Coming to Startonomics? Considering the list of attendees and presenters includes VCs like: GRP Partners, Rustic Canyon, Prism Ventures, Crosscut Ventures; reps from Google, Microsoft, Yahoo!, Amazon Web Services, as well as bloggers, press and fellow startups, you’ll want to have your ducks in a row…

Attending a conference is a means of increasing serendipity. You never know who you’ll “bump in to.” The networking opportunities allow you the chance to rub elbows with people who could drastically influence your future.

David Travers, Principal at Rustic Canyon Partners has provided us with 3 Things an Entrepreneur Should Do Before a Conference to help you put our best foot forward. (Oh, and dont forget your business cards!)

Top 3 Things an Entrepreneur Should Do to Prep for Startonomics
by David Travers

1. Figure out your elevator pitch.

You are about to meet a huge number of potential co-founders, employees, partners, and/or investors who will be interested to hear what you’re up to on February 6th.  But they won’t be interested for long.  Have your 30 second explanation of what your startup does and why it’s a huge opportunity.  Get your pitch polished and ready to go.  Don’t waste a single second when it counts at Startonomics.
2. Know your milestones.

What have you accomplished so far in your venture? First revenue? Site launched? First month with 10,000 unique users? Then, what will you accomplished over the next month? Next quarter? Next year?

3. Understand and be prepared to use the principle of reciprocity to get what you want.

Will you be looking for investors at Startonomics? Looking for a co-founder? Instead of immediately asking someone who might be helpful for exactly what you want, figure out how you can help them and pre-emptively offer it to them.  For example, “Hey Mr. Venture Capitalist, have you seen XYZ company yet, I spoke with them earlier and it seems like they are working on a huge idea.  You should talk to them.” Then, after you have offered something of value, make your ask.  “By the way, could we grab a coffee next week so I could tell you about my new startup?” You’ll be amazed at what people will do for you after you have done something for them first.

Thanks David!

Heard enough yet? Join us at Startonomics