I don't organize them myself, I don't really have the time at this life stage and temperamentally hosting doesn't come as naturally to me. That said there's often pretty high demand for casual events so if you're into hosting, I'd encourage it.
If you are Head of X at a moderately well known startup (or a VP of X at a bigger tech company), and in one of the major tech hubs, these events should eventually find you. This is also the case where you can use your network to expand your network, you can let it be known that you're looking to meet more folks and people are usually going to be excited to invite you to other events, because nobody likes going to things alone.
Getting to know VCs is a really good way to do this as well – many VCs have learned that hosting dinners is a fast and efficient way to build their own networks, so they'll often host events regularly. There are also hubs within particular fields where many leaders congregate, and if you get into those networks it'll open up more opportunities.
Thanks for the elaborate answer! I gotta admit I was curious because I've been thinking of starting a sort of UX leadership group where I'm based (Austria, Vienna) as I mostly connect with others online and that kinda target audience is really really small here.
Funnily, I did hear about a "local" dinner a former team member was invited to (but not me). I suppose I gotta reconsider my networking approach here. Thanks for the tips!
I'm gonna keep coming back to this. Lots of great advice. Thanks for this
Simple but great stuff. How do you find these smaller round product lead dinners though? Do you organize them yourself? :)
I don't organize them myself, I don't really have the time at this life stage and temperamentally hosting doesn't come as naturally to me. That said there's often pretty high demand for casual events so if you're into hosting, I'd encourage it.
If you are Head of X at a moderately well known startup (or a VP of X at a bigger tech company), and in one of the major tech hubs, these events should eventually find you. This is also the case where you can use your network to expand your network, you can let it be known that you're looking to meet more folks and people are usually going to be excited to invite you to other events, because nobody likes going to things alone.
Getting to know VCs is a really good way to do this as well – many VCs have learned that hosting dinners is a fast and efficient way to build their own networks, so they'll often host events regularly. There are also hubs within particular fields where many leaders congregate, and if you get into those networks it'll open up more opportunities.
Thanks for the elaborate answer! I gotta admit I was curious because I've been thinking of starting a sort of UX leadership group where I'm based (Austria, Vienna) as I mostly connect with others online and that kinda target audience is really really small here.
Funnily, I did hear about a "local" dinner a former team member was invited to (but not me). I suppose I gotta reconsider my networking approach here. Thanks for the tips!
I've received a few invites but thought they were spam 😅. I'll reply to them from now on.
I'm curious as well
I replied on another thread with my thoughts