Inaugural Inland Empire’s Largest Mixer Exceeds Expectations with Over 1400 Attendees Networking Their Business Into Success
Event Unites Local Businesses, City Chambers and Business Groups to Benefit the Inland Empire Business Community
Business networking shifted into high gear with the debut of Inland Empire’s Largest Mixer, October 24, 2007, bringing together local businesses representing hundreds of industries and companies in the Inland Empire. Over 1400 business professionals packed the Ontario Convention Center for an evening of professional networking and business outreach.
"Inland Empire’s Largest Mixer was the most organized and well-attended event I have ever been at as a booth exhibitor,” said Lorraine Hernandez Saint, Executive Director, Riverside Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “I personally made a lot of great contacts for GRHCC and spoke to many who expressed a sincere interest in becoming members or partners. A quick count of the business cards collected at our booth and from visiting other booths amounted to approx. 210 -- probably the most we've ever collected at any another event.”
The event – part social mixer, part business expo – is the fourth and latest installment in the “Largest Mixer” family of events that has already produced successful mixers in Los Angeles, Orange County and Las Vegas.
“The thing that struck me most was how well the event was attended,” commented Jim Nicholas, President, Access Business Center in La Verne, CA. “There were a wide variety of businesses which gave the attendees a chance to connect with the people they needed to meet.” The first of an annual event featured over 150 exhibitors and an impressive list of local sponsors who share a common goal of business outreach and networking.
“Everyone I spoke with at the Mixer said the event was the best they've ever been to in the Inland Empire!,” remarked Jeremy Zachary, Publisher,Inland Empire Weekly. “The Largest Mixer team really stepped up and created something great in a market that really needed this.”
The event was sponsored by: American Business Woman's Association, California Inland Counties American Marketing Association, CHARO-SBA Women's Business Center, Colton Chamber, Corona Chamber, For You Network, an affiliate of the National Association of Female Executives, Hesperia Chamber, Inland Empire Young Professionals Network, La Verne Chamber, National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals-Inland Empire, Inland Empire Small Business Development Center, National Association of Women Business Owners-Inland Empire, Ontario Chamber, Ontario Convention and Visitors Bureau, Rialto Chamber, Riverside Hispanic Chamber, San Bernardino Area Chamber, San Dimas Chamber and Yucaipa Chamber of Commerce.
Co-sponsors included: Conexion, Goliath Advertising, Inc., Inland Empire Business Journal, Inland Empire Weekly, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, KOLA 99.9, KTIE 590, KZSW-TV, La Opinion, Meetings and Mixers, My 5 Minute Networking, Ontario Convention Center, Owl Enterprises, ReEvolve Designs, Stinger Advertising, Inc., and X-press Printing and Graphics,
Inc.
Inland Empire’s Largest Mixer is produced by The Dave Linden Group, Inc.
"Being a small business, we typically don't spend much money on traditional advertising. We felt like Inland Empire's Largest Mixer would be an excellent opportunity to introduce the Inn to people we would never have reached,” said Nicole Damato, Sales and Marketing Manager, Inn at Playa del Rey. “We were able to talk to hundreds of potential guests face to face and get them interested in what we have to offer. It was a very successful event for us."
For more information on future “Largest Mixer” events, please visit www.iemixer.com or call 909-560-2800.
Las Vegas Area Chambers of Commerce and Business Organizations Unite for the Ultimate Business Networking Event
Chambers of Commerce and Businesses From Across Southern Nevada Networked Their Business Into Success at Las Vegas' Largest Mixer
LAS VEGAS, NV - Over 1500 businesspeople came to network their business into success at the third annual Las Vegas' Largest Mixer, a collaboration of local business organizations and professionals. The event was held Tuesday, September 18, 2007 at the Plaza Hotel and Casino in downtown Las Vegas.
"Wow. The mixer was fabulous," said Dawn McClure, sales director with Verge Living Corporation. "It's so large with such a great turn-out. I see people from all different walks. What a fabulous networking opportunity!"
This "mega-networking" event provided the opportunity for businesses and individuals to foster new relationships, build business leads and gain a better knowledge of the vast amount of business networking groups based in the Las Vegas area. More than a dozen area business organizations, including industry leaders as well as networking and business groups, participated as sponsors.
"The show has been great. I really made a lot of good contacts and generated a tremendous amount of interest for my company," remarked John Mates, The MEGA Life and Health Insurance Company. "I met a good mixture of people and I'll certainly be back next year."
Las Vegas' Largest Mixer is a unique event allowing hundreds of different industries and companies to experience the ultimate in networking while helping spread the word on their products and services. The event was open to all businesspeople with the ultimate goals being to allow for growth, both individually and as an organization, and encourage membership in the business organizations represented.
"What a great turn-out," said Kelley Merritt, Account Executive with Sprint. "The staff is always consistently good. I'm so glad that that I participated and was able to meet so many potential clients."
Las Vegas' Largest Mixer is made possible by Richard Femenella and Jimmy Foster of the local networking group The B.U.S.E. Club (Business Professionals, Up and Comers, Socialites and Entrepreneurs), networking pro Joel Jarvis of The LINK and Los Angeles public relations consultant, Dave Linden.
For this event, Femenella, Foster and Jarvis teamed up with Dave Linden, who originally created this concept in Southern California over ten years ago. L.A.'s Largest Mixer and Orange County's Largest Mixer have seen significant growth in the past decade, and Foster and Jarvis have seen the Las Vegas event experience that same success.
For more information on the event, including a complete list of sponsors and exhibitors, please visit www.lasvegasmixer.com.
Los Angeles Business Event Combines Chambers of Commerce With Business Organizations for Networking Success
Over 2,800 Attendees From Across Southern California 'Mix and Mingle' at 9th Annual L.A.'s Largest Mixer
LOS ANGELES, CA- With over 2,800 business people in attendance, L.A.'s Largest Mixer provided the perfect opportunity to mix business with the pleasure of networking to help build that ever-important contact list.
"L.A.'s Largest Mixer IX proved, yet again, to be 4 hours jam-packed with sales & networking opportunities," said Sonia English, CEO, My5MinuteNetworking. "Our company not only effectively marketed our business networking website, but was able to connect with many prominent business and professional organizations in Los Angeles County."
The event took place at the historic Shrine Auditorium Expo Center on Thursday, July 26, 2007. Attendees had opportunity to view 268 exhibitors and network with local "influentials" on the cutting edge of Los Angeles' business elite.
"The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce would not miss participating in the annual L.A.'s Largest Mixer! Every year the event grows 'bigger and better,' and this year was no exception," remarked Bette Jean (BJ) French, Vice President of Membership, Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. "As always, I left the event with a plethora of new business contacts, many of whom are good prospective new members for the HCOC."
Now in its 9th successful year, the Mixer has grown to represent a powerful meeting of Los Angeles area chambers of commerce and local businesses representing hundreds of industries and companies in Southern California.
"The event was beyond my expectations. I have a small business and was given VIP treatment which I very much appreciate -- they provided the tools and support to make the process of exhibiting easy," said Lorenda Phillips, MCC, Phillips Coaching and Consulting. "I have already acquired two new clients. Sign me up for next year!"
Designed to be part expo and part business social event, L.A.'s Largest Mixer accomplishes both by providing an "open feel" for the exhibitor's area and social lounges for casual one-on-one discussions with existing contacts or building new relationships.
"Our experience with L.A.'s Largest Mixer IX was spectacular. The staff were professional and responsive," commented Michelle Gilstrap, Director of Membership Development, Rotary Club of Los Angeles. "We not only found many individuals who were potential members at the event, but we also educated people about our Rotary Club and its commitment to our community and the World."
Produced by The Dave LindenGroup, Inc., the much-heralded event's format is reproduced in other regions, including Orange County, Inland Empire and Las Vegas. For a complete list of exhibitors and sponsors, please visit www.largestmixer.com or call 323-860-8811 for further information.
L.A.'s Largest Mixer IX is hosted by the following organizations -- CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE: Century City, Culver City, East L.A., Encino, Greater El Sereno, Greater Lakewood, Greater San Fernando Valley, Greater West Los Angeles, Hollywood, Korean American Chamber of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Area, LA Junior, Long Beach Junior, Miracle Mile, Regional Black, Santa Monica, Sherman Oaks, Swedish-American, United Chambers of the San Fernando Valley, Universal City North Hollywood, and West Hollywood. CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAUS: Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau, LA INC., and Long Beach Area. BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS: American Business Women's Association, Asian Business Association, British American Business Council, Downtown LA Business Improvement District, HSMAI - Greater Los Angeles Chapter, International Special Events Society - Los Angeles, Latin Business Association, National Association Of Women Business Owners - Los Angeles, Rotary Club of Los Angeles, Toastmasters International - District 52, Travel and Tourism Marketing Association, and Valley Industry and Commerce Association.
The event is co-sponsored by Conexion, EL Aviso Magazine, KABC Radio, Los Angeles CityBeat, L.A. Downtown News, La Opinion Newspaper, Marketwire, Meetings and Mixers, OwL Entertainment, Los Angeles Times' Reading by 9, ReEvolve Designs, San Fernando Valley Business Journal and Titan Worldwide.
“We participate in so many networking events, this is definitely one of the top,” commented Brett Adolph of Payday Payroll Service of Orange. “I couldn’t even begin to count the amount of people we spoke to. This event was extremely beneficial to us.”
Attendees had the opportunity to view more than 300 exhibitors and network with thousands of local “influentials” on the cutting edge of Orange County’s business elite.
“We have just launched a new spa component to the hotel, so it was pivotal for us to be in front of so many local business people,” said Linda Beltran, Director of Public Relations for the Fairmont Hotels & Resorts in Newport Beach. “Orange County’s Largest Mixer was an effective tool to achieve our desired goal. We met so many new contacts and qualified leads. We can’t wait for next year!”
Now in its 4th successful year, the Mixer has grown to represent a powerful meeting of Orange County area chambers of commerce and local businesses representing hundreds of industries and companies in Southern California.
“We didn’t want to be left out in the cold this year,” said Michael Carcano of Carcano DJ Audio Visual & Lighting of Lake Forest. “You couldn’t really beat the price to exhibit. It was reasonable for what you get. And I was able to look on the website, and see that there are quality businesses attending.”
Designed to be part expo and part business social event, Orange County’s Largest Mixer accomplished both by providing an “open feel” for the exhibitor’s area. There were no strict space rules, booth sizes were designated and conversational areas existed for casual one-on-one discussions with new business contacts.
“This was the most fun and effective networking opportunity I have been a part of,” remarked Donna Hisey of Tropical Smoothie Café in Irvine. “It was a positive atmosphere for those who attend. I encourage other businesses to be part of it.”
Orange County’s Largest Mixer is an annual event that brings together local business organizations and chambers of commerce in the Orange County area for an evening of professional networking and business outreach.
Produced by The Dave Linden Group, Inc., other yearly events include "Largest Mixers" in Los Angeles, Inland Empire and Las Vegas. For a complete list of exhibitors and sponsors, please visit www.ocmixer.com or call 949-222-6600 for further information.
Orange County’s Largest Mixer IV was hosted by the following organizations: Chambers of Commerce: Anaheim Chamber, Black Chamber of Orange County, Costa Mesa Chamber, Dana Point Chamber, Fountain Valley Chamber, Fullerton Chamber, Garden Grove Chamber, Hispanic Chamber, Huntington Beach Chamber, Irvine Chamber, La Palma Chamber, Laguna Niguel Chamber, Newport Beach Chamber, Orange Chamber & Visitor Bureau, Placentia Chamber, San Clemente Chamber, San Juan Capistrano Chamber, Santa Ana Chamber, South County Regional Chambers, Stanton Chamber, Tustin Chamber, and Westminster Chamber; Visitor Bureaus: Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau, Buena Park Convention & Visitors Office, Costa Mesa Conference and Visitor Bureau and Newport Beach Conference & Visitors Bureau; Business Organizations: American Business Women's Association, HSMAI-Orange County Chapter, and National Latina Business Women Association-OC Chapter.
The event is co-sponsored by Market Wire, Conexion, Cox Media, Daily Pilot, ESPN Radio 710, El Aviso Magazine, 790 KABC-AM, La Opinion, Meetings & Mixers, Orange County Fair & Exposition Center, OC Metro, Owl Enterprises, Los Angeles Times Reading By 9, ReEvolve Designs, Smart Levels Media, Southwest Airlines and Titan Worldwide
Networking is an activity that many people take part in on a regular basis.
In fact, most of us don't even realize we are networking when it takes place. Most situations and conversations with colleagues, friends or new people should be taken seriously because you never know where it could lead you. Consider every opportunity to build a relationship as networking.
Because we often get comfortable in our networking routine, we often forget some of the basic rules of relationship building. Pay attention to what's written below so you can become a more cognizant and effective networker.
After all, a refresher never hurts...
Don't Be Rude in Conversation
During a conversation with someone, it is easy to forget some of the important and positive communication skills to show you are listening. If we are bored with a conversation, we tend to show this by wandering our eyes or having a difficult time standing still. We tend to get restless and would like to move on to the next conversation. Resist the urge!
Treat people with the respect they deserve. You need to show you are interested by focusing on the conversation. Keep your eyes fixed on the person and stand straight. Give good listener cues such as head nodding and asking thoughtful questions.
Also, we tend to interrupt people during conversations (especially when we are bored).
You won't click with everyone, of course, so don't expect every discussion to be enjoyable. Still, you don't want to come across as rude. Make sure you hear people out before you jump in with your words. Wait for a pause or an appropriate time for you engage in the conversation.
Don't Forget to Follow Up
You have probably heard from time to time that follow up is very important in networking.
It's true. I am here to tell you once again that you need to follow up with people. We get busy in our crazy lives and we can forget the simple of acts of relationship building. Believe it or not, some of us are even lazy (not you, of course) and details like following up are not in our nature.
Without proper follow up, you will have a difficult time becoming an effective networker.
After you meet someone for the first time, follow up with a nice e-mail or phone call. While it's impossible to follow up with everyone, focus on the people you connect with the most. After you decide which people to follow up with, thank them for the conversation and try to schedule a follow-up meeting.
Follow up is also important for existing people in your network whether they are friends, colleagues, clients or partners.
If you tell someone you will do something, you absolutely need to follow up. I can't tell you how many times people I either meet for the first time or people I already know don't follow through on their promises. It's hard to take people seriously when they don't do what they say they will do.
Make yourself stand out by always following up and following through. You will build a positive relationship in the community, which is important for effective networking.
Don't Forget to Acknowledge; Thank People
Because of our hectic schedules, we are always on the go and can forget to acknowledge some of the people who have made us successful.
If you don't acknowledge people and thank them for helping you along the way, you are missing a huge part of relationship building. If someone connected you with a new client, investor or partner, you better take the time to keep the connector in the loop.
People feel good when they help others. Let them feel good about this and tell them when they have helped you. As you develop these new relationships and additional developments take place, make it a point to notify the connectors.
By properly acknowledging people, you will be seen as someone who appreciates assistance and takes relationships seriously. When it comes time for additional help, connectors will be more inclined to continue to help you.
Don't Sell Your Company Too Soon
How many times do you meet people at networking events and they try to sell you something in the beginning of your conversation? These are the people who give networking a bad name because they don't understand the value of relationship building.
If you are one of these people (and I'm not implying that you are), stop doing this immediately. Instead, focus on getting to know people and having them get to know you.
During the relationship-building process, individuals will naturally get to know what you're selling. Over time, you will have a good idea as to which people in your network could benefit from what you have to offer.
People will feel comfortable with you, and when they are ready to purchase your type of product or service, they will mostly come to you first. Be patient and let the sale come to you rather than you chasing it all the time. While you do need to be aggressive to sell, you don't need to be when it comes to relationship building.
SEVEN GREAT NETWORKING TIPS FOR TODAY'S BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL
Whether you're an introvert or an extrovert, feel like you have the gift of gab or just don't know how to make small talk, networking know-how is very important for your business success. There is a notion in business that I believe most of us subscribe to that says "all things being equal, people will do business with and refer business to those they know, like and trust." And the key to this is obviously being able to develop relationships.
Think of networking as the cultivation of mutually beneficial, win-win relationships. In order to be win-win, there must be GIVE and take (notice the emphasis on give). Networking shouldn't be viewed as "events" where you go to sell your business. When effective networking is taking place, the parties involved actively share ideas, information, resources, etc.
Ok, so you know that you should be networking because it is one of the most cost-effective lead generation activities when used wisely, appropriately and professionally. But, maybe that seems easier said than done. Here's a seven step plan to really get going with networking for your business.
1. Check out several groups to find the best chemistry and perceived value. Most groups will allow you to come and visit at least a couple of times before you have to join. Go and ask around to find out why others have joined and what value they get out of belonging.
Resist the urge to just go join the Chamber of Commerce simply because everyone tells you that's what you need to do. If that's not where your target group can be found, then you might just be wasting a considerable amount of time (and money).
I'm not telling you not to join the Chamber. Just be clear about what you'd like to get out of this or any other group. If it's to find prospective clients or referral sources, then you need to be networking where those resources can be found.
2. When you find a group or two, join and go to all the meetings you can. Don't go just once or twice expecting things to happen and then if they don't quit. Building mutually beneficial, win-win relationships will take some time.
The contacts you make need to constantly see your face and hear your message. Continual contact with others over time will open up opportunities for you to go deeper and learn more about each others thoughts, ideas and capabilities in regards to your respective businesses.
Know, like, and trust generally only happens over time. Being regular and persistent will pay off.
3. Get involved - be visible. Do as much as you can to make yourself more visible within the organization. Volunteer to help with meetings, be on committees, or become a leader or board member.
Being involved does a couple of things for you and your business. First, you'll get more opportunities to establish connections and get to know some of the contacts you've made even better. Secondly, the higher the visibility you have in the group, the less you'll have to work to make new connections. Instead, as new people come into the group, they will likely seek you out because they view you as a leader within the organization.
4. Keep your circles of contacts informed. Don't just assume that running in to someone once a month (or even once a week) will cause them to start doing business with you or sending it your way. You need to let them know what's going on when you're not at that particular group in order to inform and educate them.
Send them invitations to your events or open houses. Send them email or letters to share big news or success stories, especially anything of relevance to them or those in their networks of contacts. If you believe that you have valuable ideas, information and resources to share with others, then doesn't this just make sense?
5. Work at GIVING referrals and sharing valuable information. That's right, you need to be willing to GIVE before you get. That means you need to get to know other members and what makes a good prospect for them. What kinds of information might you have access to that could be useful to them?
You may initially think you don't have much of value to share with others (besides your business and what you provide). Part of the key to getting good at giving is to not make assumptions. For example, don't assume that some basic resource (e.g., a web site) that you're aware of is familiar to someone you might be talking to just because they are the "expert" in that field. Be willing to ask if they know about the resource and ready to share if they don't.
Want to get better at actually giving referrals? Here's a simple question to ask someone you're connecting with. "How am I going to know when I meet a really good prospect for you?"
Just the fact that you are willing to explore giving will elevate your know, like and trust factor.
6. Focus on Quality, not Quantity, Quantity, Quantity. It's not necessarily about the number of connections you make, but about the quality of the ones you do make. Are they mutually beneficial, win-win relationships?
Quality connections will be identifiable because all involved parties will be actively sharing ideas, information, and resources. Yes, it is true that you need to spend some time and effort getting to know the other person(s) and what's important to them. But, you also need to be clear and actively thinking about what information or resources you want and need.
Staying in touch with and following up with a smaller number of quality relationships will generally be much more productive than trying to follow up with a larger number of superficial contacts.
7. Be persistent, but be patient. The goal of a networking event shouldn't necessarily be to come away with prospects every time you go out, but to come away with great connections. Networking usually takes time to get the relationships developed and nurtured.
Don't approach networking as a scary proposition or a necessary evil for being in business. Take the pressure off yourself and really focus on how you might be able to connect with someone you meet. Focus on them first and look for ways to be useful to them. As you become known as a connector you'll eventually be ready to reap what you sow.
You need to take the intricacies of networking very seriously. By taking the time to focus on the details, you will become a more effective relationship builder.
Business networking shifted into high gear with the debut of Inland Empire’s Largest Mixer, October 24, 2007, bringing together local businesses representing hundreds of industries and companies in the Inland Empire. Over 1400 business professionals packed the Ontario Convention Center for an evening of professional networking and business outreach.
“I personally made a lot of great contacts for GRHCC and spoke to many who expressed a sincere interest in becoming members or partners. A quick count of the business cards collected at our booth and from visiting other booths amounted to approx. 210 -- probably the most we've ever collected at any another event.”
