😬 My Biggest Regret from NY Tech Week (And the One Thing That Actually Worked ✅)
NY Tech Week gave me a front-row seat to everything that’s right (and very wrong) about how we network — here’s my unfiltered breakdown, plus the one move I’d recommend to everyone.
NY Tech Week?
Wrapped up a couple of weeks back.
And what a whirlwind, from rooftop pitch nights to AI demos over croissants to awkward “are you in line?” moments that turned into 20-minute convos about seed funding.
NYC was buzzing, and so was my phone — with new LinkedIn connections, calendar invites, and let’s be honest… at least 6 people I still can’t quite place.
I went in with big energy and bigger plans. I came out with some wins, some lessons, and a healthy dose of humble pie.
So here it is, what I did wrong, what I’d definitely do again, and why Startup+ meetups just hit different.
😬 Mistake #1: Pitching Like a Robot
“Hi I’m building this AI-powered blah blah blah…”
Eyes glazed. Conversations stalled. I forgot: people want real talk, not a TED Talk.
✅ Next time: I’ll start with curiosity, not credentials. “What’s something you’re building that lights you up lately?” goes a long way.
🧭 Mistake #2: Doing Too Much, Too Fast
I RSVP’d to 10+ events. I tried to attend 4 in one day. My FitBit congratulated me. My brain did not.
✅ Next time: One or two intentional events per day. The best convos happened when I wasn’t rushing out the door.
🧊 Mistake #3: Delayed Follow-Ups (a Classic)
I said, “I’ll message everyone on Sunday.”
Sunday came. I napped. Then forgot half the names.
✅ Next time: A quick LinkedIn note or “great meeting you” DM that night keeps the spark alive.
🧃 Mistake #4: Surviving on Coffee and Startup Energy
No water. No food. Just good vibes and iced lattes until I realized it was 6pm and I hadn’t sat down since breakfast.
✅ Next time: Water bottle, protein bar, and maybe a moment to breathe.
🧠 The Smartest Thing I Did?
QR Code Lock Screen.
I made my phone wallpaper a custom QR code — linking to my:
LinkedIn
Personal landing page
Services or project info
So when someone said, “How do I find you?” I just flashed my lock screen.
No business card. No typing. Just a quick scan and done.
I wish I’d done that last year.
✅ Pro tip: Canva, a QR generator, and 5 minutes is all you need.
🌟 Shoutout to the Chillest Vibes
One of my favorite moments from the week?
A Startup+ gathering with zero pressure, just real convos between builders, dreamers, doers — and a few quietly scouting investors pretending to just “drop in.”
No pitch competitions. No panels. Just good people, good snacks, and ideas bouncing around like crazy.
It reminded me: this is what community should feel like. ✅No gatekeeping. ✅No egos. ✅Just energy.
Upcoming startup+ events are listed here
TL;DR
Don’t overbook.
Don’t overpitch.
Follow up fast.
QR lock screen = life hack.
Find your people.
NY Tech Week was a blur — in the best way.
Here’s to more meaningful events, less performative ones, and conversations that actually lead somewhere.
If we met last week — let’s stay in touch.
If we didn’t — there’s always the next one. Lookout for startup+ upcoming events on www.startupplus.club
🚀 Keep building,
Jaynish Shah, Community Lead, Startup+