OTC Recap: Relationship-First Networking, Service, and Playing to Your Team’s Strengths | One Shot Growth

Daniel Radabaugh and Derek Boyd recap their week after OTC, explaining how their business model and internal operating system let Daniel focus on networking while Derek supports operations and research from behind the scenes. They discuss the cost and ROI pressure of big conferences and why preparation (reviewing attendee lists) and building relationships—not pitching—creates better long-term outcomes. They share examples of meaningful connections, nonprofit involvement (including Dive Pirates, Project 2 Fourteen, and the PTSD Foundation of America), and how service-first engagement leads to unexpected opportunities and referrals. They also note industry shifts at OTC toward tech and innovation (including automated submarine tech) and argue that sales, BD, and operations must adapt. The episode emphasizes knowing your strengths, partnering strategically, being genuine, and serving others as the most sustainable path to success.

00:00 Episode 8: Service-First Networking at OTC

02:22 Justifying the Cost of Big Events

02:46 Preparation & Evaluating the Attendee List

03:47 Relationship-First Sales Approach

07:26 Breaking Into Sales & Warming Up Leads

12:08 Playing to Your Strengths as a Team

16:44 Industry Shifts: Tech at OTC

22:43 Service-First Mindset

30:11 Community, Nonprofits & Being Genuine

31:38 Closing Thoughts & Call to Action