How to Prep for a Business Mixer: A Guide for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Attending your first business mixer can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. These events are fantastic opportunities to network, learn, and grow your business. As a recent winner of the MSJC Business Pitch Contest, I'm preparing to attend my first business mixer and want to share some tips to help you make the most of your experience.
1. Create Professional Name Tags
Custom name tags are an essential part of your professional image. I used premade templates on Canva.com to design name tags for myself and my team members. These name tags establish branding and assert our job titles, helping us stand out and be easily identifiable. They also add a touch of professionalism that can make a strong first impression.
2. Practice Makes Perfect
Before attending the mixer, I practiced using my new name badge and padfolio at my local farmers market. This dry run helped me get comfortable with dressing up, carrying everything, and utilizing my padfolio naturally. When one of the market managers mistook me for their new "ad girl," I realized the power of a well-presented name badge and professional demeanor.
3. Organize Your Portfolio
A well-organized padfolio can make a significant impact at a business mixer. I recently went to Target and purchased this Padfolio with Notepad Letter Size Tan by Blue Sky. Mine holds notes, a pen, brochures, business cards, and company fact sheets. This not only keeps me organized but also ensures that I have all the necessary materials to engage in meaningful conversations and leave a lasting impression.
4. First Impressions Matter
Your goal should be to appear organized and professional from the moment you walk in. A polished padfolio, professional attire, and a confident attitude can help you make a positive first impression. Remember, you only get one chance to make a first impression, so make it count.
5. Have a Clear Mindset
Go into the mixer with a clear mindset: you have something to offer, and you have something to gain. This mindset ensures that you remain an active participant, making the most of every interaction. Engage with others, ask questions, and share your knowledge. Remember, networking is a two-way street.
6. Be an Active Participant
Don't just attend the mixer; participate actively. Engage in conversations, exchange business cards, and show genuine interest in what others have to offer. This will not only help you gain valuable insights but also leave a positive impression on others. Your goal is to leave the mixer with new contacts, ideas, and potential collaborations.
7. Plan Your Follow-Up
After the mixer, follow up with the people you met. Send personalized emails or messages to express your interest in continuing the conversation. This not only reinforces your commitment to building professional relationships but also helps solidify the connections you made.
8. Bonus Tip: Continue Networking Beyond the Mixer
If you’re unable to attend the mixer or want to hone your networking skills further, consider this approach. It's graduation season, and I recently attended the graduation at Menifee's Santa Rosa Academy. Among the speeches, one by Menifee Councilwoman Lesa Sobek stood out. She said, "Academics and character are taught side-by-side."
Two days later, I wrote Lesa an email, thanking her for her speech, explaining how her quote resonated with me, and expressing my gratitude for her leadership. Lesa replied with heartfelt thanks.
This experience taught me a valuable lesson: networking isn’t just about promoting yourself. It's about listening and acknowledging others. Reach out to someone whose work or words have impacted you. Let them know you appreciate their efforts and explain how they’ve influenced you. This genuine connection can be the foundation of a strong professional relationship.
So, even if you can't attend a mixer, you can still network effectively. Listen, appreciate, and connect meaningfully.
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Final Thoughts
Attending a business mixer can be a game-changer for your business. By preparing effectively and participating actively, you can make the most of these events. Remember, the key to a successful mixer is preparation, professionalism, and a proactive mindset. So, gear up, practice, and make your presence felt at your next business mixer.
Good luck, and see you at the mixer! Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @emmyteddydesigns. Check out our other articles for all things art, business, and markets. For more tips on networking, read my article "The Power of Being a Fan: Building Connections in the Art Community."
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Join Me at the Mega Mixer!
Event Details
Mark your calendars for the Mega Mixer on Thursday, June 27th, from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 41888 Motor Car Pkwy, Bldg B, Temecula 92591, Mount San Jacinto College Temecula Valley Campus, 2nd Floor. Admission is just one business card or $1!
As MSJC's first-place winner of the 2024 Business Pitch Contest, I'm thrilled to establish Emmyteddy Designs as a professional and reliable business. I'm here to offer business mentorship to aspiring entrepreneurs while seeking mentorship and potential collaborations.
I dream of collaborating with local businesses—like partnering with a baker to create decorative Teddy cookies or working with a yogurt shop to design Teddy-themed yogurt cups. These collaborations can offer exposure, positive word of mouth, and mutual growth.
I'm attending this event with an open mind, eager to meet future mentors, mentees, business friends, and clients. Come out, mingle with like-minded people, and see what locals bring to the table. Remember, you bring value too. If you run a local business or dream of starting one and have passion, we want to see you at the mixer.
Hope to see you there! Don't forget your business cards and brochures. My team is prepared and proud to represent Emmyteddy Designs with our new company fact sheet and name tags.
UPDATE AFTER THE MIXER:
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