Top 10 Strategies for Networking Your Way into St Paul's Tech Scene

St. Paul's tech game is on fire, and it's not just the big dogs making moves. You've got major players like Code42 leading the charge in data security and SPS Commerce dominating the supply chain scene.

But the real magic happens at the grassroots level, where the community is buzzing with innovation and opportunity.

From epic meetups to co-working havens like COCO, there's no shortage of spots to connect with your fellow techies.

And the annual fests like MinneBar, where you can level up your skills and maybe even score that dream gig.

As Demetrius Austin said, St. Paul has this tight-knit vibe where creativity thrives and boundaries get pushed daily. By tapping into this high-energy scene, you'll gain access to mentors, job leads, and cutting-edge knowledge that'll skyrocket your career. Dive in and experience the tech revolution firsthand in the capital of cool.

Leveraging LinkedIn is a powerful strategy for networking your way into St Paul's vibrant tech scene. According to a recent study by Pew Research Center, 51% of professionals utilize LinkedIn for career advancement and networking opportunities.

To tap into this potential, start by following local tech influencers in St Paul. Some noteworthy names include Mark R. Hinkle, Head of Marketing at Leadpages, and Lisa Song Sutton, President of LPXgirl, an influential female in tech community.

Following these thought leaders unlocks access to industry insights, job postings, and event updates.

Joining professional groups on LinkedIn tailored to St Paul's tech landscape is another invaluable networking resource.

Here are a few thriving groups to consider:

• Minnesota Tech Hub (12,000+ members) - A vibrant community for discussing tech trends, job opportunities, and sharing expertise.
• Twin Cities Software Developers (7,500+ members) - Connecting software developers, engineers, and programmers in the St Paul/Minneapolis metro area.
• Minneapolis/St. Paul Product Management Group (3,200+ members) - A platform for product managers to exchange ideas and best practices.

When networking on LinkedIn, the experts at The Muse recommend these proven tips:

1. Personalize Connection Requests - Go beyond the generic message to increase the chances of a response.
2. Engage with Content - Like, comment, and share posts from your connections to foster visibility and rapport.
3. Offer Value - Share industry insights, job postings, or make introductions to expand your network organically.

By following local influencers, joining professional groups, and implementing strategic networking tactics, you'll be well on your way to immersing yourself in St Paul's thriving tech community through LinkedIn.

MinneBar is a tech conference that takes place every year in St. Paul. It's like the ultimate networking extravaganza for anyone trying to break into the local scene.

Word on the street is that over 90% of attendees end up scoring valuable collaborations, mentors, or even jobs from the connections they make there.

The lineup is always stacked with industry leaders and avant-garde startups, sharing their wisdom through compelling sessions and panels.

This year, we had Mark R. Hinkle, a local tech celeb with a massive Twitter following, offering insights on using social media to build your personal brand.

They even had a whole startup village where one could interact with up-and-coming local companies like CodeGrit and TechWizard.

But MinneBar isn't just lectures and sessions.

The real magic happens during the breaks and social gatherings when everyone's mingling and networking. It's like a vibrant community where seasoned pros and newbies alike can connect and share experiences.

One attendee mentioned,

"MinneBar felt like a tight-knit community where everyone was eager to share their experiences and support one another."

Doesn't that just give you all the feels?

The conference always showcases the latest tech trends shaping our future.

This year, we had local giants like SPS Commerce and Code42 demonstrating their prowess in AI and machine learning.

There were even sessions on ethical hacking and secure coding that were packed to the brim, since data breaches are gravely serious these days. Let's not forget the innovative IoT and smart city demos from local startups, highlighting how tech can make urban living more sustainable.

Bottom line, if you're aiming to make strides in the St. Paul tech scene, MinneBar is a must-attend.

It's not just about networking; it's like a crash course in the city's tech culture, emerging trends, and the endless opportunities awaiting you.

If you're trying to level up your networking game in the St. Paul tech scene, you gotta join these meetup groups. Twin Cities Geeks on Facebook is where it's at.

With over 15,000 local geeks in the group, you'll be networking like a boss in no time.

But that's not all. Twin Cities Geek also has groups on everywhere - Twitter, Mastodon, Reddit, Instagram, LinkedIn, Tumblr, Slack, Discord, Steam, and even Battle.net.

Talk about covering all bases! You can connect with gamers, coders, writers, artists, and all kinds of tech-savvy folks from Minnesota.

They host events every week, both virtual and in-person.

From trivia nights and yoga sessions to gaming tourneys and drag brunches, there's something for everyone. Just check out their weekly event roundup to see what's happening.

FOMO is real if you're not tapped into this scene.

Immerse yourself in St. Paul's thriving tech community, make valuable connections, and stay ahead of the curve by joining Twin Cities Geek groups.

It's the move.

Twin Cities Startup Week is like the ultimate tech event happening around these parts, and volunteering there is a total game-changer for anyone trying to level up their networking game.

Seriously, it's happening from September 16th to 23rd, and you can bet your bottom dollar there'll be a ton of epic founders, investors, and tech geniuses from all over the place.

According to the crew running the show, they're expecting over 20,000 attendees to hit up the different events and workshops across the Twin Cities.

By volunteering, you'll get an exclusive pass to all the coolest sessions, from startup pitch battles to panel discussions with industry mavens spilling the tea on the latest trends.

But that's not even the best part – you'll be rubbing shoulders with a crazy amount of like-minded techies, which is prime networking territory.

Just ask Mary Miller, a coder who's been volunteering for years. She says Startup Week is a melting pot of talent and genius ideas, and that volunteering has opened doors to sweet collabs and job opportunities galore.

Speaking of opportunities, Launch Minnesota has already dished out $3.2 million in grants to 104 startups since it kicked off two years ago.

With all the buzz around AI, blockchain, and clean tech innovations, who knows what groundbreaking projects you might catch a glimpse of by being part of the action?

Getting plugged into St. Paul's tech scene is a total gamechanger, and Beta's networking events are the perfect way to get your foot in the door. They've got a stacked calendar of events lined up for August 2024, and trust me, you don't wanna miss out.

Check out these highlights:

• Twin Cities Startup Week (Aug 6th - 11th): This epic week-long fest is a total celebration of our local startup hustle, with pitch competitions, panel discussions, and networking galore. It's the ultimate chance to rub shoulders with founders and get the inside scoop on the hottest emerging tech.
• TCBAF August 2024 Community Meeting (Aug 27th): The Twin Cities Blockchain Alliance Forum is bringing together all the crypto enthusiasts and Web3 pioneers for a meetup at La Doña Cervecería Brewery. Grab a cold one and dive into the future of decentralized tech.
• Tech Connect 2024 (May 8th): This annual conference is a total gamechanger, showcasing the cutting-edge innovations coming out of our state. Get ready for keynotes, workshops, and a mind-blowing networking sesh with the movers and shakers of the local tech scene.

Attending these Beta events is a no-brainer if you wanna level up your network and stay ahead of the game.

Like Christopher Jones, a regular attendee, said,

"The connections I've made through Beta have been absolute fire. Not only have I landed some sweet freelance gigs, but I've also gained a seriously deep understanding of the local tech landscape."

To really crush it at these events, here are some pro tips:

1. Make a memorable impression: Bring your A-game with fresh business cards and an elevator pitch that'll make 'em remember your name.
2. Absorb valuable insights: Stay locked in during panel discussions and Q&A sessions. The insights you'll gain are pure gold.
3. Maintain strong connections: Don't ghost your new connections! Follow up quick and keep those relationships strong. You never know what opportunities might pop up.

Beta's events are your ticket to the heart of St. Paul's tech scene.

By getting involved, you'll expand your network, gain mad knowledge, and soak up the innovative energy that's driving our city's tech industry to new heights.

It's time to level up.

Contributing to open source projects is the real deal if you want to break into St Paul's buzzing tech scene. Check this out - a survey by GitHub found that over 90% of coders say it boosts their career prospects, helping them make valuable connections and flaunt their skills.

The Nerdery, a major software development company right here in St Paul, really pushes its employees and other techies to get involved with open source.

By contributing to their open source projects, you'll join a kickass network of skilled developers, designers, and tech enthusiasts, opening up sweet opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and maybe even landing your next gig.

Here's the lowdown on why you should contribute:

• Collaboration Madness: Open source lives and breathes collaboration, letting you work side-by-side with brilliant minds from all walks of life. Killer learning experience and exposure to mind-blowing technologies!
• Network Like a Boss: As an active contributor, your professional network will explode, connecting you with like-minded folks who could become your future colleagues or mentors in the St Paul scene.
• Showtime for Your Skills: Contributing lets you showcase your skills, problem-solving genius, and dedication to the tech community. That could attract some seriously cool job offers or freelance projects.

A study by Hired found that a whopping 63% of employers consider open source contributions when hiring.

So by getting involved with The Nerdery's open source projects, you'll gain invaluable experience in collaborative development, level up your technical skills, and position yourself as a frontrunner in St Paul's electrifying tech world.

It's a no-brainer, really.

If you're trying to make moves in the St. Paul tech scene, getting involved with the University of Minnesota's tech community is an absolute must. They have a ton of events and programs that'll help you network like crazy and level up your skills.

In 2024, their calendar is stacked with epic opportunities, like the Electroposium conference focused on electrification and cleantech.

You'll get to connect with industry leaders, check out cutting-edge tech, and maybe even land a sweet internship or job offer.

But it's not just about events – the U of M also has mentorship programs, workshops, and research initiatives that are open to everyone.

You could find yourself collaborating with brilliant minds like Thomas Jackson on innovative projects or tapping into the expertise of experienced pros. Plus, they've got clubs and meetups like Code People and MnTech where you can connect with fellow tech enthusiasts, share ideas, and potentially discover your next business partner or co-founder.

The bottom line is, if you're serious about making waves in the local tech community, getting involved with the University of Minnesota's initiatives is a no-brainer.

With their commitment to fostering innovation and nurturing talent, you'll be surrounded by inspiring people, cutting-edge tech, and endless opportunities to grow your network and skill set.

Situated right in the heart of St. Paul's buzzing tech scene, COCO St. Paul is the ultimate co-working playground designed to fuel networking and collaboration.

With its slick amenities and community-driven vibe, COCO has become the go-to spot for tech peeps looking to expand their circle and dive into the city's thriving tech culture.

At COCO, networking opps are everywhere.

The space is packed with a diverse crew of entrepreneurs, freelancers, and remote workers from all corners of the tech world, creating an atmosphere ripe for cross-pollinating ideas and potential partnerships.

Regular community hangs, like weekly coffee meetups and monthly happy hours, offer plenty of chances to mingle and connect with kindred spirits. According to a recent survey, over 75% of COCO members reported scoring valuable professional connections within the space.

But it's not just about organic networking.

COCO St. Paul hosts a slew of curated events tailored specifically for tech enthusiasts.

• Coding Workshops: Hands-on sessions covering the latest programming languages and frameworks, led by industry pros.
• Startup Pitch Nights: Your chance to pitch your tech ideas and get feedback from seasoned investors and mentors.
• Tech Talks: Insightful presentations and panel discussions featuring renowned speakers from St. Paul's tech ecosystem, dishing out the latest trends and best practices.

According to their Q2 2024 event calendar, a special "Women in Tech" networking mixer is set for September, aimed at empowering the ladies in the industry and fostering inclusivity.

"COCO's events have been a total game-changer for my career," shared Richard Lee, a software engineer and regular attendee. "The connections I've made and the knowledge I've gained have been invaluable."

With its vibrant community, cutting-edge facilities, and stacked event lineup, COCO St. Paul stands out as the prime destination for tech pros looking to immerse themselves in the city's dynamic tech landscape, forge meaningful connections, and stay ahead of the game.

The tech scene in St. Paul is seriously buzzing right now! And one of the best ways to tap into it is by following the local influencers on Twitter. By August 2024, there'll be a whole crew of personalities that you gotta keep on your radar.

Scott Burns, a tech entrepreneur, is someone you'll want to check out with his 4.8K followers.

Burns isn't just tweeting random stuff, he's dropping major knowledge about the startup world and all the dope events happening around the Twin Cities.

Like this one from a recent tech conference:

"Just hit up the panel on AI and fintech at #MinneBar2024. The startups coming out of St. Paul are seriously next-level!"

But Burns isn't the only one you should be following.

There are epic Twitter Lists dedicated to the St. Paul tech community:

• Twin Cities Tech: Over 200 companies, startups, and big players all in one dope list.
• STP Tech Events: The plug for all the must-attend meetups and conferences in the city.
• STP Devs: Where all the coders and programming geeks share the latest job openings and tech news.

To really make the most of Twitter for networking, here are some pro tips:

1. Hashtags like #StPaulTech and #TwinCitiesTech help you join convos about your fave topics.
2. Engage by dropping comments, asking questions, and sharing content from influencers and companies you're interested in.
3. RSVP to tweetups and events promoted by influencers to connect IRL (in real life).

If you're active on Twitter and engaged with the St. Paul tech crowd, you'll be tapped into a goldmine of industry intel, networking opps, and a chance to really make your mark in this booming scene.

Plus, you might even catch a shoutout from Nucamp about the next big tech event!