You work in tech – and you’re in San Francisco? Shocking.
If there’s one thing that can be said about San Franciscans, it’s that we sure do love our city – quirks, nuances, isms, Sushirritos and all. Every place has its stereotypes, and they can be even more amusing when they play out in front of you in a perfect echo of déjà vu.
If you’ve been to a panel or networking mixer lately, you already know that the following come hand in hand with your nametag and the event’s predetermined #TwitterHashtag.
You’ll have a socially awkward encounter -and it won’t be your fault
Social awkwardness has been well-documented on Silicon Valley for good reason. We’re the undisputed tech capital of the world, and there’s no shortage of brilliant minds around here. But sometimes it feels like there are more conversational fumbles in this place than there are BART delays.
A lack of stable eye contact, politeness or ability to speak beyond one-word answers can be a tragic side effect of the ubiquitous startup-branded hoodie. Sometimes, all the free craft beers in the world can’t loosen up a floundering social situation.
How to deal: Don’t let yourself feel embarrassed, just move on when a friendly icebreaker doesn’t ignite a conversation. Better yet, if you’re looking to network with people in certain industries or at a particular company, volunteer to run the sign-in desk. It’ll keep you in the know about who’s present and help you put a face to a name so you can park by wine station and innocently drop a conversation icebreaker.
You’ll make a new bestie and never hear from them again
Sometimes a great conversation buddy isn’t a challenge to find at all. Let’s say you strike up a chat with the person sitting next to you that you’re actually stoked about. By the end of the evening, you’ve brainstormed at least three business ideas with your new friend, exchanged business cards, added each other on Linkedin and promised to grab lunch next week.
Then, crickets ensue.
How to deal: don’t be afraid to be the initiator. San Francisco is a city full of hustlers, but sometimes you’ve gotta be the one who puts the pedal to the gas.
Featured image courtesy of Adam Menges.
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