I went into Alt with very little networking strategy - so when I got there I was a little overwhelmed with the quick exchange of cards and the hustle that comes with making a good first impression.
What I did know is that I wanted to give my full attention to whoever I was talking to. I wanted to establish intimacy through warm smiles and solid eye contact. I wanted anyone and everyone who attended my round table session to feel included and welcome. Even so, I still felt a little scattered and spread thin.
I was happiest when I was exchanging stories and hearty laughs.
• Like making a stylish new friend on the cab ride from the airport to the hotel.
• Like when I talked to Elisabeth and Miya about being creative entrepreneurs with kids.
• And when Meg and I bonded over wine and embarrassing pasts.
• Or when Melissa and I spent all day in the lobby drinking coffee and eating french fries.
• Or when I would find Danielle in a sea of people and sneak off to dinner just the two of us.
• And when Brandi slipped homemade Nutella in my pocket between sessions.
• And by chance sitting in an open seat next to the very fantastic Bradford at lunch.
• Finally getting to hug Jason's neck immediately followed by poop jokes with Cole.
• Meeting the hilarious (and fabulous)Elizabeth Aubrey (and her mom - I love that she brought her mom) who reminded me not to take myself too seriously.
• Important conversations about self love with Marisa and EZ.
• Finally getting to meet my long time friend (and one of the first J&K commenters), Jennifer - she's just the best.
• And Erin Loechner - who has the ability to make anyone feel special. She's kind of my hero.
Oh gosh - now I'm getting in too deep. I could name drop forever because I met so many fantastic people. In fact, check out the whole list at Mimi + Meg (also a very talented friend who shines her light on anyone she's talking to).
I came away from Alt with genuine friendships, new and old, and lots of beautiful business cards. So maybe I had a strategy after all.
Oh man, I think I would genuinely be starstruck if I met EZ. I've been reading Creature Comforts foreverrrr. Sounds like a great trip!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a good time! Glad you enjoyed yourself!
ReplyDeleteLindsey Soup
Great post. It was almost exactly this time last week that our worlds collided!
ReplyDeleteI'm with Francine - I was a bit starstruck meeting EZ! Such a talent!
ReplyDeleteYay for old friends! My favourite Kathleen memory: when you said you didn't want to go to sleep because you were just so happy in that moment. Perfect. xo.
The people are totally what made Alt for me. So incredible. So inspirational.
ReplyDeleteThere's never enough time.
I am leaving a comment (after reading your blog for MONTHS now). This post and your other one about Alt Summit were pretty pure. I have seen posts and tweets about Alt and I declared that it is not an event that I would like to attend and I know why...I, too, feel like a loser and I know that I am not the only one and I am fairly certain that most of the attendees felt similar things and this is why I am now declaring that one day venturing to Alt or something similar may be a good thing to challenge myself towards. Smashing the ego every step of the way is so hard sometimes. Not feeling like the "cool kid," even as an adult still creeps in. So glad to hear that you felt so good during the Alt Seminar!
ReplyDeleteFrancine - EZ is the best - and she only lives a couple hours from me. I predict more lady dates in our future.
ReplyDeleteLindsey - Indeed!
Elizabeth - I'm going to get the date we met etched into my skin.
Jen - YES! I was so happy that evening. I miss you already.
Brandi - XO.
Fight Like A Girl - I think Alt can be incredibly encouraging and uplifting. And in a group full of bloggers lots of people have the same insecurities. You should try it out!
LOVED meeting you at Alt, and I am OFFICIALLY obsessed and stalking the blog. You gave me a tiny butterfly seeing my b-card peeking through. THX for all of your AUTHENTIC posts, love them.
ReplyDeleteOMGood Golly, Miss Kathleen! I'm SO happy that we met at Alt! You were such a ray of warm sunlight and you're not lying when you say how much you wanted to establish intimacy. I felt that authenticity shine through. We all did! We're just thrilled to have waded in the luscious pools of your fabulosity!
ReplyDeleteOh, and you wore super cute clothes (Those tights!!!) and you got a looker of a boyfriend. ;)
MWAH! You're awesome! :)
Heidi! I'm so glad we met. I felt like I kept sitting in the right places at the right time. Let's stay in touch. F'reals.
ReplyDeleteBradford! YOU ARE. Seriously, you could light up a room. I can't wait until the next time we cross paths. In the meantime, I'm going to be sending you lots of love from the heartland.
Oh! I am just seeing this now! Aw...thank you for including me hunnie, it was truly a highlight spending time with you. Beef is right, you are a ray of warm sunshine. SO impressed by you and you are simply radiant. You ARE. And your beauty? Style? smarts? just perfection. SO hope we meet up again someday!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Melis
It was so, so nice to meet you at Alt. I'm so excited for all of the amazing things that you're building for yourself. Go you! xo
ReplyDeleteI LOVED meeting you Kathleen. Can't wait to visit again, just as long as it doesn't involve any Campers.
ReplyDelete