SF New Tech Meetup

I’m a dedicated entrepreneur; more specifically I am a dedicated Internet entrepreneur. I think we can all agree that the Internet, the World Wide Web, and all the attendant “toys” have profoundly altered the way we connect with people, build relationships, and do business. Everything from email, IM, and Skype to Facebook to the hardware to access these tools have insinuated themselves into the fabric of our daily lives.

One thing never changes and that is the relationship itself that we build with each person we meet. When we “meet” someone through LinkedIn or via an email introduction, the desire, the need to connect with that other person is very basic, instinctual.

This goes toward explaining why people in the Internet industry create so many opportunities to get together in the physical world. All the conferences, pre-parties, post-parties, Meetup, Lunch2.0, Spontaneous Drinking, and then, there’s SF New Tech Meetup every month which kind of combines all the above and more.

Having lived and worked in New York for a couple of decades, the move to San Francisco has proven refreshing, exciting, progressive, and definitely different, but in a really good way. There’s a little bit of the “wild West” attitude still evident. People are motivated to do deals, form partnerships, take chances, and start new ventures very quickly. There’s a refreshing sense of co-operation in the sliver of the tech community I know where people are very willing to help you get your project up and running without stealing the idea. Nice, huh?

Something that’s even nicer is Myles Weissleder whose company, Mylermedia is a PR and marketing machine for start-ups as well as major corporations. Myles’ pedigree goes back to i-traffic, probably the first online direct marketing agency that later became Agency.com and Meetup.com from its launch in 2002. In addition to Mylermedia, he’s the founder of the SF New Tech Meetup, San Francisco’s most influential gathering for tech lovers. At SF New Tech events, companies get 5 minutes to strut their stuff – and then people (hundreds of 'em) get to ask questions, make pithy comments, and let ‘em know what’s up! SF New Tech offers a unique opportunity for individuals and companies to connect to, and build relationships with, the new technology community of San Francisco. Membership boasts over 2000 techies, journalists, VCs, entrepreneurs, CEOs, developers, and regular folks interested in new tech.

Every month, it’s a new focus and the most high profile guys vie to present. Even Guy Kawasaki subjected himself to grilling from a bumper crowd when he presented Truemors.com in July.

Lydia: How have you seen the entrepreneurs networking at your events?

Myles: SF New Tech events are 2 parts education, 2 parts networking, and 1 part cocktail hour. It's a wonderful mix of activities for professionals to not only learn about the latest and greatest "new tech" but to bond with each other as a community -- and help each other out in the process. Members of SF New Tech know there's a monthly outlet for them find themselves knee-deep in both subject matter and people who can help them professionally, and personally!

L: What's the "successful" model?

M: See above. SF New Tech aren't drinking fests, or boring seminars. They're social events where people network and learn. Alcohol is served -- which certainly helps a bit!

L: How would you say SF NewTech has facilitated networking for Silicon Valley tech entrepreneurs?

M: Since these events are monthly, people often take a look at the subject matter and decide whether or not they'd like to join in. For example, if you're an entrepreneur who's working on a mobile project, SF New Tech offers events that showcase the latest new mobile technologies that can help you find the others who share your interests. Today, the community is over 2000 strong. If everyone came out for all events, we'd be doing them at AT&T Park!

L: Can you speak to cross-pollination? Is SF New Tech offering unique opportunities for tech entrepreneurs to interface w/ prospective clients, collaborators, and investors? Speaking of collaborators, would you consider this an important goal for many entrepreneur networkers?

M: SF New Tech attracts a wide range of professionals. From the developer working in his basement, to the CEO with a corner office. Lots of bloggers and journalists... and regular people interested in new tech. It's a great mix of people. Some folks have found jobs at our events, others have found funding. CEOs have found developers and developers have found new projects. That's what it's all about!

SF New Tech Meetup is a great example of relationship capital being built among an extended community of business professionals whose different businesses enjoy a higher level of success through the symbiotic relationships created and strengthened by these regular Meetups where we share camaraderie, information, and resources. It really is a harbinger of a new way to network.

Email Lydia or Post a Comment via TNNW Blog.
 

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