Feb 14, 20203 min
1. People want to help you. As intimidating as those "more successful" than you may seem, odds are they remember vividly what it was like to be in your shoes and all you have to do is ask for help.
2. You have to learn to take a break. This conference was a non-stop sprint beginning to end. Sessions ran all day in different buildings around town, most of them overlapping by 10 or 15 minutes. If you didn't decide to step out and take a break, you'd be exhausted, staving and mentally drained by 2 p.m.
3. You'll get more out of a conversation if you're honest about the things you don't understand. Asking for clarification makes others think you really care about the idea they're pitching or the topic they're explaining.
4. There's no reason to go thirsty. No matter where you are or what event you're attending, keep a water bottle in your bag.
5. You need to know yourself. As simple as this seems, you would be shocked at the number of people that freeze when you say, "so, tell me about yourself." Don't be one of them. Know yourself even if that means saying "I'm a student still trying to figure everything out but I'm all for learning."
1. Complicated language loses your audience. Regardless of if you're talking to a company CEO or an intern, keep it simple. If they don't understand what you're pitching, there's a 0% chance they'll invest.
2. There is no such thing as being "too old" or "to young" to launch a business or idea. Some of the coolest ideas I saw this week were from founders ranging in age from 15 to 80. If you've got the passion, run with it.
3. Gen Z consumers really care about the background of the products they're buying. If you're looking to attract this age group, be open and transparent about your morals, standards and beliefs.
4. If you aren't willing to show emotion when it comes to your business or startup, drop it. Starting a business is terrifying but also so exciting. No one is going to want to support you if you aren't willing to show your passion.
5. As you think about the changing future, don't focus on what will be different, think about the few things that will stay the same -- that's where your opportunity is.