This year, I was on the How to Rawk SXSW panel, which was hilarious. The session was moderated by Glenda Bautista and included John “Halcyon” Styn, Baratunde Thurston, and Ernie Hsiung as fellow panelists. As SXSW old-timers, we chatted with a room full of first-timers and gave some practical and not-so-practical advice on how to make the most of your time at SX, based on our experiences — all while taking a swig of the panel’s ceremonial bottle of Jack.
Once the panel finished, I decided to be super vigilant of my own experience this year, in case I came across any more pointers. I did. Following are five tips I picked up in observing myself and others.
Promote Your Interest, Not Yourself
Instead of promoting who or how cool you are, what you do, or your great ideas, promote how interested you are in the people around you. If you’re constantly running around screaming “look how amazing I am” people will start to wonder why they haven’t come to that conclusion on their own. Relax, grab a beer (or some OJ), ask questions, leave the circle of conversation open so others can join in, and don’t pitch your product/service/show/app while people are trying to laugh it up at a party… they won’t remember in the morning anyway.
You Are Not a Robot
Saying no to one thing, is saying yes to a dozen others. You will not be able to go to every panel, hang out with every friend, carry every piece of swag, or stay on top of every conversation, so don’t stress. Breathe deep and know that YOU ARE NOT A MACHINE, SO STOP ACTING LIKE ONE. People will understand if you get torn in different directions and/or conversations and can not meet them for lunch or dinner or coffee – just let them know, they will forgive you. Focus on one thing at a time. You’ll get the most out of your experience that way. And if you start feeling overwhelmed, go to your hotel room and center yourself.
Don’t Be a Douche
Sometimes we behave douchy without even realizing it, but just try to be aware of when it may be happening. Are you looking around the room to see where the “cool kids” are, or browsing your Twitter stream while someone is trying to talk to you? Yeah, you’re being a douche. Stop it.
Look Ahead and Smile
The best way to invite people into your world is to look inviting. You don’t have to look crazy – just nod, smile, and occasionally acknowledge the community around you. You’d be surprised at the opportunities that arise by just saying hello.
Go to Where You’ll Find Friends
Some people advise going to panels you wouldn’t usually attend so that you can expand your knowledge bank. That’s cool, but if you feel socially awkward and are taking baby steps into IRL social networking, I would suggest going to the panels and events that you really dig. Scout the room, sit or stand next to someone who looks inviting and outgoing, and boom, next thing you know you have a new friend — if you remembered to say hi.
