be sure to continue the conversation afterwards.

Small talk while waiting in session rooms leads to more meaningful conversations during the conference. Plus you already have shared interests to bond over thanks to the content. Be sure to keep an open mind about people you interact with. Don't just focus on targets like VCs and CEOs. That junior marketing manager you met could be a CEO in 10 years or they may know people you want to connect with.

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Work the Expo Hall

While exploring the vendor booths, spark up conversations with other attendees you encounter. Ask people what booths they've enjoyed most or recommend checking out. Trade thoughts on the exhibitors and products.

Booth staff are also great for networking, as they are eager to engage. Collect business cards and takeaways to follow up with later.

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Attend SaaStr Events

Make time for SaaStr's official programming. These facilitate networking in a more relaxed setting. You can also chat with people as you grab food, wait in line at the bar, or walk between SaaStr happenings. Use the shared experience as a natural conversation starter and ask questions.

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Follow Up

To turn connections into lasting relationships, follow up within a week after SaaStr ends. Send LinkedIn requests or quick emails to the people you met in order to keep things fresh. Share any useful resources, articles, or offers discussed.

Quick follow ups are key to nurturing relationships after initial introductions. Perhaps you could mention how you'd like to stay in touch and meet up at the next event.

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Review Attendee Lists

SaaStr makes the attendee list available to all attendees. Do your homework by scanning it for key people and companies you want to connect with. You can even filter by categories like investor, title, company etc.

Research people's backgrounds before meeting them so you have talking points ready (this gives you credibility and shows sincere interest in learning about them).

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Track Interactions

In your own notes, track who you meet, where you met them, and key details. This will allow you to recall the conversations later when you follow up. Having a system to capture your connections and remind you of next steps is critical.

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Stay After Sessions

Don't just dip out to your next event. Hang back after sessions you attend, even just for 5-10 minutes. Attendees often mingle and chat in the room when sessions conclude.

Introduce yourself to speakers and panelists who just presented too, their presentations give built-in conversation material to connect.

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Don’t Forget Business Cards

This tip may seem obvious, but don't forget this basic networking staple. Print plenty of cards with your name, company, and contact info to smoothly exchange with all the people you'll meet. Following up is way easier when you already have someone's biz card with their deets.

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Balance Socializing and Recharging

Conferences can be draining, even for the biggest extroverts. Make sure to build in time to recharge between networking. Grab a coffee, go for a short walk, or hang back in your room. Believe it or not, you'll make more authentic connections when you regroup!

Remember to follow up after the event is when relationships really start to grow. SaaStr itself provides the sparks, and it's up to you to fan those sparks into meaningful professional connections.

By implementing these best practices for networking at the SaaStr event, you can form connections that have potential for leveling up your career and company for years to come. The hundreds of fellow attendees are an invaluable resource, so tap into it!

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If you're inspired by the energy and insights from SaaStr and are thinking about how you can take the leap into the world of SaaS or scale your existing venture, then don’t navigate these waters alone. Our team is packed with seasoned professionals who have been where you are, navigated the challenges, and emerged victoriously.

Whether you're just formulating your SaaS idea or looking for strategies to take your business from one growth milestone to the next, Syroscape offers tailored solutions to meet your specific needs. Reach out to us today to discover how we can assist you in crafting a success story that becomes the talk of the next SaaStr event!

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