Top 10 Strategies for Networking Your Way into Winston Salem's Tech Scene

Winston-Salem is totally thriving when it comes to its tech scene! It's got this sweet spot called the Innovation Quarter that's like a playground for startups and entrepreneurs.

They've got coworking spaces, workshops, the whole nine yards to help you turn your ideas into legit businesses. Winston-Salem was ranked the No. 1 City for Small Business Growth by WalletHub in 2019! That's wild, right?

But it's not just about startups, some major players like Inmar Intelligence and Clinical Ink are based here too.

These companies are pushing the envelope in areas like digital promotions, clinical trial tech, and data management. If you're looking to break into hot fields like software development or cybersecurity, Winston-Salem is definitely the place to be.

And don't sleep on programs like Nucamp's coding bootcamps - they'll give you the skills and networking opportunities to land your first remote gig straight out of Winston-Salem.

Networking is key though, so immerse yourself in the community.

Check out meetups like the Twin City Tech Talks for hands-on learning experiences, or flex your coding skills at hackathons. The more you get involved, the more connections you'll make with potential mentors and employers.

Winston-Salem's tech scene is buzzing, so get out there and be a part of it!

Flywheel Coworking in Winston-Salem is way more than just a workspace, it's the heart of the local startup scene. Their event calendar is packed with opportunities to connect and level up your network.

We're talking monthly Community Days where you can cowork for free and meet new people, plus regular events like CreatorXchange for designers and developers, Pitch-Space Live for pitching to investors, and the epic Idea Expo where founders get feedback on their concepts.

The real magic happens just by being there - the chill vibes make it easy to strike up convos and collaborate with other driven people working on cool projects.

Like this guy David Thompson from Flywheel says,

"The electrified atmosphere sparks new ideas every day. I've connected with VCs, marketing gurus, you name it."

With awesome amenities like beer on tap, plus chances to attend major events like ConvergeSouth, Flywheel gives you all the tools to grow your circle and tap into Winston's buzzing tech community.

The Piedmont Triad Regional Council (PTRC) is a total game-changer for anyone trying to break into Winston Salem's tech scene.

These guys are all about fueling economic growth and community development, and they've got some killer initiatives to help tech-savvy folks like us network and get connected.

One of their standout programs is the Triad Technology Cluster, which brings together over 400 tech companies across various industries.

Can you imagine the networking potential there? They host quarterly events where you can rub elbows with industry bigwigs, potential employers, and other tech enthusiasts just like yourself.

According to the council's stats, these events have facilitated a mind-blowing 1,200+ one-on-one meetings. That's some serious opportunity for making crucial connections.

The PTRC hooks you up with a wealth of resources to help you level up your tech game:

• Mentorship Program: Gain insights and guidance from experienced tech pros who've been there and done that.
• Tech Job Board: Stay updated on the latest job openings from local tech companies, making your job search a breeze.
• Startup Incubator: If you've got a brilliant tech idea brewing, they'll provide the resources and support to help you turn it into a reality.

Jennifer Wilson, the PTRC's Director of Technology Initiatives, summed it up perfectly:

"Our mission is to create an environment where tech professionals and enthusiasts can thrive, collaborate, and drive innovation within our region."

If you're serious about making waves in Winston Salem's tech scene, the Piedmont Triad Regional Council is an absolute must.

Tap into their resources, attend their events, and get ready to watch your tech career skyrocket.

Let me tell you about this rad spot called the Center for Creative Economy (CCE) - it's a total game-changer for anyone trying to make moves in Winston Salem's buzzing tech and entrepreneur scene! Set up in 2007, this non-profit is all about fostering that creative spirit, bringing fresh ideas to life, and helping ambitious folks level up their professional game.

Networking is like their bread and butter.

They've got a killer lineup of workshops, panels, and mixer events to help you connect with fellow hustlers at every stage of the entrepreneur grind. Here are some must-hit events to put on your radar:

• Kinetic Creative Boot Camp: This 6-week program is a total crash course in workshopping your biz idea and understanding your customer base - perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs itching to launch their startup.
• Velocity Creative Accelerator: A 10-week intensive where you'll master the basics, solidify your brand positioning, and craft a killer pitch - all while scoring personalized mentorship from seasoned pros across various industries. Plus, you could snag a $10K seed grant to kickstart your venture!
• Momentum Creative Business Network: This tight-knit community brings together creative entrepreneurs at all levels to break down silos, connect, and spark that innovative fire.

According to their latest stats, CCE has helped kickstart over 570 local startups and creative businesses, generating a whopping $114 million in revenue and raking in $210 million in investments.

With their personalized mentorship programs, access to resources, and collaborative coworking spaces, CCE is seriously empowering entrepreneurs to turn their wildest ideas into thriving businesses.

As Karen Jones, a former participant, put it,

"CCE gave me the guidance and network I needed to successfully launch my tech startup."

Winston-Salem's tech scene is straight-up fire, and the Wake Forest Innovation Quarter is the hotspot where it's all poppin' off.

This place is a mega hub for innovators, entrepreneurs, and techies to connect and collab. It's like a 330-acre playground for the tech-savvy, packed with meetups that'll have you networking like a boss.

The Wake Forest Innovations squad is turning brilliant ideas into real-life healthcare solutions that are changing the game.

And the Wake Forest Innovations blog gives you the inside scoop on how they're making waves in fields like regenerative medicine, data analytics, and clinical trials.

But it's not just about the tech - the Innovation Quarter is buzzing with all sorts of dope meetups.

You've got ones for coders, data nerds, startup hustlers, and more. It's like a constant flow of knowledge and connections just waiting to be tapped into. And the best part? Most of these meetups are totally free to attend, so you can get your network on without breaking the bank.

If you're serious about leveling up your tech game, get yourself to the Innovation Quarter and start mixing it up with the movers and shakers.

Introduce yourself, swap contacts, and maybe even step up and share your expertise at one of the meetups. Before you know it, you'll be part of the crew shaping the future of tech in Winston-Salem and beyond.

If you're looking to level up your tech game in Winston Salem, the Triad Developers Conference is where it's at.

This annual bash has been going strong for over a decade, and it's a total hotspot for developers of all skill levels. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned pro, this conference is the place to be.

First off, they've got networking on lock.

You'll have so many chances to connect with other devs, swap stories, and maybe even land your next gig. It's like a candy store for making new friends and finding mentors who've been there and done that.

Plus, the workshops are where it really goes down. We're talking cutting-edge stuff like AI, machine learning, React, and even ethical hacking – all taught by the big guns in the industry.

But beyond just the technical know-how, the Triad Developers Conference is a melting pot of talent.

You'll get to rub shoulders with devs from all walks of life, swapping war stories and maybe even stumbling onto your next brilliant idea. And let's not forget about the keynote speakers.

This year, they've lined up heavy hitters like Christopher Thompson and Jeremy Keith, so you know it's gonna be an experience.

Winston Salem's tech scene is heating up, and this conference is at the heart of it all.

If you're serious about taking your skills to the next level and connecting with the movers and shakers in the industry, the Triad Developers Conference is an absolute must-attend.

If you're a young hustler trying to get your tech startup popping in Winston Salem, you should link up with the Forsyth Tech Small Business Center.

This place is a total game-changer for tech entrepreneurs, offering all kinds of valuable resources and connections to level up your grind.

First off, they have an impressive startup assistance program that will help you solidify your business plan, protect your IP, and connect you with investors and mentors who've been in the game and succeeded.

It's like having a whole squad of experienced professionals in your corner, guiding you on the path to success.

The center hosts numerous networking events where you can connect with other tech entrepreneurs and industry leaders.

Events include pitch nights, meetups, and mixers which empower you to network effectively and establish valuable connections.

Moreover, they provide access to an extensive range of tech resources.

You'll have access to top-notch software, online training sessions on coding and cybersecurity, and a comprehensive library of industry reports and case studies to keep you ahead of the curve.

This facility is a strategic advantage for tech startups in Winston.

Just ask Thomas Jones from CyberSecure Solutions – he'll tell you how the Forsyth Tech Small Business Center has been instrumental in helping his company grow.

If you're serious about advancing in the tech world, connect with these folks ASAP.

Volunteering at tech events in Winston-Salem is where it's at if you wanna build your network and really dive into the local tech scene. I mean, according to this VolunteerMatch survey, a whopping 92% of people said that volunteering not only gives them a sense of purpose but also helps them meet new people in their field.

Winston has so many tech events where you can lend a hand, like:

• Community TechDay: This all-day event hosted by Pathway Community Foundation highlights local and national companies doing cool stuff in tech. Volunteers help with networking, community engagement, and even a career fair with over 500 job seekers!
• Winston-Salem Symphony: Believe it or not, even the symphony needs tech volunteers! The Winston-Salem Symphony looks for volunteers to assist with various events and programs, including tech-related roles. Assisting in tech roles at such events is both rewarding and beneficial for networking.
• Local Tech Meetups: Winston has a bunch of meetup groups focused on coding, cybersecurity, data analytics, and more. Volunteering to help organize or moderate these meetups is an awesome way to get involved.

But it's not just about the experience and knowledge you'll gain.

Volunteering at these events is a surefire way to network like a boss. Just ask Christopher Gonzalez, a seasoned volunteer at Winston tech events – he says, "Volunteering opened up so many doors for me.

I've connected with industry leaders, landed interviews, and even scored a mentorship opportunity, all because of the connections I made while volunteering." When you volunteer, you're showing your dedication and passion for tech, and you'll get access to a whole community of professionals who share your interests and ambitions.

If you wanna make waves in Winston Salem's buzzing tech scene this year, having a solid LinkedIn profile is a must.

Start by nailing your headline and summary section - make it punchy and show off your mad tech skills and dope accomplishments. Sprinkle in some key industry words too, so local tech pros and hiring managers can find you easily when they're searching.

But it ain't just about looking good online.

You gotta get out there and connect with the local tech community on LinkedIn.

Check out companies, industry leaders, and fellow tech geeks in your niche, and get involved by dropping some fire comments and sharing their content. Join groups like "Winston-Salem Tech Professionals" and "Piedmont Triad Tech Community" to chat it up, share your knowledge, and build those valuable connections.

To really level up your networking game, here are some pro tips:

• Use LinkedIn's event feature to find local tech meetups, conferences, and workshops - perfect for meeting people face-to-face and making those real-life connections.
• Up your profile's visibility by posting killer articles, industry updates, and multimedia content showcasing your expertise on the reg.
• Ask your peers and colleagues to endorse your skills and drop some recommendations - it'll make your profile look legit af.

The Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce says over 65% of local tech pros are all about using LinkedIn for networking and leveling up their skills.

With hubs like Wake Forest Innovation Quarter and Flywheel Coworking sparking innovation left and right, having a strong LinkedIn game can open doors to sick career opportunities and collabs.

As Matthew Miller from Inmar Intelligence says,

"In this digital world, having a solid online presence and network on platforms like LinkedIn is essential for any tech pro who wants to stay ahead of the game."

Inmar Intelligence is a total gamechanger in Winston Salem's tech scene. As a cutting-edge data and analytics company, they're leading the charge with their headquarters right in the heart of the city.

With over 1,200 employees on deck as of 2024, Inmar Intelligence is one of the top dogs in terms of major employers around here.

But it's not just about being a big-time player – these guys are seriously invested in building connections within the local tech community.

They host a ton of events throughout the year, like tech talks, coding workshops, hackathons, and industry mixers. It's the perfect way to network, learn from the pros, and maybe even score a sweet gig.

Their annual Inmar Insights Summit is a must-attend, where industry legends gather to discuss the latest and greatest in data-driven tech solutions.

Inmar Intelligence isn't just about their own events, though.

They actively encourage their employees to get involved with the local scene through mentorship programs, volunteering, and collaborating with schools like Wake Forest University and Winston-Salem State University.

Plus, their internship program is a golden opportunity for aspiring techies to gain real-world experience and make connections within the company. It's a win-win situation.

According to their own report, Inmar Intelligence is seriously committed to fostering Winston Salem's tech ecosystem.

They partner with organizations like the Center for Creative Economy and the Forsyth Tech Small Business Center to support startups, entrepreneurs, and small businesses.

It's all about providing resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help the local tech community thrive.

As Inmar Intelligence's Chief Technology Officer put it,

"Our success is tied to the strength of Winston Salem's tech community. By engaging with local talent and building industry connections, we're not just driving innovation, but also contributing to the growth and prosperity of our city's tech ecosystem."

That's the kind of mindset that sets Inmar Intelligence apart, and it's a major reason why Winston Salem's tech scene is on the rise.