What is the real problem with business mixers? Why is it so hard to get folks to attend - even folks who are paying members? What is going on here?
Where I live the mixers are free to attend and provide lots of food and refreshments. The individual business that agrees to host the mixer not only supplies the space but the food. Thefore, even though the public attends for free, there is a serious expense involved here. Why would there be an attendance problem?
Could it be that many small businesses people do not know how to behave at a mixer? Could it be they do not know how to benefit from being in a room with a lot of people? Is business networking something that most people do not know how to appropriate, but refuse to admit ignorance on the matter? Therefore, rather than show themselves to be somewhat awkward in such surroundings, the better option is simply to avoid the event.
Or, is the problem not with with the general public, but with the host for the mixer? Is there something that ALL hosts for mixers should be doing when a business mixer takes place, besides showing themselves to be hospitable? Are there some things a mixer host should do in an effort to assure a good turnout? For example, send PSA's to the local newspapers, post to Ryze's Event section (See Middletown Merchants Mixer) and make lots of personal phone calls.
I appreciate some feedback on this matter as I prepare for an October 20th mixer in "Small Town USA."
Lamar Morgan
CDMM
Creating a buzz for business in the boardroom
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