Identify at least five people who can help you further your goals and find ‘em.

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Before you board the plane to Austin, spend some time thinking up at least five people you’d like to meet at SXSW, like a particular blogger, or an entrepreneur. If you know specific names, jot them down and search for any sessions they may be presenting, or parties they may be hosting. It also doesn’t hurt to send them a quick email or tweet before you arrive in Austin simply stating you’d like to connect at SXSW. Make it a goal to introduce yourself to all five people you’ve identified.

6.
Get better acquainted with an online friend.
Facebook says you have more than 400 friends, and Twitter says you have sweden whatsapp number database just over 1,000 followers – Awesome! Have you met all of them in person? No doubt, some of your online friends will be in Austin, so make sure you connect. Hit up your favorite BBQ together (we prefer Salt Lick), grab some margaritas at Shady Grove, pay tribute to the Stevie Ray Vaughan statue at Town Lake, and hit up parties together at night. Take the time to get to know what you each of you do, who else you may know, and how you can help each other. Turn an online friend into a friend for life (and perhaps even a business partner or investor!).

7.
Discover new tools and new ideas.
The SXSW Tradeshow is where excited companies come to put their best foot forward by showing off their emerging technology, latest new tools and exciting products. Walk through the entire show floor once to get a lay of the land. Look for interesting companies, and make note of where they are. Then revisit the booths you found most interesting, make connections with people in those booths, and collect some schwag. Afterwards, snag some grub at many of the food trucks parked around the convention center.

8.
Live blog or tweet at least one session.
There’s no way anyone can possibly attend every session at SXSW, so do your fellow attendees, or non-attending followers a favor and live blog and/or tweet about one of the sessions you attend. Use appropriate hashtags like #sxswi or #sxsw, or any tags specific to your session. This is also a great way to attract more followers and readers. Often, folks will comment, reply and share what you post, so mind your manners and try to answer any questions.

We hope these 8 tips help you make the most from your SXSW experience. If you’d like more scoop, follow our roving Skadeedle reporters coming to you live from the Austin convention center, streets, parties and more, with all the SXSW action.