Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Stir Up Some Business ... Host a Mixer

By Mindy at Networkingeventfinders.com

Business is down, people are cautious; everybody’s waiting so see
what the economy will do before they commit to that marketing campaign or that advertising spread, etc. But still… you feel like your company

should be doing something.


Sponsor a “Networking Mixer!” After the observations of my Orange County, CA, editor, Marcie Taylor, I thought I should expand on this informal segment of the networking arena. You don’t need to involve a chamber or any other structured organization. All you need are refreshments, food, a large venue and people! (oh, yeah….nametags!)


As business owners and firms offering professional services look for ways to create interest, meet new people, and possibly help their clients, we’ve seen casual events spring up that are being hosted by
professional firms. For example, a bank or a legal firm may host a Happy Hour Mixer or Client-Appreciation Open house. Put the word “Networking” in the title and people‘s self-interest will be sparked. The sponsoring firm invites their clients and encourages them to bring others. All their associates are on hand as greeters to introduce clients to each other.


This is a social business event and there is no presentation other than the host at some point announcing to the crowd something like: “Welcome…I’m Mr. Prez of Jones & Associates, A CPA firm. Thank you for coming! Please eat, drink and be merry. If you have any questions about us, please don’t hesitate to ask…Enjoy the evening!


If you want to give a presentation on your company or a particular area of your expertise, that’s your prerogative, but that fact should be well communicated in the original invitation so your guests will not be caught unaware. You don’t want to be deemed a networking “Bait & Switch”.


Another option is to host a morning coffee & bagel type Meet & Greet in your office building or office park. The idea is to meet your neighbors get to know them & their business…maybe you can help each other? Perhaps this can work into a future mixer to involve clients, networking and future collaborations. The opportunities are
endless.


Sound like too much work? Share the responsibilities with another firm and have two sponsors. You have plenty of online resources, E-vites for managing the guest list & social media & your local Networking Guide to spread the word! Please be cognizant as to whether or not a Happy Hour is appropriate for your industry…I still can’t believe that the Girl Scouts are hosting a Happy Hour for a Chamber of Commerce in Nevada (I’m surprised
it’s not a Casino Night)…I would think a non-alcoholic breakfast would be a better fit, but that’s just me…

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