How to Be “Famous” in Anchorage

From Someone Who Is Definitely Not Famous

Quick disclaimer. I am not famous. This is not advice from the mountaintop. These are just observations from moving to Anchorage in 2019 from Houston, Texas and slowly figuring out how things actually work here.

The goal of this post is simple. Help young professionals feel less awkward, more confident, and better connected in Alaska, which fits pretty well with Velocity’s whole mission. If you recognize yourself in any of this, you are probably doing it right.

1. Step one: show up. Then keep showing up.

I have noticed that Alaska runs on repetition. Go to one Velocity event and people will be friendly. Go to five and people will start remembering your name. Go to ten and they will assume you have always been there.

Go to Alliance and RDC breakfasts, Chamber of Commerce “Make it Monday” Forums, and follow all the trade associations on social media and read the newsletters to find out about events… then go to the events!

This applies to YPG events, industry mixers, fundraisers, galas, and yes, monthly karaoke at the Petroleum Club. Karaoke counts. Maybe it counts extra. There is no faster way to bond with future clients or coworkers than confidently singing something you should not be singing.

Side note: We have explored the idea of adding a calendar to the Velocity website which would show these types of events and more. Please reach out if this would be a useful resource for you, we’d love to find more ways to help and engage!

2. Invite yourself into the room. Politely, but firmly.

This was a big adjustment coming from Houston. In Alaska, waiting to be invited often means waiting forever. Introduce yourself. Pull up a chair. Join the conversation. Most rooms are not nearly as exclusive as they look, and people generally respect someone who is willing to engage.

If you see the same people at the same event every year, that is not a closed group. That is your cue.

3. Have hobbies. Everyone in Alaska will ask about them immediately.

People here want to know what you do, but they really want to know what you do outside of work. Skiing, hiking, fishing, running, lifting, walking trails, or just getting outside all count. The important part is inviting people along.

Some of the best professional relationships I have built started with “You should come with us sometime” followed by actually following through.

4. Know where to meet and where to eat. This matters more than you think.

Certain places in Anchorage double as unofficial conference rooms.

Snow City for breakfast meetings.907 Alehouse when you want casual but solid.El GreenGo’s or Serrano’s when tacos feel like the right move.Taste of India, Everest, Naruto, Charlie’s, Seoul Casa, Pho Lena, or Rickshaw when it is cold and you want something that sticks to your soul.Whiskey and Ramen, Jens, Kincaid Grill, Southside Bistro, Altura Bistro, or Club Paris when you need great food with a fancy atmosphere.F Street Station or Fiori D’Italia when you want to show someone you actually know Anchorage.Gumbo House or Chopped and Chowdered when you want instant credibility.Kaladi Brothers or Black Cup when coffee is the meeting, and do not forget the Captain Cook’s coffee shop, The Cubby, which is a hidden gem

Important rule. Do not take anyone to Starbucks. Ever. We live in Alaska. We have better options.

5. Volunteer where the work actually happens.

Anchorage notices who shows up. Boards, committees, fundraisers, galas, and charitable organizations are where reputations are quietly built. Help stack chairs. Stay late. Do the unglamorous stuff. These rooms are full of people who care deeply about Alaska and are worth knowing.

6. Be useful before trying to be impressive.

Make introductions. Share information. Connect people. Help without keeping score. People here remember helpers, and those reputations travel fast.

7. Do not take yourself too seriously.

If you can laugh at yourself, you will fit in just fine. Alaska has survived earthquakes, extreme weather, boom-and-bust cycles, and very long winters. A little humility and humor go a long way.

I am still figuring all of this out myself and in a state this big, there’s always so much room to grow, but if this helps one young professional feel more comfortable walking into a Velocity event, inviting someone to coffee, or confidently inserting themselves into the room, then this post has done its job.

And if people start recognizing you around town, congratulations. You might be “famous” in Anchorage now. Whether you meant to be or not.

Rysen Sharzadi.