14122024 Mailand Ginostrabliggi Event

PETER

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Post on Dec 12, 2024

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14122024 Mailand Ginostrabliggi Event: A Night I'll Never Forget (and Some Lessons Learned!)

Okay, so, 14/12/2024. Milan. The Ginostrabliggi event. Whoa. Just writing that down makes my palms sweat a little. It was intense. I mean, seriously intense. Like, I'm still processing it all. I'm sure you're wondering what the heck a Ginostrabliggi event even is, right? Well, let me tell you. It's… complicated. Let's just say it involved a lot of… interesting people, a whole lotta networking, and enough Aperol Spritzes to sink a small boat.

My Epic Fail (and How I Learned From It)

First, I gotta confess. I totally messed up the pre-event prep. I mean, really messed up. I thought, "Hey, I'm super experienced in this stuff, I can wing it." Wrong. So wrong. I didn't properly research who was going to be there, didn't follow up on some crucial connections I should have made beforehand. I spent more time trying to find the perfect outfit (ugh, those Italian shoe stores!) instead of focusing on strategy. That was my first huge mistake. It made networking so much harder that night. I felt like I was constantly playing catch-up.

Seriously, I almost kicked myself! You need a solid game plan before even thinking about showing up to an event like this, especially in Milan, where everyone is on it.

The Importance of Pre-Event Research for any event.

Here's the thing: pre-event research is EVERYTHING. Before any event — whether it’s a small meetup or a huge conference like the Ginostrabliggi — you need to do your homework.

• Check the attendee list (if available). LinkedIn is your friend here! See who's going, what they do, and find common ground. I swear, it makes a HUGE difference when you have a few talking points prepared.

• Look up speakers and panelists. This isn't just about being a fanboy/fangirl—it's about crafting intelligent questions and showing them that you've done your research. Impress them with your knowledge, not your eagerness to get a selfie.

• Get clear on the event's goals. Why are you there? Networking? Learning? Knowing this helps you prioritize and make the most of your time.

My Small Win (And How It Happened)

Despite my earlier blunders, things started to change around 9 pm. After a very strong Aperol Spritz (it was necessary), I spotted Isabella Rossi from Il Giardino Segreto. I had actually read some of her work before coming to the event, something I didn't do for most of the others. It wasn't just memorizing her name; I’d genuinely made a connection with her work! I was able to reference her recent article on sustainable fashion and we had a genuine, interesting conversation. This small victory taught me that genuine interest wins over polished charm.

It's not about the number of people you meet; it’s about the quality of the connections you make.

The Ginostrabliggi Event: Key Takeaways

Let's be honest, the Ginostrabliggi event in Milan was… a whirlwind. I made mistakes, I learned from them, and I came away with some pretty valuable insights. Next time, I'm doing ALL my homework; I will be more prepared and strategic. I won’t neglect the power of thoughtful pre-event preparation. It's not just about turning up; it's about making meaningful connections and leveraging the opportunities. You really only have one shot at a first impression. So don't mess it up!

Remember, even the most experienced pros stumble sometimes. Embrace the learning curve. The world of networking is a marathon, not a sprint. So, go forth, and network wisely! (And don't forget the Aperol Spritz—it helps.)