TechWeek in San Francisco and L.A. is a unique networking opportunity for professionals to mingle, network, and share insights in an environment buzzing with innovation. Creative Blue, in partnership with Unicorner, hosted two standout events during this exciting week—one in each city. While the energy and engagement were high at both, L.A. took the edge (thanks to the incredible pizza chef).

These events gave our team a chance to step out of our project-focused work and observe firsthand the myriad of communication styles in the room. It’s an eye-opener for anyone navigating the networking sphere: while some professionals shine in making genuine connections, others fall into a trap that we started referring to as “Pitch Slappers.”

The Encounter that Sparked the Insight

I was mingling in L.A., surrounded by around 150 attendees, when I met a young founder. He launched into an impressive-sounding pitch filled with jargon and metrics without so much as making eye contact. I couldn’t follow most of what he was saying over the event’s noise, and when I shared a bit about Creative Blue, he nodded and moved on as soon as he realized I wasn’t an investor. It felt transactional and left no room for genuine dialogue.

Later, an investor I spoke with highlighted the issue perfectly. We talked about the event’s vibe, and he mentioned, with a wry smile, the term “Pitch Slappers”—those who launch into pre-rehearsed spiels, buzzwords flying, without investing time in building trust. “People invest in people, not just ideas,” he said, underscoring the importance of real human connection.

A Tale of Two Interactions: Lessons Learned

Reflecting on TechWeek, two contrasting experiences came to mind:

The Rehearsed Pitch Gone Wrong: The young founder’s approach—all data, no soul—highlighted how even brilliant ideas can fall flat when delivered without warmth or interest in dialogue. It’s a reminder that while rehearsing your pitch is essential, approaching conversations as a one-way monologue misses the point.

A Genuine Connection Done Right: On the other side, my colleague Ashley had a different encounter. Sitting down with a sandwich, she struck up an organic conversation with a founder. The discussion flowed naturally from the event’s atmosphere to sandwiches, and then to business. The founder gave a concise, conversational pitch and was open to questions—a perfect balance of preparedness and authenticity. By the end, Ashley could suggest a potential VC fit, leaving room for future collaboration. This founder later reached out on LinkedIn for feedback, showing receptiveness and openness to input. That’s the kind of connection that builds trust and could lead to lasting partnerships.

Tips to Build Genuine Connections

Want to avoid falling into “Pitch Slapping” and make lasting impressions when you’re networking? Here are some practical tips:

1. Start with Curiosity: Before launching into your pitch, show genuine interest in the person you’re speaking with. Ask questions, engage in their stories, and make eye contact.
2. Balance Rehearsal with Realness: Know your pitch, but don’t let it dominate your interactions. Share your story—why you care about your work—to humanize your presentation.
3. Listen as Much as You Speak: Networking isn’t a stage for monologues. Listening fosters mutual respect and opens doors to collaborative opportunities.
4. Be Receptive: Stay open to feedback and suggestions. This shows character and adaptability, qualities investors and partners value.

From the Harvard Business Review article Connect, Then Lead, “warmth is the conduit of influence.” Without taking some time to build trust, you will never have the chance to make a real impact.

Why This Matters

At Creative Blue, we emphasize this in our storytelling approach. You can have the best pitch deck, refined materials, and solid metrics, but if you can’t communicate your passion and excitement in person, it risks falling flat. Human interaction—genuine, intriguing, and authentic—is the key to making people want to be part of your story.

After all, people don’t just invest in ideas. They invest in people.

Let us help you find the heart of your narrative and share it in a way that resonates.