Tech Conference Networking

The Wall Street Journal storytelling piece is making the rounds. Most real estate operators will call it “interesting” and move on. Then they’ll wonder why investors are replying to their cold outreach: Google has a Cloud storytelling team. USAA hired four storytellers in one year. Notion merged comms, social, and influencers into one storytelling function. These aren't one-off trends: they're how businesses are being built. At Thesis Driven, we followed this blueprint: • Share a point of view • Use stories to get attention • Build and own your audience • Listen to the problems they share • Create products that solve those Our most-read content isn't about us. It's profiles of interesting real estate operators: how they underwrite, the bets they're making, why they see opportunities others miss. These build trust before we mention products. Personal founder stories grow audiences. I share what I'm researching: data center underwriting, farm hospitality and surf parks becoming institutional and behind-the-scenes of building Thesis Driven. Not old school thought leadership, just transparency about what I'm learning in real-time. That grew our audience. By telling stories and engaging with that audience, they told us the problems they were running into. That made product ideation easy: identify the most common problem, create a solution. Our products came from listening to the audience we built through storytelling. When we launched our Real Estate Finance course, we didn't lead with curriculum. We shared student outcomes: founders who closed deals after understanding capital structures, operators who decoded what LPs actually want, people who stopped nodding along when someone said "waterfall." Transformation sold the product. Features validated it. If you’re still waiting for the “right” time to do this, this is your signal. If you're selling to real estate owners: developers buy outcomes, not features. If you're raising capital: investors back people and theses they believe in. If you're building in real estate: trust compounds faster through storytelling than any other channel. Content-first built trust before we asked for anything. Operator stories worked because they were useful. Personal transparency grew our audience. Transformation stories sold better than features. LinkedIn doubled storyteller job postings because companies understand that people don’t get excited about products anymore. Instead, they buy the story of who they’ll become if you’re able to articulate it. Real estate is no different.

Struggling to write LinkedIn posts that actually connect with people? You’re not alone. Every week, I meet brilliant professionals with powerful journeys, but their LinkedIn presence tells none of it. No impact. No visibility. No connection. That’s where storytelling changes everything. Over the last few years, I’ve helped hundreds of professionals turn bland updates into stories that spark engagement, build thought leadership, and unlock career opportunities. Here’s the exact storytelling framework I use with them: 🔹 1. Start with a hook that creates tension Don’t say: “I got promoted.” Say: “I almost quit my job last week. Then something unexpected happened…” 🔹 2. Follow the 3-Act Structure Beginning: Set the scene Middle: Share the challenge/conflict End: Deliver the outcome/lesson 🔹 3. Use vivid details Not: “I had a tough meeting.” Say: “My hands were shaking as I opened that PowerPoint at 9:03 AM…” 🔹 4. Add real dialogue Dialogue draws readers in. “Are you sure you can lead this team?” “Watch me,” I said. 🔹 5. Show vulnerability Own your missteps. Talk about your doubts. That’s what makes you relatable and trustworthy. 🔹 6. Keep paragraphs short No walls of text. White space improves readability and retention. 🔹 7. Always end with value Wrap with a takeaway: “What did YOU learn?” “What can OTHERS apply?” It builds a human connection, which is what LinkedIn is truly about. Not just B2B or B2C. But H2H — Human to Human. I offer LinkedIn Profile Optimization for professionals who are ready to attract better opportunities. 👉 DM me if you’d like a profile audit or want help revamping your profile from checkbox to client magnet. #LinkedInTips #PersonalBranding #Storytelling #ContentStrategy #CareerGrowth #ProfileOptimisation

How Improv Turned My Relationship with Networking Networking often feels like a necessary evil in professional life, but what if I told you it could be a fun and fruitful activity? Let me share how improv transformed my networking approach and led to the birth of WYSH - What's Your Story (huh)? Backstory: Years ago, while pursuing my interests in Washington, DC, on Social Impact Storytelling, I attended various meetups without a clear career path. To make these events more interesting, I decided to treat networking like an improv game. It wasn't just about making connections but about enjoying the process. Here’s how you can do the same: Embrace the Improv Spirit: Start every conversation with a "yes, and..." attitude. It encourages open, expansive interactions and can lead to unexpected opportunities. Invent Creative Introductions: Instead of the usual titles, I used playful introductions like "kombucha chemist" or "aspiring comic." This not only broke the ice but made conversations more memorable. Listen Actively: Improv is about building on the dialogue. Listen intently, and use what you learn to add depth to the conversation, showing genuine interest in others' stories. Offer Unique Value: At one event, I introduced myself as a “storyteller” to a startup founder, leading to a discussion about how I could help weave personal narratives into his company’s mission. This chance interaction sparked the idea for my current business. Follow Up Thoughtfully: Connect on LinkedIn with a personalized message that references something unique from your conversation. It shows you were listening and valued the connection. This approach led me to a startup founder who became pivotal in my career and helped me create a business that aligns perfectly with my passion for storytelling. Networking doesn't have to be drudgery. With a little creativity and genuine engagement, it can open doors you never expected. Have you ever found unexpected opportunities through networking? Share your story; I’d love to hear it! #whatsyourstory #storytelling #networking #communicationskills

>>>𝗡𝗼 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄-𝘂𝗽? 𝗡𝗼 𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘂𝗽. That’s the rule I’ve set for myself after too many missed connections at great events. You know the drill: → You leave a room buzzing with ideas, names, and conversations. → You promise to stay in touch. → Then real life kicks in—and the momentum disappears. I’ve learned this the hard way. Now, I don’t attend unless I’m ready to do the follow-up work too. Now I'm trying something new: → I teamed up with an accountability partner to debrief post-event. (Thanks Elina!) → We share notes, fill in gaps, and add next steps. → That accountability makes a huge difference. I’ve also added two tactics that make a real impact: → Book follow-up meetings on the spot. If the convo’s going well, lock in a next step before you part ways. → Post your takeaways publicly. Share a few insights or reflections from the event. It signals value and helps people reconnect. If you're not using a CRM, here’s my simple follow-up playbook: → Input all the people you've met in a spreadsheet. → Use LinkedIn as your mini-CRM. Be very specific in a DM how and when you met. → Personalize your connection requests or your 1st DM. Mention the event. Reference your chat. Two lines are enough. → Follow up while it’s still fresh. Send the article, make the intro, or just say “great meeting you.” → Engage publicly. Comment on their latest post. Like something they shared. Stay visible. → Make your profile do the heavy lifting. Clear headline. Updated summary. Recent post. Your profile should reinforce the connection. IRL is just the spark. What you do after—that’s what turns a name tag into a relationship. What’s your follow-up system look like? Photos from Tuesday event at Technology Park Ljubljana where we talked about dos and don'ts of opening new markets.

SHARING PERSONAL STUFF ON LINKEDIN? Lately, I’ve been thinking about the personal storytelling in professional spaces, especially here, on LinkedIn.   We see selfies and origin stories (often with tough lessons or raw emotions) being shared publicly. My two points here: 1️⃣ How do they build your professional presence? 2️⃣ When might they backfire?   Let’s start with selfies. They are not just about showing your face, but carry symbolic and social meaning, even if implicitly: ▫️ posh backdrops, events, or travel settings act as shorthand for status and (at best) professional capital ▫️ a clear, unfiltered selfie with thoughtful framing can increase trust and relatability ▫️ posture, clothing, and gaze all give subtle cues   That’s not inherently bad: it's a nonverbal resume. But relevance matters. A rooftop selfie at Cannes with no connection to your work?   Next, moving from selfies to stories.   Personal storytelling gives a face to our professional identity. It shows why we work the way we do, not just what we do. I’ve shared before that I grew up in an alcoholic family. That experience has shaped how I relate to things like unfinished projects, perfectionism, and shame. So, I don’t share it for sympathy, but as a lens that informs my professional depth as a coach.   Of course, not every story is suitable for LinkedIn. When stories aren’t linked to a broader insight or relevance, they risk falling flat. Similarly, any uncontained raw emotion without reflection can make people feel uncomfortable rather than connected. Whatever you share, it should be processed through: exposing your vulnerability per se is seldom a valid strategy.   So, I think we should ask three crucial questions: 1️⃣ Is this story reflected on, or still raw? 2️⃣ Does it offer something beyond you – a lesson, a question, a resonance? 3️⃣ Can you connect it back to how you work, relate, or think?   Ultimately, sharing personal things in professional spaces is about discernment, which makes me think about authenticity.   We stage the selfies, edit video clips, and craft our stories. That’s not deception but direction: behind every choice is a value we’re expressing, consciously or not.   Authenticity is not the absence of curation. It’s choosing which part of the truth to bring forward: intentionally, meaningfully, and in a way that connects.   We all curate. The question is: are we curating to perform, or to relate?   I’m not sure there’s one answer. But maybe the best personal posts on LinkedIn don’t just reveal something about the person but invite something in the reader.   How do you decide what personal things belong in your professional story? Is there a line – or just context?   #CoachRisto #CareerPerceptions   #storytelling #LinkedIn

Most people get personal branding wrong in 2025. They think it’s about showing off their highlight reel. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: Your audience isn’t inspired by a perfect story. They’re watching for the cracks, the pivots, the messy middle. They want to see your process when things fall apart, not just the trophy shot at the end. Let’s break down what actually works for building a personal brand that sticks: Show your failed launches, not just your revenue spikes. → Did your new IoT solution flop? Document why. → Was your AI pilot a disaster? Share the lessons, not just the features. Adapt in public. → Share the realtime adjustments you make. → Admit when you miss the mark — and the data that changed your mind. Automate your comeback. → Everyone loves a redemption arc. → What systems, tools, or habits help you bounce back? → How do you pivot faster than your competitors? ↳ That’s what sets you apart. Here’s the actionable framework I use with founders and execs across tech, water, and industrial AI: → Step 1: Collect your top 3 recent failures. → Step 2: Write out the story, focusing on: What you thought would happen What actually happened What you did next → Step 3: Share ONE lesson per post. → Step 4: End with a question or prompt to invite real conversation. People remember those who: → Own their mistakes → Adapt in the open → Build systems to rise again Here’s what happens when you do this: → You attract people who value growth, not perfection. → You build trust with your network — especially with those in the trenches with you. → You position yourself as someone who moves fast, learns fast, and isn’t afraid to start again. And in 2025? That’s magnetic. If you’re only sharing your wins, you’re playing small. If you want the right people in your corner — partners, clients, hires — Start sharing how you fail and adapt. That’s the only brand that lasts. Ready to show your real story? Comment with your biggest lesson from a recent failure.

Conference etiquette. I shouldn’t have to say these things, but as NRF has reminded me, I do. When you’re waiting to meet someone and they’re having a discussion with someone else - don’t crowd them. Stand out of eyesight and patiently wait your turn. I promise you, they know they’re running late and they see you Put your mobile # in calendar invites. Plans change. It’s way easier to text someone “Hey I’ll be five minutes late” vs rely on email Gentlemen - wear clothes that are professional and that fit. When you show up in a 20 year old suit that’s now two sizes too large, everybody notices. Tailoring is cheap. Do it Remember that the conference doesn’t end until you’re in your car at your home airport. You wouldn’t believe the discussions I’ve overheard while traveling Gentlemen - if you can, stand up to shake someone’s hand. Eye to eye. And don’t let your hand go limp Ladies - visibly put out your hand if you want a handshake rather than a hug. Men can't tell and things can get awkward Always say “Nice to see you” rather than “Nice to meet you.” Doing so avoids an awkward “We met 7 years ago for 30 seconds, don’t you remember me??” When you ask to meet with someone - tell them why up front “How’s the show?” or the eternal “How was the flight in?” are lazy icebreakers. Be more creative Don’t mingle with your colleagues at events - you’re there to acquire customers and build partnerships. Go introduce yourself to a stranger. Keep moving When you’re talking to a stranger at an event and you find there isn’t a mutual personal or business interest - politely move along. It’s not rude When you say hello to someone you don’t know well - provide context. “I’m [name] and we met when I worked at [company]. We last met in [city] at [event].” I meet thousands of people in a year. People look familiar but I need a little context if it’s been a while Have your badge clearly visible and flipped the right way. So many people have their badges tucked in and they then become useless for identifying you - their primary purpose There’s a very fine line between social drinking (good) and being drunk (very bad). In a professional context, stop drinking long before you normally would. Everyone watches how much you drink. You may think you’re the life of the party, but you may have easily crossed into unprofessional territory without realizing it. You don’t want to develop a reputation Stay at a hotel where your colleagues are not staying. Walls between hotel rooms can be paper thin. In years past I’ve heard colleagues say and do things I wish I hadn’t If you’re pitching me your product, tell me WTF it actually does. Concisely and without marketing gibberish Don’t butt into other people’s discussions. Even close friends. Let them pull you in if they want At the end of the evening, spend 10 minutes and do a brain dump of everything from the day. You think you’ll remember everything at the end of the event - you won’t

The art of storytelling in LinkedIn posts. Storytelling isn't just for novelists or filmmakers—it's a powerful tool for professionals on LinkedIn. Why? Because stories resonate. They engage, inspire, and convert. Stories convey values, build connections, and make your message memorable. On LinkedIn, this translates to posts that catch attention and drive action. Examples of Compelling Stories ➡️ The Problem-Solver: Share a challenge you faced with a client or a common pain point for your audience and how you overcame it. Detail the problem, the steps you took, and the outcome. This showcases your problem-solving skills and builds trust with your audience. ➡️ The Customer Success Story: Highlight a client’s journey from struggle to success with your help. Focus on their initial problem, your solution, and their success. This positions you as a reliable expert who delivers results. ➡️ The Personal Anecdote: Relate a personal story that ties into a professional lesson. For example, how your experience in the army taught you resilience that now benefits your project management. This humanizes you and makes your profile more relatable. Tips for Effective Storytelling ~ Be Authentic: Authenticity builds trust. Share real stories and genuine experiences. ~ Engage Emotions: Emotions drive decisions. Tap into your audience’s feelings. ~ Keep it Relevant: Ensure your story aligns with your professional brand and message. ~ Conclude with a Call to Action: Guide your audience on what to do next—whether it’s engaging with your content, connecting with you, or sharing their own stories. In the sea of content on LinkedIn, a compelling story stands out. It cuts through the noise, creating a lasting impression and fostering deeper connections. How are you using storytelling in your content? #storytelling #contentmarketing #linkedinposts

I was recently at a networking event in New York City when someone in the elevator turned to me and casually asked, "What’s your story?" Then he turned to the person next to me and asked them the same. The guy beside me jumped right into, "Finance is my deal. I studied X, currently working with Y, and manage Z type of clients." It hit me in that moment — how often we reduce our identity to our job titles. We’re so used to networking being about “what do you do?” that when someone actually asks about our story, we default to our LinkedIn headline. If they wanted to know your job, they would’ve asked exactly that. We treat introductions like a checklist: Degree ✅ Job title ✅ Past experience ✅ But “What’s your story?” is an invitation to speak with depth, not credentials. When it was my turn, I took a breath and simply said: “I’m a passionate changemaker. My journey is about leaving this world better than I found it — through education, empathy, and empowering the next generation of leaders.” I didn’t talk about where I worked. Not at first. I talked about what drives me. What matters. What I hope to build. And I paused — giving them space to ask the rest: What do you do? How does it work? How do you build a business around that? That conversation went deeper than any elevator pitch ever could. Because a great elevator pitch isn’t a download. It’s a connection. It should reflect: – What you care about – What drives you – Where you're trying to go – And most importantly — why it matters Because long after they forget the exact words you said, they’ll remember how you made them feel — curious, inspired, aligned. So maybe next time someone asks you your story — don’t lead with your job title. Lead with your why. So, if you are asked your story, how would you say it in two sentences? #Networking #ElevatorPitch #PurposeDriven #Storytelling #Leadership #ConsciousCareer #PersonalBrand

Conference season is picking back up, and I keep seeing the same mistake over and over: incredibly smart people walking away from rooms they paid to be in with nothing but a stack of business cards and a LinkedIn request pending. So I'm sharing the exact framework I use to make sure that doesn't happen to me, as someone who builds professional communities for a living. I call it the 3 C's: Connect, Common Ground, Collaborate. It's not a script. It's a structure that keeps me from defaulting to the forgettable credential-dump most of us were taught. Connect starts with your full name. Ladies, that means first AND last. Then share what you're currently passionate about and how your work ties into it. Don't forget to weave in your value as context, not as a credential. If you want to know more about articulating your value, see my previous post. Here's what that sounds like for me in practice: "Hi, I'm Sadasia McCutchen. I'm here because AI is fundamentally changing how work gets done, how GTM teams operate, and how product and engineering decisions get made. As Head of Ecosystem at SignalFire, I build rooms for leaders to think through this together, and I'm actively exploring what those rooms need to look like right now." Then end with a real question. Something like: "What's been the most useful community or room you've been in lately that's actually helped you make better decisions around AI?" See what's happening? My value isn't listed as a credential. It's woven into why I'm there. That's the difference between an introduction that lands and one that gets forgotten by the time you reach the reception. Common Ground is about listening for what you actually share, not just surface-level overlap. Not "oh, we're both in tech." The shared tension, the shared curiosity, the problem you're both quietly trying to solve. Collaborate is where most people drop the ball. Once you find common ground, name it out loud. "It sounds like we're both thinking about X, and I'd love to keep this conversation going." Then actually follow up. The whole sequence takes maybe 90 seconds. But it's the difference between leaving a conference with a stack of business cards and leaving with two or three conversations you actually want to continue.