#318 - Maximizing Networking with Business Cards at Tech Conferences

#318 - Maximizing Networking with Business Cards at Tech Conferences

Author: Tiago Ferreira November 17, 2023 Duration: 24:02

What it's like to attend a major tech conference like the Web Summit? Well, in this episode, I'll be sharing my personal experiences from the event. Despite all the controversy and big tech companies dropping out, the turnout was massive! I'll be discussing my networking strategies, like using the event app to connect with people and finding a quiet area for meetings. I'll also open up about my struggles with social anxiety at networking events. Plus, I'll emphasize the importance of business cards and share some interesting interactions with industry professionals.


Links

Join The WBE Community

Try PodSqueeze

DM me on Twitter


Timetsamps

Finding Success at Web Summit (00:01:23)

Tiago discusses his experience at the Web Summit tech conference, including controversies, ticket acquisition, and preparation tips.


The Overwhelming Nature of Web Summit (00:02:33)

Tiago describes the overwhelming size and structure of the Web Summit, with multiple pavilions, talks, booths, and an app for networking.


Networking and Scheduling at Web Summit (00:06:38)

Tiago shares his strategy for networking at the conference, including using the app to connect with people, scheduling back-to-back talks, and finding a quiet meeting area.


Blushing and Social Anxiety (00:10:31)

Tiago discusses his experience with blushing and social anxiety, how it affects his interactions, and the potential connection to anxiety or phobia.


Awkward Networking Events (00:11:29)

Tiago talks about feeling awkward during networking events, particularly when approaching people and breaking the ice.


Interactions and Insights from Podcasters (00:12:20)

Tiago shares his interactions with podcasters and people in the industry, discussing the struggles of podcasting, learning about Spotify's role, and offering help and advice.


The card is an effective networking tool (00:19:31)

Tiago discusses how he used his business card to approach someone and make a connection.


Offering a discount on the card (00:20:18)

Tiago explains how his business card also includes a discount and information about his product.


The podcast has a strong and supportive community (00:21:03)

Tiago expresses gratitude for the listeners and mentions the active community of indie makers who support the podcast.


Tiago Ferreira is a full-time builder, an Indie Founder who operates without venture capital, turning ideas into revenue-generating startups entirely on his own terms. This podcast is the audio journal of that specific journey, focused on the craft of entrepreneurship and the tangible goal of hitting $100,000 in annual recurring revenue. You’ll hear Tiago’s own candid reflections-the wins, the setbacks, and the daily lessons learned while bootstrapping. The conversations extend beyond his own desk, featuring interviews with other entrepreneurs who understand the grind of building something from nothing. It’s a deep dive into the practical realities of independent creation, from product development and marketing to mindset and sustainable growth. Tuning into this podcast feels like getting real talk from a fellow maker who’s in the trenches, making it a valuable companion for anyone navigating the often solitary path of building a business with autonomy at its core. The focus remains squarely on actionable insights and shared experiences within the indie maker community.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Indie Founder
Podcast Episodes
#374 - Managing a Business While In Parental Leave [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:22
In this episode, I catch you up on the latest life and business updates. I reflect on the privilege and challenges of being an indie entrepreneur, especially as my co-founder João becomes a new father and takes parental…
#373 - Saying No, Even to Yourself: Avoiding Founder Burnout [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:46
In this episode, I speak about the importance of saying no—not just to others, but also to myself and my own ideas. I reflect on feeling overwhelmed by work and the many projects that compete for my attention, and I real…
#372 - Growing a Bootstrapped Empire Without Social Media [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:51
I speak about our strategy for 2026 and why distribution is key for our bootstrapped products. I share how SEO is working better for us than social media, and how we’re building a universe of interconnected products usin…
#371 - Twitter Fights and Product Launches [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:36
I answer a listener question on product validation and the best way to launch new projects. I share why I prefer building a simple MVP over just creating landing pages, and why I believe organic traffic beats paid ads un…
Indie Founder Podcast Trailer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:20
Welcome to the Indie Founder Podcast—a show where I (Tiago) share my journey from software engineer to full-time indie maker. In this podcast, I talk about building bootstrap businesses like Podsqueeze—ventures grown wit…
#369 - Selling Podsqueeze? What Happened in 2025 Changes Everything! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:21
In a conversation with my co-founder we speak about why we’re not selling Podsqueeze in 2026, our MRR numbers, tackling churn, and the challenges of B2B vs. B2C. I explain our SEO strategy and why we invested $1,500 in a…
#368 - Why I Spent $1,500 on a Domain for My SaaS [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:04
I share why I bought my most expensive domain ever for $1,500 and break down the strategy behind it. I talk about the shift from product development to mastering distribution, especially through SEO. I discuss the differ…
#367 - We Just Moved In To Our Own Office [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:43
I share the story behind getting our first dedicated Podsqueeze office in Portugal. I talk about the challenges of moving from a co-working space, hunting for a budget-friendly place, and doing DIY renovations with my co…