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Mixing It Up at the Mixer – Icebreakers for Local Business Mixers

October 2, 2024

Name Tag Trivia

Before you dismiss the idea of wearing a name tag at a mixer, think of it as a fun way to break the ice and spark conversations with fellow attendees. Name tag trivia can add an element of excitement and intrigue to the event, making it easier for you to connect with others in a memorable way.

Personal Fun Facts

One way to jazz up your name tag is by adding a personal fun fact about yourself. Whether it’s your favorite dessert, a dream travel destination, or a quirky hobby, sharing a little snippet of information about yourself can give others a great conversation starter when they see your name tag. Plus, it can help you stand out in a sea of attendees and make it easier for people to remember you after the mixer is over.

Guessing Game

Another fun twist on name tag trivia is to include a guessing game element. Instead of writing down your own fun fact, leave a blank space on your name tag for others to guess and fill in with their own ideas. This interactive approach can lead to some hilarious and unexpected conversations as people try to decode each other’s mystery fun facts. It’s a great way to get people laughing and engaged right from the start of the mixer.

Business Card Bingo

Your local business mixer is the perfect place to network and make valuable connections. To add a fun and interactive element to the event, consider incorporating a game of Business Card Bingo. This game not only encourages attendees to mingle and exchange business cards but also adds an element of excitement to the networking experience.

Collect Cards

As you arrive at the mixer, you will be given a bingo card with different squares filled with characteristics or services commonly found on business cards, such as “graphic designer” or “social media manager.” Your goal is to collect business cards from other attendees that match the characteristics on your bingo card. This encourages you to engage with other guests and learn more about their businesses.

Score Bingo Wins

As you collect matching business cards, mark off the corresponding squares on your bingo card. The first person to complete a row – horizontally, vertically, or diagonally – shouts “Bingo!” and wins a prize. This creates a friendly competition and encourages networking in a lighthearted way. It’s a great icebreaker that can lead to meaningful conversations and potential partnerships.

Speed Networking

While business mixers are a great opportunity to meet new people and make valuable connections, the sheer number of attendees can sometimes make it challenging to connect with everyone in a meaningful way. This is where speed networking comes in – a structured and efficient way to meet a large number of fellow professionals in a short amount of time.

How It Works

At a speed networking session, you will typically be seated across from another participant and have a set amount of time to introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and discuss your professional background and goals. When the time is up, one of the participants will move to the next seat, and the process repeats. This allows you to have multiple mini-conversations in a short span of time.

Top Tips

1. Elevator Pitch: Prepare a concise and engaging elevator pitch to introduce yourself quickly and effectively. Highlight your unique selling points and what sets you apart from others in your industry.

2. Listen Actively: Remember that networking is a two-way street. Take the time to actively listen to the other person and ask questions about their work. Showing genuine interest can leave a lasting impression.

Networking Etiquette

3. Be Respectful of Time: Keep an eye on the clock and make sure you are not dominating the conversation. Be mindful of the time limit and allow both participants to have an equal opportunity to speak.

4. Follow Up: After the speed networking session, make sure to follow up with any promising connections you made. Send a personalized email or connect on LinkedIn to continue the conversation and nurture the relationship.

Speed networking can be a fun and efficient way to expand your professional network and make meaningful connections. By following these tips and etiquette guidelines, you can make the most out of your speed networking experience at the next business mixer.