Why You Should Talk in a Meetup
Spring 2017.
I just received my MSc. in math.
Knew nothing of the Real World.
Yet.
The meetup scene I discovered that spring changed the way I see the industry, and has tremendously contributed to the professional and personal growth I experienced since.
The speaker in me was born with one crazy idea. I was working on my first personal project, and on one inspirational moment I decided to give a talk about this project, thinking that’s how I’m going to find my Dream Job.
Two months later, I indeed finished the project, talked about it in a meetup, and found my Dream Job using connections I made at that meetup.
Ever since, I just can’t stop talking.
In the past several years I gave dozens of talks, on several different topics, and loved every minute of it.
This led me to share with you why I think you should talk in meetups, too.
Yeah, sure, finding a job is also a reason, but I’m talking deep stuff here, people. I’m talking about fulfilment, about connection, collaboration, inspiration. I’m talking about stepping out of your comfort zone, integrating your personal self into your professional self, and vice versa.
Everyone Is Rooting for You
Giving a talk at a meetup is like preaching to the choir. Nobody comes to a meetup to make tease or to argue, that’s what the university is for.
The meetup crowd expects a pleasant, light evening, where they can learn something new in a friendly and casual environment.
People who go to meetups actively decide at the end of the work day that they are going to extend their brain hours, and they came all the way to listen to YOU, because they WANT to hear what you have to say. They are all rooting for you.
What’s the Worst That Can Happen?
Nothing. Indeed, that’s the worst that can happen. Nothing. Your talk will be mediocre and no one will remember any of it by tomorrow, and you will go back to your life as if none of this ever happened.
What’s the best that can happen, you ask? Read on, my friend, read on.
Excuse Me, May I Ask a Question?
If you planned and practiced well, most chances are that your talk will be just fine (and then some!) for a meetup atmosphere.
And then, when you get off the stage, that’s when the magic starts to happen.
The people who approach you after the talk are people you can start a real conversation with. Ask them what they do, what advice can they share. Boost your professional network, and connect with people on an intellectual level.
Everyone Hates Mingling
Meetups can hard… You must know how it feels to be there on the side, hoping this mingling thing will end and you can take your sit and wait for the talks to start…
But then, there are all these people talking to each other… probably even having interesting conversations you want to participate in… But how would you even start talking to strangers??
By being on stage! that’s how!
When you are the speaker (or if you gave a talk at a previous related meetup) you don’t have to worry about that. People will come to you. They remember your face, they remember what you talked about, and they might even have some questions about it. Next thing you notice, you are having an actual interesting conversation!
Teaching Is the Best Way to Learn
Back in ancient Rome, philosopher Seneca claimed that “While we teach, we learn”. You must have experienced this yourself in one form or another - the best way to understand a concept is to explain it to someone else.
The famous proverb says “Those who can, do. Those who can’t, teach.” This might have been true in the past, but in today’s highly connected, rapidly evolving world, it is common practice to do both. When you share your knowledge, both you and your audience become more proficient.
Inspire and Be Inspired - the Best Feedback Loop You Can Get Stuck In
Giving a talk about something you are passionate about, in a supportive environment, is just FUN.
And then having follow-up conversations with strangers and colleagues alike, it’s reassuring and empowering.
Furthermore, giving a professional talk about a subject you are passionate about, it causes a significant positive impact on how people perceive you. Both at work and in the professional community outside it. And being appreciated is nice, it really is. And it’s not even the whole story. The way I experience this appreciation in the most tangible way, is the feedback loop of inspiration.
When you speak publicly about what you know, people know in what matters to address you. Either you will know how to help, which is fantastic. Or you won’t, and then you learn something new yourself. In any case, both you and the people around you benefit from the fact that you decided to tell the world what you love and what you are good at.
OK, Sign Me In, Where Do I Start?
As a Meetup organizer myself (AlgoIL, PyDataTLV), I can tell you it’s as easy as writing to the organizers.
Yup, that’s all it takes.
Write a personal message to one of the organizers of a meetup you attend yourself, or even better, address them in person in one of the events, tell them what you are working on and ask whether they would like to give you the stage to share it with the community. It can also be a short lightning talk - many meetups hold such sessions, which can be a great opportunity for first time speakers. If you ask around enough, you will find the right stage for your ideas.
Good luck, and keep sharing the knowledge :)