Last month, I made a decision that changed everything. I chose to step away from the daily grind and attend a Buddhist meditation retreat hosted by the monastery of Thích Nhất Hạnh. Before this retreat, I felt an unsettling emptiness in my work — like I had lost sight of my North Star, strayed far from my true mission, and was no longer in tune with my core.

Over the years, I’ve built a massive community and produced countless events, becoming known for my ability to bring people together and foster connections. But amidst all of this, I was still very empty inside; I realized I needed to focus inward, to reconnect with my center.

Living and working in Silicon Valley, I often feel disconnected. Tech often seems very soulless. Here, everyone seems glued to building and being part of creating technology at lightning speed. It’s easy to get caught up in the rush and lose sight of the simple, grounding things that truly matter. So, I decided to change that.

I flew to Colorado and found myself meditating on the side of a mountain alongside monks, nuns, and the tranquil beauty of a monastery. I retreated to nature, my mind, my body, and my soul. During those six days, I realized how much of my life was being lived on autopilot, and I wasn’t even aware of it. I cried every day of that retreat because I was doing deep emotional and psychological work, peeling back layers of my life I hadn’t realized were there.

What does this mean for my work moving forward?

I have come to understand that I am the master of my destiny. I possess a unique superpower as a superconnector — something hundreds of thousands of people ask me about, but I want to approach it differently now. Here’s what this shift looks like for me:

1. Creating More Intimate and Intentional Spaces: I want to produce events that foster real connection, with purpose and depth. It’s time to move away from surface-level interactions and create spaces where people can genuinely connect, share, and grow together.

2. Realigning Sponsorships with Purpose: Too often, sponsors have thrown money at me for the sake of visibility or exposure. But that isn’t my goal. When you sponsor my events, you’re plugging into an ecosystem that I’ve carefully built — a community that thrives on authentic engagement and shared values. It’s about more than just financial support; it’s about aligning with a mission.

3. Dreaming Bigger Than Ever Before: This retreat reminded me that I am the master of my own destiny. It’s time to dream bigger, to push beyond the limits I once set for myself, and to redefine what success looks like on my terms.

This journey has reaffirmed that my work is not just about building communities but about cultivating meaningful, purpose-driven connections. It’s about staying true to my mission, even when the path seems uncertain.

I am excited for what’s ahead, for the new spaces I will create, and for the deeper impact I am committed to making. As I move forward, I am more aligned with my true purpose than ever before, ready to create a legacy that resonates with authenticity, intention, and growth.

Sponsorship relationships are essential in the world of event production and community building. They provide vital financial support and are a badge of credibility and trust. As an event organizer with a rich history of building and nurturing sponsor relationships since 2016, I’ve developed a robust network of over 80 sponsors committed to supporting impactful community events. While I am open to sharing my sponsorship contacts under the right conditions, there are several critical factors I consider to avoid potential pitfalls.

1. The Value of First-Hand Experience
I share my sponsorship contacts only if I have personally attended and can vouch for the quality of the events in question. This firsthand experience is crucial as it helps ensure that the event aligns with the expectations and values of the sponsors I work with. My reputation and relationships are built on trust and proven success, and I aim to introduce sponsors only to opportunities that I believe will be mutually beneficial.

2. Commitment to the Sales Process
Event organizers must demonstrate a solid commitment to the sales process. I look for individuals who actively sell their event’s unique value proposition. Sponsorship is inherently a sales-driven endeavor that requires clear, persuasive communication skills. If an organizer shows an aversion to this aspect of event planning, it significantly reduces the likelihood of a successful sponsorship, and therefore, I am hesitant to share contacts in such cases.

3. Ability to Sell the Community’s Value
The effectiveness of an organizer in promoting their community’s value is perhaps the most critical factor. A sponsorship is a partnership that thrives on mutual benefits derived from well-aligned audience and event goals. If an organizer cannot convincingly articulate and sell their community’s value to potential sponsors, it jeopardizes the foundation for a successful partnership. Therefore, I only share contacts when I am confident in the organizer’s ability to maintain and enhance the value proposition for sponsors.

4. Empowering Through Coaching
I extend my expertise beyond my own events by coaching other community builders and founders on effectively monetizing their events through sponsorships. This coaching empowers them with the skills necessary to attract and maintain sponsor relationships successfully. For those interested in learning more about these strategies and improving their event sponsorship outcomes, I offer personalized coaching sessions.

Conclusion
Sharing sponsorship contacts involves careful consideration of the potential benefits and risks to sponsors. It is a decision I do not take lightly. By ensuring that organizers are committed, capable, and properly trained, I help maintain the integrity of the sponsorship network and support the growth of impactful, sustainable community engagements.

For more information on coaching or to discuss sponsorship strategies, please contact info@superconnected.io.

After producing 85+ networking in Silicon Valley both small and large.
Drawing on my extensive experience of hosting and producing hundreds of events attended by over 50,000 tech CEOs, founders, operators, tech leaders, executives, and investors, I’ve gleaned several crucial networking etiquette pointers.

I know networking is not just about exchanging business cards or LinkedIn profiles — it’s the art of building and nurturing professional relationships that can significantly impact your career trajectory. Understanding the nuances of networking etiquette can set you apart in any professional setting, whether you are attending a conference, a seminar, or a casual meet-up. Here are essential guidelines to enhance your networking etiquette, drawing from a recent insightful letter sent to event attendees that underscores the core principles of respect, inclusion, and curiosity.

1. Respect and Reputation are Paramount

The professional environment is a small world where reputations are built and shattered with astonishing speed. Always conduct yourself as if the next person you meet could be your future manager, investor, or key customer. Remember, respect and professionalism are key; being known as difficult or disrespectful can irreparably harm your reputation. In the realm of professional events, always err on the side of caution and decorum.

2. Maintaining Follow-up Boundaries

When you exchange contact information, understand the level of intimacy associated with each type. LinkedIn and email are professional and safe, while personal phone numbers and social media platforms like Instagram are more personal and should be shared more cautiously. Always ensure the other person is comfortable with the type of contact information being exchanged.

3. Curiosity Makes You Interesting

Nobody enjoys a conversation hog. Engage others by asking thoughtful, open-ended questions instead of dominating discussions with your own stories. This not only makes the conversation more engaging but also shows your interest in others’ views and experiences. Questions like “What are you excited about lately?” or “What projects are you working on?” can open doors to more stimulating and memorable conversations.

4. Utilizing Serendipity

Position yourself in high-traffic areas to maximize interaction opportunities. Being near the beverage station or finding a spot in the queue can provide easy opportunities to initiate light, friendly conversations. These strategic spots reduce the effort it takes to engage with others, making it easier to start natural and fluid exchanges.

5. Maximizing Social Media for Pre-Event Engagement

Sharing the event on social media and inviting your network, including friends and colleagues, is crucial to maximizing your networking opportunities. Not only does this increase the event’s visibility, but it also helps create a more familiar and supportive environment by bringing in people you already know. Engage your network by posting about the event and asking, “Who is going to [Event Name] and what are you hoping to achieve?” By expanding the event’s reach and fostering early connections, you set the stage for a richer, more engaging networking experience.

6. The Power of a Simple Compliment

Starting a conversation can be daunting, but a simple, genuine compliment can break the ice effectively. This approach not only eases into a conversation but also sets a positive tone for the interaction.

7. The Rule of Three

A practical goal is to meet at least three new people at each event. Aim to learn three new things from each person and share three things about yourself. This method ensures that you both give and receive value, fostering a balanced exchange that can lead to more profound connections.

8. Express Gratitude

Always express your thanks at the end of a conversation. Appreciate the efforts of volunteers and staff as well. Acknowledging the work that goes into organizing events fosters a positive atmosphere and makes you memorable to others.

9. Volunteering: A Gateway to Networking

If you’re apprehensive about networking, volunteering at events can be a fantastic way to ease into it. Volunteers often have more opportunities to interact with a wide range of participants in a less formal context, which can significantly enrich your networking experience. If you are interested in volunteering email sponsors@ajobslist.com.

By integrating these principles into your networking strategy, you can transform your interactions from mundane exchanges to powerful connections that may well shape the future of your career and network. Remember, effective networking is rooted in mutual respect, genuine curiosity, and the graceful art of conversation — practice these consistently, and you’ll see your professional network flourish.

But sponsoring startup events isn’t just about slapping your logo on a banner. To get the most value, you need to be strategic in identifying your goals and activating at events in an authentic way that resonates with this community. Here are some key considerations:

Define Your Goals: What are you hoping to achieve through startup event sponsorships? Different goals require different activation strategies.

Sales & Leads: If your aim is driving signups or sales pipelines from startup founders and employees, you’ll want opportunities for product demos, enrollments, meeting bookings, etc.

Brand Awareness: For getting your name out there, focus on high visibility logos, creative brand activations, social media engagement, and memorability.

Recruiting: Use events to connect with talent by highlighting your employer brand, having staff work the booth, and collecting resumes.

Partnership Opportunities: Network with founders who may be prospects for distribution deals, co-marketing, integration partnerships, etc.

Reaching the Right Audience: Within the broad startup community, you may want to hone in on particular sectors, stages, roles or regions. A startup focused on fintech may want different event sponsors than an ecommerce or AI startup. Bay Area events will have a different crowd than Seattle, Austin or Miami. Make sure you select events that align with your target customers and partners.

Authentic & Creative Activations: The startup community tends to be cautious of corporate marketing gimmicks that feel inauthentic. Sponsorship activations that are educational, experiential, fun and un-salesy tend to work best. For example:

• Hosting pitch competitions with prizes
• Tech Networking events for Founders and Funders
• Panels or talks featuring startup expertise
• Gamified interactive experiences
• Creative photo ops, swag or social media contests
• Meet the startup team match-making areas

Building Long-Term Relationships While you may get some leads or signups from event activations, the true value often lies in establishing mind share and nurturing relationships within the startup community over time. Look at sponsorships as the start of a connection, with events creating an “in” for further engagement through mechanisms like startup accelerator partnerships, founder network building, being part of the ecosystem, and nurturing your brand affinity.

The startup world moves rapidly, with companies going from zero to unicorn and back again. By strategically selecting the right events to sponsor, activating in genuine ways that resonate, and taking a long-term relationship approach, established companies can effectively tap into the energy and opportunity of the startup ecosystem.

If you’re interested in sponsoring our next startup event, reach out to sponsors@superconnected.io.

In 2016, a journey began that would not only transform my life but also impact thousands of others in the heart of Silicon Valley. Moving back from Southern California, I found myself in the bustling world of finance marketing, where networking events felt like a series of transactional encounters, lacking in genuine connection and failing to add real value to my burgeoning network. With no established network and a career that saw me moving from one Fortune 500 company to another, and then to startups, I realized a profound need within myself and others: the need for meaningful connection.

The Genesis of a New Networking Ethos

This realization was the spark that ignited my passion for community building. I started hosting free meetups designed explicitly for women to network, driven by an initial outreach to Facebook groups. The overwhelming response revealed a common yearning for more authentic connections and a need for a space where individuals could come together not just to exchange business cards but to share stories, challenges, and triumphs.

From Zero to Community Hero

Over the years, I have attended more than 300 events in Silicon Valley, each one offering a glimpse into the diverse tapestry of professionals in the tech industry. Yet, it was in leading, designing, producing, and executing over 85 different events that I found my calling. These were not just gatherings; they were tech hubs for innovation, support, and genuine connection.

The impact of these efforts has been profound. Fast forward to the present, and approximately 6,000 attendees have experienced the magic of these events. However, the ripple effects of this journey have extended far beyond the individuals who walk through the doors of each event.

Coaching the Next Generation of Super Connectors

One of the most rewarding aspects of this journey has been the opportunity to coach and mentor over 300 super connectors. These are individuals who see the value in community and are eager to build and monetize events and networks of their own. By sharing my knowledge and experiences, I’ve been able to help others navigate the complexities of event planning and community building, fostering a new generation of leaders who are just as passionate about creating meaningful connections as I am.

Through this community, I am committed to teaching, impacting, and scaling the next generation of super connectors, facilitating a culture where they teach and uplift each other, becoming a force multiplier. My goal is to leave a lasting legacy that will inspire and benefit generations to come.

The Power of My Network

The power of networking has transcended my expectations, leading to over 7 job offers without the need for applications. It has connected me with mentors, sponsors, collaborators, entrepreneurs, and has opened doors to opportunities like attending Tech Crunch Disrupt and TEDx events. My network has also enabled me to collaborate with influential platforms and figures, such as the CEO of Lu.ma, and to host events at prestigious venues like Eventbrite HQ, Rakuten, Google for Startups, Stripe and many other companies.

The Power of Community

What started as a personal quest for connection has blossomed into a vibrant community of like-minded individuals who understand the power of networking when it transcends the transactional. The events we’ve created together serve as a testament to what is possible when people come together with the intention of supporting and uplifting one another.

This journey has taught me that the true value of networking lies not in the quantity of connections but in the quality of the relationships we build. It’s about creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued, where every interaction has the potential to spark a new idea, a collaboration, or a lifelong friendship.

Looking Ahead

As I reflect on the impact of these events and the community we’ve built together, I’m filled with gratitude and optimism for the future. The road ahead is bright with the promise of new connections, new challenges, and endless possibilities for growth and collaboration.

In Silicon Valley and beyond, we are witnessing a paradigm shift in how people view networking and community building. It’s a shift towards more authentic, meaningful interactions that can transform not just our professional lives but our personal ones as well.

To everyone who has been a part of this journey, and to those who are just beginning their own, know that the power to cultivate connections and build a community that resonates with your values lies within you. Together, let’s continue to redefine networking, one genuine connection at a time.

In today’s interconnected business world, understanding the dynamics within your professional network is more than just a tactical advantage — it’s a strategic necessity. Network mapping stands as a pivotal tool in this quest, offering a sophisticated method to visualize and analyze the relationships that power your organization. Beyond merely distinguishing network mapping from relationship intelligence, it’s crucial to understand the foundational importance of relationship mapping and the multifaceted benefits it brings, including the critical role of visualization in maximizing your network’s potential.

Why Relationship Mapping Is Essential

Relationship mapping transcends simple networking by providing a detailed visualization of how your contacts are interconnected, along with the depth and strength of those connections. This methodological approach offers a granular insight into your network’s structure, turning abstract connections into tangible pathways for opportunity and growth. In an era where the velocity of business interactions and opportunities can outpace traditional networking methods, having a mapped-out visualization of your network is indispensable for strategic planning and decision-making.

The Synergy of Network Mapping and Relationship Intelligence

While network mapping lays the groundwork by visualizing your network’s architecture, relationship intelligence injects a dynamic layer of analysis, assessing the quality, strength, and strategic value of these connections. This synergy allows you to not only identify but also understand and leverage the potential within your network, including uncovering indirect opportunities through referrals of referrals. Such depth of insight is vital for nurturing warm introductions, accelerating business developments, and achieving quick wins.

The Importance of Visualizing Your Network

The act of visualizing your network through mapping is not just about having a static representation of your contacts; it’s about embedding these relationships into your strategic vision. Regularly reviewing a visual representation of your network — be it on a board up close or as a digital dashboard — serves several key purposes:

1. Continuous Engagement: Visualizing your network encourages regular engagement with your connections, fostering a proactive approach to relationship management and opportunity identification.
2. Strategic Oversight: A visual network map provides a constant reminder of your strategic relationships, ensuring they are top of mind and integrated into your daily decision-making processes.
3. Opportunity Identification: With a comprehensive visual overview, previously unseen connections and opportunities become apparent, allowing for strategic exploration and exploitation.
4. Motivation and Accountability: Seeing your network grow and evolve visually can be a powerful motivator, encouraging consistent networking efforts and accountability for maintaining and nurturing these connections.

Amplifying Benefits with Visualization

Incorporating the benefits of network mapping with the power of visualization amplifies its value, offering:

• Enhanced Insight and Clarity: The visual representation of your network illuminates pathways to new opportunities, strategic alignments, and potential collaborations.
• Streamlined Relationship Management: It simplifies the complexity of managing diverse relationships, making it easier to identify key contacts for specific initiatives or introductions.
• Informed Strategic Decision-Making: Armed with a visual and analytical understanding of your network, you can make decisions that are not only informed by data but also aligned with your strategic objectives.
• Competitive Differentiation: Leveraging visual network mapping provides a unique competitive edge, enabling a more agile and informed approach to networking and business strategy.

Choosing the Right CRM for Effective Network Mapping

In the landscape of network mapping and visualization, selecting the right Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool is paramount to unlocking the full potential of your networking strategy. Among the myriad of options available, Airtable and Trello stand out for their exceptional capabilities in organizing and visualizing complex networks. While both platforms offer unique features tailored to various needs, their effectiveness in transforming relationship data into actionable insights is unparalleled.

Airtable, with its blend of database functionality and spreadsheet flexibility, offers a robust platform for managing and visualizing connections. Its ability to customize fields, views, and automations makes it an excellent choice for those looking to dive deep into relationship intelligence and mapping.

Trello, on the other hand, shines in its simplicity and visual appeal. Its card-based system allows for an intuitive organization of contacts, making it easy to visualize and manage your network at a glance. The ability to categorize connections, track interactions, and set reminders ensures that no opportunity falls through the cracks.

I personally have found Trello to be a powerful ally in maintaining and nurturing my network. Its user-friendly interface and visual board layout provide a constant, clear overview of my relationships, enabling me to strategize and act swiftly. However, the key to effective network mapping lies not just in choosing a highly recommended CRM but in finding the one that best aligns with your specific needs and preferences.

The journey to effective network mapping and visualization is a personal one, influenced by your unique objectives, networking style, and the intricacies of your relationships. Whether you gravitate towards the comprehensive capabilities of Airtable or the straightforward, visual approach of Trello, the most crucial step is to engage with a CRM that resonates with you. By selecting a platform that complements your workflow and enhances your strategic vision, you empower yourself to manage your network more efficiently, unlocking new dimensions of opportunity and collaboration in the process.

Visualizing your network through mapping is not merely a tactical tool — it’s a strategic asset that transforms abstract connections into a coherent, visually engaging, and actionable roadmap for growth. By incorporating regular reviews and updates of your network map into your strategic planning, you ensure that your networking efforts are aligned with your business objectives, driving forward with clarity, purpose, and a competitive edge.

In the sprawling universe of entrepreneurship and innovation, my identity as a super connector is not just a role; it’s my zone of genius. This innate ability to weave networks of meaningful relationships enables me to catalyze change and foster growth across the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Currently, my commitment to producing impactful events and driving larger initiatives takes precedence, constraining my capacity to engage directly with job seekers.

The essence of my mission is to cultivate a vibrant, interconnected community. I’m looking for individuals who share a similar passion for making connections and are open to exchanging referrals. It’s through this collaborative spirit that we can amplify our collective impact.

Let’s Create Synergies That Matter

I invite you to join forces with me. Together, we can amplify our impact, creating ripples that turn into waves of innovation, growth, and transformation. By collaborating, we not only extend our own networks but also elevate the networking game for everyone involved. It’s about creating a legacy of connectivity, where the knowledge of how to build meaningful relationships is shared, celebrated, and leveraged for collective success.

Seeking Trailblazers and Visionaries

I am eager to connect with and potentially showcase individuals who are at the forefront of their fields in my curated events. If you resonate with any of the following profiles, let’s explore the possibilities:

1. Super Connectors: Like-minded individuals who understand the power of connection and are eager to collaborate and extend their networks further. My aim is to foster a network where the focus is on mutual growth, impact, and the dissemination of knowledge on how to super connect effectively
2. Startup Founders: Particularly those backed by funding, whose stories of resilience and innovation can inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs.
3. VC’s, GC’s, LP’s: The financial connections energizing the startup world with crucial investments and invaluable insights.
4. Change Makers: Individuals dedicated to creating significant social, environmental, or technological advancements.
5. Community Builders: Architects of thriving communities, whether within the realms of tech, business, or beyond.
6. Event Producers: Creators of memorable experiences that facilitate learning, networking, and growth.
7. Tech Leaders Turned Entrepreneurs: Those who’ve successfully navigated the pivot from technology leadership to entrepreneurship, bringing a unique perspective to the startup landscape.
8. Startup Ecosystem Builders: The unsung heroes shaping the infrastructure that supports and sustains startup success across the globe.

Join Me Where the Magic Happens

If connecting directly isn’t possible right now, I extend a warm invitation to attend my events. If you would like to volunteer and help at my events, I would love to have you there. Here, you’ll witness my zone of genius in full swing — a testament to the transformative potential of strategic networking and community engagement. These gatherings are not merely events; they’re platforms for sparking collaboration, showcasing live the rich tapestry of connections that drive our collective progress.

By joining us, you’re stepping into a realm where every interaction holds the promise of new ventures, insights, and partnerships. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in an ecosystem pulsating with energy, ideas, and opportunities, all orchestrated through the art of connection.

In fostering this ecosystem, my goal transcends just networking. I aim to build a legacy of relationships that inspire, challenge, and propel us toward a future replete with innovation and shared success. Whether you’re a pioneering founder, a visionary investor, or a fellow super connector, your story has a place here.

Let’s embrace the power of connection to unleash our potential and shape the future. Join me at my next event, and together, let’s explore the endless possibilities that await when we connect with purpose and passion.

In the fast-paced world of startups and entrepreneurship, the power of networking cannot be overstated. Yet, not all connections are created equal. As a super connector, I take a strategic approach to networking, ensuring that every connection I make not only adds value to my network but also aligns with my commitment to maintaining a high standard of integrity and brand reputation. My methodology is meticulous, and I only connect individuals based on specific criteria that ensure the mutual benefit and alignment of values and goals. Here’s how I do it:

1. Direct Experience and Collaboration

First and foremost, my referrals are exclusively for individuals with whom I am currently working or have worked with in the past. This is a non-negotiable criterion. Whether as a coaching client or in various tech sectors or as team members in startup ventures where I’ve played a role, firsthand experience with someone’s work ethic, professional values, and outcomes is crucial. This approach ensures that any referrals I make are grounded in trust and a deep understanding of the individual’s capabilities and business ethics, providing a solid foundation for meaningful and fruitful connections.

2. Trusted Referrals: The Network Effect

Another cornerstone of my connecting strategy is the power of trusted referrals. Was your introduction facilitated by another founder, whom I respect and trust, or perhaps a venture capitalist with a keen eye for promising talent and ventures? Such referrals carry significant weight as they emanate from my trusted circle, introducing a layer of pre-validated trust and potential to the connection. This network effect is a vital component of strategic networking, leveraging existing relationships to forge new, powerful synergies.

3. Due Diligence: Protecting My Brand and Reputation

The third, and perhaps most critical, aspect of my approach is due diligence. In a world where one’s network is an extension of their brand, ensuring the quality and integrity of each connection is paramount. This involves a thorough vetting process, looking beyond surface-level achievements to understand an individual’s professional ethos, track record, and how they contribute value to their ecosystem. My reputation and the trust others place in my recommendations are on the line, making this step non-negotiable.

The Value Proposition: Network Coaching

Recognizing the transformative impact a well-curated network can have on one’s professional journey, I offer specialized network coaching. Starting at $600-1,000 per hour, this coaching is designed for ambitious professionals and entrepreneurs who understand the value of strategic networking but need guidance on how to navigate and leverage their connections effectively. I’ve hosted over 85+ different events in Silicon Valley since 2016. Coaching comes with a network with 65,000+ people and a network of 300+ super connectors as well. With over 250+ active clients and a booking schedule filled three months in advance, the demand for strategic networking insights and mentorship underscores the value of building purposeful relationships.

For those interested in elevating their connections in networking and harnessing the full potential of their professional relationships, I invite you to fill in this Superconnected Coaching Form to explore coaching opportunities. As a super connector, my goal is not only to expand your network but to ensure that every connection is a stepping stone toward your success.