Yesterday I went to two different business mixers. They were each unique and unlike any of the mixers I have attended in the past.
Most business mixers consists of little groups of people who know each other, who hope to give their card to someone new, but who are more interested in staying in their comfort zone. They may have a little too much wine or stay at the food table a little too long and regret it later. When they do latch onto someone they don’t know, they spend their time trying to sell that person on their services. We always called them schmooze festivals. Fun, but a waste of time from a business perspective.
These two were special. My morning mixer was a group of about twenty-five people, all from different businesses. They sit in a circle around a room, with notepads and business cards. These people network together every week, I came as a guest, and give each other their loyalty and referrals. Many have been in the group for years, they have built up a trust, and they take care of each other. Everyone gets a chance to give a one or two minute presentation, as well as a thank you for the referrals given and received. Each week one business presents for about fifteen minutes so their colleagues can see on a deeper level what they are able to offer. The atmosphere was warm and comfortable, like a group of friends all trying to help each other. There was an education segment with some inspirational ideas, a help session where a business person can come to the group with an issue that needs resolution, and a decent cup of coffee, too!
The evening mixer was a whole different animal. There were no chairs, everyone was on their feet for two hours. This group had a facilitator to make sure you gave and received as many business cards as possible. The goal was not to give or receive business, the goal was to get to know each other and to stay in touch. There was plenty of snack food, veggies and dips, fruit and wine, and people sampled as they talked. After a period of time, we broke into groups and discussed a topic, this week it was leadership. I left for home with 19 business cards, several good books to read, and some new connections I would never have discovered elsewhere.
Both styles are excellent, each in their own way. The right mixer is one where everyone helps each other succeed. Both of these were the right mixer.