Networking groups
Every small business owner should be part of one. If you aren't, find one and if you can't find one, start one. Austin Craft Riot (formerly Etsy Austin) is a local group of artists, crafters, vintage & supply sellers promoting the handmade revolution in Austin, TX! This year we are boasting 102 members! That is a lot of great opportunities to share, collaborate and learn from other business owners. Aside from the monthly meetings held, that feature panels of speakers on topics from branding to photography tips, there are great opportunities to be social and meet new people!
This month my partner in crime (Tisa of Tisa’s Creations) and I were asked to plan some get to know each other activities. What better way to learn all about someone than a little speed dating, or speed networking in our case.
We wanted to make sure that we add our own special touches to make it fun and personal. The event was hosted at a local restaurant so decorating was limited. Chalkboard is one of our favs along with a great red and teal color scheme.
We used these amazing chalkboard stickers as name tags and the chalkboard tags for our jars on each table! (items available from Tisa’s Creations)
— Austin Craft Riot (@AustinCraftRiot) February 24, 2013
Just a little peek at the fun that was had! We came up with a great list of random and fun questions to place on each table. Every 2 minutes the bell was rung and one side of the table would move down a seat to have a new partner.
Planning your own Speed Networking Social? Here is the fun list of questions we used.
Why are you here today?
Have you been told, you look like someone famous?
If you were to name one piece of clothing that describes you, what would you say?
If you could eliminate one thing from your daily schedule, what would it be and why?
Which body part would you choose to get a tattoo done?
Tea or coffee? Earth or Mars? Crayon or paintbrush? Candy or ice cream?
What's the one thing, you can't live without?
If you could have an endless supply of any food, what would you get?
What’s your favorite thing to do in the summer?
If you could visit any place in the world, where would you choose to go and why
If you had to describe yourself using three words, it would be…
What is your favorite way to waste time at work without getting caught?
If you could eliminate one thing you do each day in the bathroom so that you never had to do it again, what would it be?
What do you keep in the trunk of your car?
If you had one extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it?
If you owned a CB radio what would your "handle" be?
If you were to write a book what would it be about?
How many rings before you answer the phone?
What is the first thing you think of when you wake in the morning?
If you won a million dollars, what would you do with it?
