New event, you don't know anybody. Who are you supposed to talk to? What are you supposed to talk about? How long will you talk about the weather and Elon Musk before you hit on a more interesting topic?
You hit the nail on the head when you said "we are not looking to meet more people online. we want to meet people offline". Even though I was impressed by your attempt at "plotting" the UT community on an interests based grid, it didn't meet my need. I organize small group offline events (20-40 pax) and a tool like this could make connecting easier. It applies to pretty much any networking situation. A feature I would find useful is to include an ask or two - e.g. "Looking for a Bkk based personal stylist"
The reason for asking people to specify asks is that it allows people who are able to fulfill that ask to offer it as a gift. People love being able to offer gifts - especially simple ones - like a referral or advise. In this case, they might be a stylist themselves or know a good one. And a simple gift offered unconditionally it a great way to make an authentic connection.
These asks can also become good ice breaking points for a conversation that is built on something actually going on in a person s life v/s their broad interests.
The most memorable networking event I attended was a small group breakfast event for women. Instead of asking for formal introductions, the facilitator asked us to share an ask with the group. Something we were trying to solve/sort out in our life at that point. I had been looking for a public speaking club and one of the attendees happened to be part of one. 7 years later, I am still a passionate member of that club and it’s all thanks to the great facilitation at the breakfast networking event.
People can bond over common interests. And they can also bond over a small unconditional gift that builds the bridge for quality connections.
We did something similar for my company, but based on LinkedIn connections. We had people hit a button beforehand that allowed us to import their connections, then when they arrived at the event we gave them personal list of the 5 people at the event they have the most and least network overlap with.
People loved seeing this and many took it as a scavenger hunt challenge to meet everyone on the lists. Interestingly, most of the conversations were among the people who were LEAST connected with each other. It was an icebreaker that allowed people to get outside of their comfort zones. And meeting people you're least connected with ends up bringing the most value.
Happy to share more about the tech, calculations and process some time if it would help!
I don't have a comment but rather a meta-comment on receiving this "article" in my inbox. I love UT and look forward weekly to the articles (just subscribed to premium last month!)
So I was a bit disappointed when I got to the end of this one and realized it was not a proper piece but merely more of a promotion (with just a splash of peeking behind the curtain, in typical UT fashion).
Which is fine, love to see what else Tomas has going on and absolutely do not fault you for sending it, but I think a short message at the top of this (+ I presume there may be future ones) email stating that it isn't really a full UT post, would have removed this disappointment - which I think was as simple as a mismatch of expectations and reality.
Keep on analyzin', and looking forward to the good stuff later this week.
Note that this is a theme I’ve been thinking about and writing about for years now, so it does feel like a natural follow-on. It also relates to the idea I shared when I wrote the article about 2024, where I said I was going to go beyond mere articles and put the ideas in practice. So expect more of this!
But another standard article will be coming in this week!
Tomas, your suggestion is excellent. I agree with the pricing structure and support your response to Alan Ortiz, emphasizing that the decision to utilize it and design responses based on your interest in each situation is yours. With this in place, we're all set for the Field test. Please let us know how we can assist.
Although I love the idea and the innovation in the field of event activities, I still have some comments to make:
- such events are indeed not optimised
- being lonely, fearful and embarrassed is a part of life (and we shouldn’t fight against it)
- not everyone wants to connect with others based on their careers (here a broader questionnaire about other things as well could help)
- even if you find a perfect formula for people to get to know exactly the people they on some level resonate the most with, the experience of a guest won’t be the same as if he/she would discover such a person on its own. There is a certain story/catharsis/trip in going to the event and first being embarrassed and confused and only later becoming (as an antidote to the first part) happy and relaxed that you found someone with whom you ‘belong’ or have something in common.
I don't think this is necessarily a problem in the above case of event organisation, especially if you set up the social network in such a way so that its existence doesn't interfere with other ways (that we didn't/can't even think of) the participants might be "using" the event.
Hey, sent you an email about an event where we could use the app you developed. It will be a giant mixer with around 400-500 students expected and 50-100 professionals (mostly entrepreneurs). I'd be happy to try it out, apply it to our specific case and just test how well it can be used. Respond if you're up to it!:)
Just food for thought ... Some of the results seem very LinkedIn-ish, i.e., job titles, job roles, etc. with a focus on similarity as others have already commented.
But if I'm looking for inspiration, to meet someone new, different, etc., then I don't need similarities. I have a ton of work-related acquaintances already who are just like me, but I also probably don't want the total opposite of me either. Having nothing in common or opposing views on life can be a non-starter
It might be interesting to classify interests as career and non-career. Then group people by one career interest and one non-career (so we have something) but then randomize the other attributes. I'm thinking of a Venn diagram with a meaningful intersection, but far from a complete overlap, if that makes sense.
I've had one conversation with someone in my circle of 10 that you identified. We were very similar except that he's in the UK while I'm in the US and we are at opposite ends of our careers. It was those differences that interested me the most
(and in reply to your earlier comment, I am notorious for just talking to randos in a bar. But honestly, those are pretty hit or miss.)
I think there's something to what you (and many others!) say, but it's so vague that I can't model it in my mind.
Specifically, what are the key aspects that make a serendipitous meeting like that work really well? You mention "some similarities, and some differences" but what similarities and what differences? I'd love to build this, but for that I need to know how to break down this problem
I think it remains vague because the "key aspects of such a meeting" depend on the goal of the meeting. I suggest to think about archetypes of meetings that need different sets of "key aspects". Some very first ideas:
- if the goal is building mentorship, age is relevant (or career progress)
- if the goal are content networks / working peers, the four social styles are relevant for matching
- for non-career, but work related connections the similar private interests might be relevant
It’s not my area of expertise at all but consider randomness. Let’s use LLMs as an example. LLMs use randomness at several levels to enhance the capabilities of the model. Randomness helps in training. Randomness helps disrupt generative feedback loops. Etc. The goal of randomness is to provide that serendipity so your matching models could introduce a degree of randomness at key times, such as one of several social events. I think dating websites do this sometimes because purely matching partners based on 100% shared interests doesn’t yield the best matches. There has to be a good mix of shared interests and unique interests.
I really like this idea however I wonder how a tool like this will be co-opted at networking events by biz dev solicitors trying to sell you something. This is one of the reasons I don't like going to most networking events, too many people handing out irrelevant businesss cards offering a service (I don't fault them for trying to make a living) rather than having a conversation or connecting on a mutual interest. I think a big part of a good offline event is about inviting the right people which most organizers fail to do.
Yes this would become a huge problem at some point
Normally at the beginning all networks are quirky and cool and fun, then if they work some people realize they can access them for marketing, and they start flooding them.
So in a way, this is a problem I want to have. It means people are thinking this is big.
If you do that, the solution is already proven by companies like LinkedIn. Things like:
1. You can only reach out beforehand to a few ppl. If you reach out to too many, your account is throttle and/or you have to pay. The more you spam, the more you pay/are throttled
2. Remember that there's still a big transaction cost here, the human going to the event and talking. So spam is going to be much lighter than on something like LinkedIn
3. The creator of the event is always at the helm. They can decide who to let in
In my opinion LinkedIn has not solved this problem, 95%+ of the Inmails I receive are from spamers, useless sales pitches or recruiters sending irrelevant offers etc. Many aspects of Linkedin being a useful networking platform are fundamentaly broken, its more of a tool for recruiters and marketers than a way for users to build networks, communities or groups. I agree there is going to be less spam in person but in my experience, it still represents a large share of the people at most events and can ruin the experience.
Your prior articles on sex and attractiveness have a role in this article also. The approach seems like program to direct you to the most clicked information A google for a person in your silo Is this an AI based on one goal of likeness? Lots of issues here for you to address in next article
Hmmm my visceral reaction is that distills people not by “who thy are” but “what they have done/achieved”. Are we accelerating the isolation of people into even more limited “elite groups” (just couldn’t quickly come up with another descriptor) here? Is this a tool for the socially awkward who have to use their brand or trophies to make conversation with a stranger. I like the idea just wonder about the basis selected. Some of my best social engagements have been with people from all walks of life. Not trying to be too critical just reacting and having my first shot of caffeine. Think on!
1. You can use this to find people different from you, by browsing or searching specific things
2. The questions don’t need to be about what you have done. You can choose to ask people about who they are, or their interests, or anything like that. The algorithm collapses this into key data points used to differentiate ppl. It’s flexible.
3. If you really want to meet different people and dont have this fear of approaching people, you don’t need this or anything else. Just approach a rando at a bar!
Good points. I’m as guilty as anyone about defining who “I am” by “what I do”. I am lucky in that I can walk into a room of strangers and comfortably make lots of new acquaintances that some turn into friends. Great approach.
There’s a product on the market called Swapcard with many of these functionalities - the Centre for Effective Altruism has been using it for their EA Global conference series since at least 2021!
This is a fantastic idea! The pricing model of $100 per event, and a dollar per person, seems reasonable for a “for profit“ event. This seems like it would also be very useful for community events, that are not for profit. Perhaps there could be another cost recovery structure for these types of not for profit events? Perhaps even a, “one dollar option per participant“ would be helpful for community based networking events, or even community fairs, markets, and other social events that are community based
You hit the nail on the head when you said "we are not looking to meet more people online. we want to meet people offline". Even though I was impressed by your attempt at "plotting" the UT community on an interests based grid, it didn't meet my need. I organize small group offline events (20-40 pax) and a tool like this could make connecting easier. It applies to pretty much any networking situation. A feature I would find useful is to include an ask or two - e.g. "Looking for a Bkk based personal stylist"
Glad to hear, Megha!
You could do this by searching the graph for personal stylists! If there is one in the group, it should find it.
LMK if you want to use this for some of your events!
The reason for asking people to specify asks is that it allows people who are able to fulfill that ask to offer it as a gift. People love being able to offer gifts - especially simple ones - like a referral or advise. In this case, they might be a stylist themselves or know a good one. And a simple gift offered unconditionally it a great way to make an authentic connection.
These asks can also become good ice breaking points for a conversation that is built on something actually going on in a person s life v/s their broad interests.
The most memorable networking event I attended was a small group breakfast event for women. Instead of asking for formal introductions, the facilitator asked us to share an ask with the group. Something we were trying to solve/sort out in our life at that point. I had been looking for a public speaking club and one of the attendees happened to be part of one. 7 years later, I am still a passionate member of that club and it’s all thanks to the great facilitation at the breakfast networking event.
People can bond over common interests. And they can also bond over a small unconditional gift that builds the bridge for quality connections.
Interesting idea, thx!
We did something similar for my company, but based on LinkedIn connections. We had people hit a button beforehand that allowed us to import their connections, then when they arrived at the event we gave them personal list of the 5 people at the event they have the most and least network overlap with.
People loved seeing this and many took it as a scavenger hunt challenge to meet everyone on the lists. Interestingly, most of the conversations were among the people who were LEAST connected with each other. It was an icebreaker that allowed people to get outside of their comfort zones. And meeting people you're least connected with ends up bringing the most value.
Happy to share more about the tech, calculations and process some time if it would help!
Yes I’d love to know more!
Can you spare 30m for a chat?
To get your email in a private way, feel free to reply to any of my email newsletters!
email sent!
I don't have a comment but rather a meta-comment on receiving this "article" in my inbox. I love UT and look forward weekly to the articles (just subscribed to premium last month!)
So I was a bit disappointed when I got to the end of this one and realized it was not a proper piece but merely more of a promotion (with just a splash of peeking behind the curtain, in typical UT fashion).
Which is fine, love to see what else Tomas has going on and absolutely do not fault you for sending it, but I think a short message at the top of this (+ I presume there may be future ones) email stating that it isn't really a full UT post, would have removed this disappointment - which I think was as simple as a mismatch of expectations and reality.
Keep on analyzin', and looking forward to the good stuff later this week.
This is valuable. I will do that. Thank you.
Note that this is a theme I’ve been thinking about and writing about for years now, so it does feel like a natural follow-on. It also relates to the idea I shared when I wrote the article about 2024, where I said I was going to go beyond mere articles and put the ideas in practice. So expect more of this!
But another standard article will be coming in this week!
Tomas, your suggestion is excellent. I agree with the pricing structure and support your response to Alan Ortiz, emphasizing that the decision to utilize it and design responses based on your interest in each situation is yours. With this in place, we're all set for the Field test. Please let us know how we can assist.
Although I love the idea and the innovation in the field of event activities, I still have some comments to make:
- such events are indeed not optimised
- being lonely, fearful and embarrassed is a part of life (and we shouldn’t fight against it)
- not everyone wants to connect with others based on their careers (here a broader questionnaire about other things as well could help)
- even if you find a perfect formula for people to get to know exactly the people they on some level resonate the most with, the experience of a guest won’t be the same as if he/she would discover such a person on its own. There is a certain story/catharsis/trip in going to the event and first being embarrassed and confused and only later becoming (as an antidote to the first part) happy and relaxed that you found someone with whom you ‘belong’ or have something in common.
I hear you, but I can’t help thinking this argument applies to every innovation in history
I think that's a bit too simplistic of a view (though I understand what you mean). A lot of times the inventor/innovator will succumb to fallacies similar to the one described in: https://www.ribbonfarm.com/2010/07/26/a-big-little-idea-called-legibility/.
I don't think this is necessarily a problem in the above case of event organisation, especially if you set up the social network in such a way so that its existence doesn't interfere with other ways (that we didn't/can't even think of) the participants might be "using" the event.
Hey, sent you an email about an event where we could use the app you developed. It will be a giant mixer with around 400-500 students expected and 50-100 professionals (mostly entrepreneurs). I'd be happy to try it out, apply it to our specific case and just test how well it can be used. Respond if you're up to it!:)
Love the idea. Just shared with 2 event organisers I know.
Thx!
Just food for thought ... Some of the results seem very LinkedIn-ish, i.e., job titles, job roles, etc. with a focus on similarity as others have already commented.
But if I'm looking for inspiration, to meet someone new, different, etc., then I don't need similarities. I have a ton of work-related acquaintances already who are just like me, but I also probably don't want the total opposite of me either. Having nothing in common or opposing views on life can be a non-starter
It might be interesting to classify interests as career and non-career. Then group people by one career interest and one non-career (so we have something) but then randomize the other attributes. I'm thinking of a Venn diagram with a meaningful intersection, but far from a complete overlap, if that makes sense.
I've had one conversation with someone in my circle of 10 that you identified. We were very similar except that he's in the UK while I'm in the US and we are at opposite ends of our careers. It was those differences that interested me the most
(and in reply to your earlier comment, I am notorious for just talking to randos in a bar. But honestly, those are pretty hit or miss.)
I think there's something to what you (and many others!) say, but it's so vague that I can't model it in my mind.
Specifically, what are the key aspects that make a serendipitous meeting like that work really well? You mention "some similarities, and some differences" but what similarities and what differences? I'd love to build this, but for that I need to know how to break down this problem
I think it remains vague because the "key aspects of such a meeting" depend on the goal of the meeting. I suggest to think about archetypes of meetings that need different sets of "key aspects". Some very first ideas:
- if the goal is building mentorship, age is relevant (or career progress)
- if the goal are content networks / working peers, the four social styles are relevant for matching
- for non-career, but work related connections the similar private interests might be relevant
It’s not my area of expertise at all but consider randomness. Let’s use LLMs as an example. LLMs use randomness at several levels to enhance the capabilities of the model. Randomness helps in training. Randomness helps disrupt generative feedback loops. Etc. The goal of randomness is to provide that serendipity so your matching models could introduce a degree of randomness at key times, such as one of several social events. I think dating websites do this sometimes because purely matching partners based on 100% shared interests doesn’t yield the best matches. There has to be a good mix of shared interests and unique interests.
I hear you. Maybe it’s randomness. But I think it’s more “some things should be optimized for similarity, others for diversity “
I really like this idea however I wonder how a tool like this will be co-opted at networking events by biz dev solicitors trying to sell you something. This is one of the reasons I don't like going to most networking events, too many people handing out irrelevant businesss cards offering a service (I don't fault them for trying to make a living) rather than having a conversation or connecting on a mutual interest. I think a big part of a good offline event is about inviting the right people which most organizers fail to do.
Yes this would become a huge problem at some point
Normally at the beginning all networks are quirky and cool and fun, then if they work some people realize they can access them for marketing, and they start flooding them.
So in a way, this is a problem I want to have. It means people are thinking this is big.
If you do that, the solution is already proven by companies like LinkedIn. Things like:
1. You can only reach out beforehand to a few ppl. If you reach out to too many, your account is throttle and/or you have to pay. The more you spam, the more you pay/are throttled
2. Remember that there's still a big transaction cost here, the human going to the event and talking. So spam is going to be much lighter than on something like LinkedIn
3. The creator of the event is always at the helm. They can decide who to let in
4. You can have mechanisms like ratings
In my opinion LinkedIn has not solved this problem, 95%+ of the Inmails I receive are from spamers, useless sales pitches or recruiters sending irrelevant offers etc. Many aspects of Linkedin being a useful networking platform are fundamentaly broken, its more of a tool for recruiters and marketers than a way for users to build networks, communities or groups. I agree there is going to be less spam in person but in my experience, it still represents a large share of the people at most events and can ruin the experience.
Yes but that’s because their business model is based on that spam.
This is not the case, since the money would be paid by users. Huge incentive to make them happy. They’re not the product, they’re the customer.
Why only meet people like me. I like to find the people who are different. Those who seem more isolated or alone and see who they are
Those that have no group attached
This is a consistent piece of feedback. My bias is that it's more theoretical than true, but I might be wrong, so worth exploring.
The capability would be there: Simply hover over people far away from you on the graph. What experience would you expect instead?
Your prior articles on sex and attractiveness have a role in this article also. The approach seems like program to direct you to the most clicked information A google for a person in your silo Is this an AI based on one goal of likeness? Lots of issues here for you to address in next article
Sorry I think you missed your punctuation and I can't follow!
Hmmm my visceral reaction is that distills people not by “who thy are” but “what they have done/achieved”. Are we accelerating the isolation of people into even more limited “elite groups” (just couldn’t quickly come up with another descriptor) here? Is this a tool for the socially awkward who have to use their brand or trophies to make conversation with a stranger. I like the idea just wonder about the basis selected. Some of my best social engagements have been with people from all walks of life. Not trying to be too critical just reacting and having my first shot of caffeine. Think on!
This is useful!
1. You can use this to find people different from you, by browsing or searching specific things
2. The questions don’t need to be about what you have done. You can choose to ask people about who they are, or their interests, or anything like that. The algorithm collapses this into key data points used to differentiate ppl. It’s flexible.
3. If you really want to meet different people and dont have this fear of approaching people, you don’t need this or anything else. Just approach a rando at a bar!
Good points. I’m as guilty as anyone about defining who “I am” by “what I do”. I am lucky in that I can walk into a room of strangers and comfortably make lots of new acquaintances that some turn into friends. Great approach.
There’s a product on the market called Swapcard with many of these functionalities - the Centre for Effective Altruism has been using it for their EA Global conference series since at least 2021!
I heard of it and looked at their website. It does look similar. Have you used it? What do you think?
This is a fantastic idea! The pricing model of $100 per event, and a dollar per person, seems reasonable for a “for profit“ event. This seems like it would also be very useful for community events, that are not for profit. Perhaps there could be another cost recovery structure for these types of not for profit events? Perhaps even a, “one dollar option per participant“ would be helpful for community based networking events, or even community fairs, markets, and other social events that are community based
Something to consider!
Right now a key reason to make it for payment is that otherwise we don't have a strong signal that people really value it