The App Collective Episode 66
Networking in-person - unsolicited advice
Hey Collective 👋
I'm currently on the plane heading to Toronto for this week's events. And I decided to dedicate this week's episode to how to network like a pro to inspire anyone who chooses to read this while they are in Toronto and needs or wants a little inspiration.
There's something electric about walking into a room full of smart people who get what you do. Amirite?
Whether it's a Shopify event, a local founder meetup, or an industry conference, in-person networking is in full swing. But for many of us (especially in tech), it's also... exhausting, awkward, and a bit overwhelming.
This week, I want to share some no-fluff tips on how to build real connections—business or otherwise—when you're face to face.
1. Shift your mindset: Don't network—connect
Approach people with curiosity, not an agenda. You're not there to sell or get straight into business talk; you're there to learn. Ask yourself:
"What can I learn from this person?" not "What can I get from them?"
When you drop the pressure, better conversations happen. And ironically, more opportunities come your way. Business is just like dating. No one wants to feel like it's a transaction. People want to do business with people they like.
2. Have a go-to intro
Keep it short, clear, and memorable. Something like:
"I work on [your app name]. It helps stores [benefit]. What about you?"
Then follow it up with:
"How did you get into that?" or "Have you attended these events in the past?" "What is your username and password?" Just kidding about the last one.
Make the interaction memorable.
I'm embarrassed to admit this, but here goes..at last year's Pre/ditions event I met Diana Birsan by asking her if I could cut her in the lunch line. She said yes, and now we're besties. Do I recommend that approach exactly? DEFINITELY NOT. But it worked, and I'll forever be embarrassed throughout the life of our friendship, but there you go - my pro tip is to make your interaction memorable.
A less obnoxious approach is to ask thoughtful or interesting questions.
Curiosity opens doors. Let people talk about themselves—and listen hard.
3. Don't just talk shop
OR even better, talk about something else entirely. Some of the best relationships start with totally non-business conversations.
Bonding over bad coffee, mutual introverted energy, or a shared obsession with hip-hop can build more trust than a product pitch ever will.
Give yourself permission to be a real person, not just a founder or marketer.
On that tip, I am a HUGE foodie if you didn’t already know that. So, I will likely be talking about this great find in Chinatown I went to upon arriving in Toronto today (Tuesday). I not only like spicy hot takes, but I quite like spicy food. This Sichuan restaurant is called Cheng Du Street Food. The portions are enormous and are served family style which are meant to be shared. It’s perfect for a new group of friends to experience something excellent together in a cool city - just sayin! Word of warning: bring Canadian cash if you’re from a different country.
4. Follow up like a friend
If you had a good convo, don't let it die in the ether. Send a short DM or email like this:
📩 "Hey, great chatting at [event]—I really enjoyed hearing about your work on [thing]. Would love to keep in touch."
No pitch, no link drop. Just human follow-through.
5. Play the long game
The best connections aren't transactional—they're transformational.
The person you share a laugh with today might refer your app a year from now, collaborate with you next quarter, or become a close friend.
Stay in touch. Be helpful. Cheer them on.
TL;DR: Be curious. Be kind. Be human.
The ROI of real relationships > any cold outreach campaign.
Until next week,
Deb
P.S. If you're reading this at Techtonic, close your screen and come meet me or someone else IRL.