An introvert's guide to networking | Rick Turoczy | TEDxPortland

Summary

Rick Taurasi shares his journey of fostering community in Portland's vibrant startup scene, emphasizing the value of introverts in building connections. Despite his discomfort with social interactions, he thrives on one-on-one meetings, or 'collecting dots', which he believes are pivotal for community growth. He encourages everyone, regardless of their background, to participate in these connections, as diversity in ideas is crucial. Taurasi suggests that the magic happens when reflecting on these interactions, where the real value of community building is realized.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Portland is a thriving hub for startups across various sectors, including tech, apparel, biking, banking, and even doughnuts.
• 🤝 Rick Taurasi, despite being introverted, is actively involved in fostering community connections in Portland.
• 🏫 Rick's introverted nature since childhood, symbolized by his friendship with a 'golden walnut', shows that anyone can build community.
• 🧭 The process of building community is likened to 'collecting dots', where each person represents a dot with unique insights.
• 🍩 The startup community values diversity and new perspectives, not just those from within the startup world.
• ☕ Coffee meetings are an effective way to connect individuals and collect dots, as they provide a comfortable setting for conversation.
• 🕒 The value of these connections often becomes apparent not immediately, but after reflection and consideration over time.
• 🔗 Connecting the dots that only you can see is crucial for building a strong community.
• 🤔 Even if you feel you have nothing to offer, your unique perspective is exactly what the community needs to avoid an echo chamber.
• 📅 To start building community, simply schedule a coffee meeting with one new person or say yes to the next coffee invite you receive.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the startup community in Portland mentioned in the script?

The startup community in Portland is not just focused on tech startups but also includes a wide range of innovations in various sectors such as apparel, biking, banking, doughnuts, education, healthcare, and nonprofits.

Who is Rick Taurasi and what role does he play in the Portland startup community?

Rick Taurasi is an individual who, although it's not part of his job description, finds himself helping Portland folks connect within the startup community. He promotes and tracks various grassroots innovations happening in the city.

Why does Rick Taurasi consider himself an unlikely person to be doing community building work?

Rick Taurasi considers himself an unlikely person for community building because he is introverted and meeting new people makes him uncomfortable. He shares a story from his childhood where he preferred to spend time alone with a walnut in a tent, indicating his introverted nature.

What does Rick mean by 'collecting dots' in the context of community building?

Rick refers to 'collecting dots' as the process of meeting new people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. These meetings allow him to gather insights and ideas that can be beneficial to others in the community.

Why does Rick believe introverts are good at community building?

Rick believes introverts are good at community building because they are comfortable with being uncomfortable and have gotten used to awkward social situations, which makes them adept at one-on-one interactions.

What is the significance of meeting one-on-one face-to-face according to Rick?

Meeting one-on-one face-to-face is significant because it is less intimidating than group settings or events, allowing for more personal and meaningful connections.

Why does Rick suggest that having a cup of coffee is beneficial for community building?

Rick suggests that a cup of coffee is beneficial because it creates a casual and open environment that helps people to open up and connect more quickly, similar to the family dinner dynamic or the watering hole effect.

What is the most valuable part of building community according to Rick?

The most valuable part of building community, according to Rick, is not the initial meeting but the reflection that comes afterward. It is during reflection that the connections and value between the 'dots' become apparent.

Why does Rick emphasize the importance of connecting dots that only you can see?

Rick emphasizes the importance of connecting dots that only you can see because each person has a unique perspective and set of experiences that allows them to make connections that others might not see, thus enriching the community.

What is the call to action Rick gives to the audience at the end of the script?

Rick's call to action is for everyone to schedule a coffee meeting with one new person or to simply say yes to the next coffee invite they receive, in order to build community by connecting the dots.

How does Rick view the concept of 'common sense' in the context of community building?

Rick views 'common sense' as something that is not common to everyone but rather specific to an individual's experiences and perspective. This unique common sense allows individuals to make connections that others might not see, which is crucial for community building.