Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "mixer"

This is the most unique business mixer you will ever attend!

2010-06-21T13:46:39Z

On Tuesday, June 29th at 6 PM, Metalworx Body & Paint will be transformed from a body shop to an event center along Auburn Blvd.!

Get Networking Now!, the most comprehensive business to business networking association (on and offline) connecting businesses at the local level, brings together Sacramento's blue collar, service industry and white collar business owners in one location for a business mixer unlike any other!

"Two years ago I used to spend over $4,000.00 per month on advertising....now I only network....everyday!"....Jeff Wagner Sr., Wagner Plumbing

Come see why the Get Networking Now!'s Blue Collar & Hard Hats Mixers are truly, the most unique business mixer you will ever attend!

Admission is FREE! Metalworx Body & Paint is located at 4339 Auburn Blvd., Sacramento, 95841. We all hope to see YOU there!

Interested in vendor space or hosting July's Blue Collar & Hard Hats Mixer? Contact Rebecca at 916-629-4662.

Debbie Campo Hosts "Laugh Your Way To Love!" at the Sacramento Punchline

2010-04-27T02:46:09Z

What do you get when you mix alcohol, a singles mixer and a comedy show? You get to find out for yourself this Wednesday night at the Sacramento Punchline.

Comedian Debbie Campo is the Founder/MC/Matchmaker of “Laugh Your Way to Love,” the hybrid mashup of stand-up comedy meets “The Dating Game" meets the singles mixer.

Campo explained that "the doors at the Sacramento Punchline will open at 7 p.m., and we encourage the single people to come early to have a cocktail and meet with us and the other singles. We (comedians) mingle with everyone who comes early, facilitate introductions and see if we can spot some compatibilities early. At 8 p.m., everyone gets to see a very funny comedy show featuring headliner Sal Calanni and co-features, Maggie Newcomb and Jason Armenio. Throughout the show we are chatting with the audience members and getting to know them better."

What happens after the show?

"In the last part of the show, we do audience interaction and have a short 'Dating Game' segment where we match single women and single men up from willing participants. Then, after the show, we continue to mingle, exchange info and…well, occasionally, 'hook up!'"

Have there been any successful matches?

"There have been a couple of them that have been great, but one in particular is a standout. In one of our first shows, we matched a couple where he lives in Los Angeles and she lives in San Francisco. They write me all the time and tell me that they are having a good time. She was one of the women that we pulled onstage, a very cute British girl who announced that she 'wasn't wearing any panties' at the time. No wonder she got the guy!" she laughed.

What about us non-single folk. Will we be out of place?

"No, by wrapping this around the comedy show, we want to make sure that even if they don't meet someone or are not in the market to meet anyone new, that you come away having a great night of being entertained by a spectacular comedy show. So, even if you are a married couple or bringing your date, you find a cozy, loving and fun environment."

Campo, who was twice married and now single, came up with the idea as a unique way to meet more eligible men while performing her stand up. We wondered how that was working for her.

"Everyone hooks up but me!" she exclaimed. "I saw it as a way to 'fish' for single men using a large net rather than a pole, but everyone seems to hook up but me. Every young comedian wants to do these shows because they invariably end up getting dates. Alas, I seem to just be the matchmaker."

Campo is originally from Philadelphia, grew up in Las Vegas and has performed coast to coast over the last six years. She has performed with the “3 Blonde Moms” comedy troupe and performs with three other male comedians as the baby boomer-themed, “Not Dead Yet” tour.

For tickets, visit the Punchline Ticket site.

If you enjoyed this interview and would like to have all of the SacramentoComedy.Com features, interviews, news and reviews delivered to your iPhone, iTouch or iPad, then download the free SacComedy App at iTunes.

Steven Bloom is the founder of SacramentoComedy.Com, the Official Guide to Sacramento Comedy. This website is dedicated to comedian interviews,comedian bios, videos and consolidating all of the Sacramento comedy events to a single comedy calendar site. You can send your questions directly to The Comedy Guy at Steven@SacramentoComedy.Com

Niche TweetUps—There’s One For Every Interest

2009-11-24T06:58:41Z

Have you been to a TweetUp? They come in every size and shape and there is nearly one for every interest! A TweetUp is a social event that is promoted and organized on Twitter.

“It's basically a place to meet and network with people in the Sacramento area who use Twitter,” said Alejandro Reyes, co-organizer of #SacTweetUp, a monthly networking mixer that regularly attracts over 100 attendees. “We wanted to create an atmosphere where people using Twitter could connect on a much deeper level, build new relationships, and have a lot of fun.”

#SacTweetUps usually occur in the evening at a downtown or midtown hot spot; but what if big crowds or night life venues aren’t your thing? For those who prefer smaller groups or a different venue or focus, the Sacramento region has much to offer.

“Niche TweetUps, like the #ZooTweetUp we had in October and our upcoming #HikeTweetUp, are a great way to bring folks with similar interests together in a fun setting,” commented Jim Hoglund, co-organizer of the upcoming #HikeTweetUp. “I've always found that meeting an online friend in person has made for a richer connection online and often times a friendship beyond that of the digital realm.”

Outdoor TweetUps: Next Saturday, November 28, the first #HikeTweetUp is happening at Hidden Falls Regional Park in Auburn. This TweetUp features a leisurely 3 mile round trip hike to Hidden Falls followed by a late lunch at Awful Annies. The group is meeting in the parking lot at Hidden Falls at 11:00 a.m. For more details or to register to attend, check out the event on Facebook.

Holiday TweetUps: On Thursday, December 17, Sacramento “tweeps” will gather for the first annual #HoliTweetUp at The Park Ultra Lounge in downtown from 6 pm to 9 pm. This festive TweetUp is co-hosted by SacTweetUp and the Social Media Club Sacramento. Attendees will eat drink and be merry and all will be entered into a raffle for prizes supplied by the hosting organizations and their sponsors. Register to attend this free event at holitweetup.eventbrite.com.

Family Friendly TweetUps: In October, The Sacramento Zoo hosted its second #ZooTweetUp (the first was in June). Attracting about 25 participants, this event featured half-price admission to the Zoo. The event kicked off with complementary refreshments and Zoo Crafts for the kids at a private party in the Discovery Room. Attendees enjoyed a free ride on the Conservation Carousel, an Animal Encounter in the Amphitheater, and animal enrichment talks with the Ring-tailed Lemurs, Ground Hornbills and the Spotted Hyena. As a special treat, attendees were invited to check out the new Giraffe Observation Deck, which is scheduled to open on President's Day weekend next year as part of the newly renovated exhibit.

"#ZooTweetUps are a fun and casual way to meet animal lovers and Zoo supporters, explained Jamie Wilson, Web Development Coordinator and official Tweeter for the Sacramento Zoo. “We talked about social media & Twitter app--I always learn something new! The Zoo Tweetup brought out lots of families, but even more adults without kids. Even though we are a family-friendly venue, the TweetUp reminded people the Zoo really is fun for all ages."

Generation Specific TweetUps: On November 12, the first ever #GeezerTweetUp happened at Scarlet’s Saloon in Folsom. The term “Geezer” was used tongue in cheek—this event was for anyone born before 1970. The group considers itself “tech geezers” because most of them graduated from High School before personal computers were invented. About 30 people who remember the 70s because they lived through them—not because they saw “That 70s Show” --gathered to enjoy a drink and to meet interesting people with shared life experiences.

“The #GeezerTweetUp is a great example for the social part of social media--groups of people who connect on-line are able to meet in person and develop stronger relationships,” commented Jim Pelley, Creative Director at Laughter Works Seminars and co-organizer. “It's also good for local business; Scarlet's offered to host the event, and in the process found some new customers.”

all Photos of #VinoTweetUp by John Onate

Wine Tweet Ups: In July, three wineries came together at the L Wine Lounge in midtown to host a #VinoTweetUp. For a nominal charge, attendees enjoyed appetizers and were able to sample wines from James David Cellars, MAS Wine Company, and Radee Wine.

“Not only have I developed relationships and exposure from participating in TweetUps, but have really had a great time at each and everyone,” said David Cole, Proprietor at James David Cellars. “At the #VinoTweetUp I meet Sarah Campbell of Twinsoup.com and have now worked with her and her sister Rachel on their Stiletto Crawl events around Sacramento and Roseville, each of which sold out and were a ton of fun to do!”

Arts & Entertainment Patron TweetUps: In May, The Sacramento Press, in conjunction with Social Media Club Sacramento and Capsity Offices, hosted a TweetUp that featured belly dancing from Red Tent Belly Dance, performance art from Phoenix Gallery, wine tasting from MAS Wine and James David Cellars, break dancing from Capitol Roots Dance Studio, chalk drawing from Chalk it Up! artists, a presentation from the Sacramento Opera, and music from DJ Reason.

“We wanted to host a TweetUp to meet our Twitter followers. It became an ‘Arts TweetUp’ when we noticed how many people in our Twittersphere are artistically amazing! A definite highlight was when the Capitol Roots dancers managed to get our Managing Editor, David Watts Barton, to join them and show off his dance moves,” reports Mona Romero, Social Media Lead at the Sacramento Press

Other TweetUps: In addition to the monthly #SacTweetUp, other organizations have also hosted more generally focused networking mixer TweetUps. In February, the first ever Sacramento TweetUp was organized by Ricardo Robles of Capsity Offices and Andy Arnott of AdCause and hosted by Pangaea Café. About 30 people, including me, attended this inaugural event which set the stage for future Sacramento TweetUps. “It is an event that businesses can participate in as well as regular people to network and meet in person,” said Robles. In August, The Urban Hive in partnership with Sacramento365, hosted an #Only2DegreesTweetUp which featured wine tasting by James David Cellars and a presentation on social media by @Only2Degrees. While most of these TweetUps have happened in Sacramento, in March #SacTweetUp hosted an event at The Boxing Donkey in Roseville.

Have you organized or participated in a TweetUp in the Sacramento region that is not listed above? Let us know about it in the article conversation section below. Not finding a TweetUp that fits your niche? Organize one! All you need is a Twitter account to spread the word. It’s a great way to make new friends with shared interest.

Twitter tip: The # designation--called a hashtag-- is a Twiitter practice that helps people to categorize tweets about certain topics. For example #sactweeup, #holitweetup and #hiketweetup are tags the organizers and attendees use in their tweets about the event.

The Keystone Experiment – Speed Dating for Business

2009-02-27T18:16:33Z

I went speed dating last night.

I’m actually very happily married, and yet my wife sent me off with her blessings. So what’s up with that?

If you’ll recall in the previous two articles (The Keystone Experiment, and The Keystone Experiment - An Open Invitation), I joined the Sacramento Metro Chamber as part of my “Keystone Experiment” to see if I could leverage all that’s available to me as a new member to promote my business, the Bay Area Search Engine Academy. These articles chronicle the steps I took to market in this economy. Hopefully they will demonstrate some things you can do for yourself whether you join a Chamber or use them elsewhere.

Speed Dating for Businesses

The Metro Chamber had a mixer last night hosted by Mandango’s Bar and Grill on Fulton Avenue. Wanting to meet some local businesses, I drove up from Livermore to check it out. Like all mixers I’ve been to, the owner put out a nice spread of some really yummy food: quesadillas, mini pork buns, homemade spicy potato chips, pasta, and so on. They had a beer tasting counter set up to one side, and mini fruit “martinis” at the door. So far so good, and I'm liking it!

I’ve never personally been speed dating, but from what I see on TV (and everything on TV is true, right?), there’s a similar process going on here. It’s just less regimented than true “speed dating”. The goal for most people who come to mixers is to meet as many other businesses as possible in the two hours you’re there. Tools of the trade here include a stack of business cards, your 30 second “infomercial”, and some courage to stick your hand out to meet new people.

How does it happen? You either get approached, or you approach someone you don’t know, stick your right hand out and introduce yourselves. Simply ask the other person, “What do you do?” They will tell you their “infomercial”, and hopefully ask for yours. You may exchange business cards, but the key here is to be polite and never try to “close the deal”. You’re merely meeting new people, and if it makes sense, meet up later to discuss business. At that point, you may shake hands, part ways and look for other new people to meet. These exchanges usually don’t take more than a couple minutes or so, unless you really connect and decide to chat some more.

When I’m at the Livermore Chamber of Commerce mixers, I like to connect people I know with new people. Because I’ve been to enough of them, I probably know a good chunk of those who attend. I’ve even been helping a young woman, Laura, who recently graduated from college meet businesses owners. Laura's business card has her title listed as “Prospective Employee”, which always gets a chuckle.

30 Second Infomercial

Those of us who have been to many mixers in the past know that a pro needs to have quick infomercial that describes your business at a high level with a hook. It must be practiced well so it rolls off the tongue, and not have any sales-speak. Tall order for 30 seconds, right?

Since my company offers workshops to businesses, if I just tell people, “I sell SEO workshops to business owners,” that’s boring, and most people will wonder what the heck “SEO” is? Whatever it is, they probably don’t want or need it, and certainly don't want to come to a workshop about it.

Instead, I tell them, “I help business owners who are struggling to market themselves in a down economy by teaching them the proper techniques for getting listed on Google. My clients love it when their phone rings because they were found on the search engines!” That’s far more compelling. It also opens the door for them to ask more questions if they're interested. If it’s not a situation that fits them, then that’s fine, and I haven’t tried to “sell” them anything.

Mixer Results

I met some really interesting people last night. Will they turn into attendees at my workshop? I don’t know, I didn't ask. Many people asked for my business card, which is good. I met a personal chef, marketing people, two Web designers, a financial advisor, a fitter for “lymphedema and vascular garments”, a maker of edible table arrangements, commercial bankers, and so on. All of them are very friendly, and hopefully I’ll run into them at future mixers or elsewhere.

The point of all this is that if you own a business, you have to “work” the tools given to you. If you join the Metro Chamber, business won’t just walk in the door. You have to use it and leverage it. Hopefully it’ll work for me, and as I said before, “Time will tell.”

Next Time - The Ribbon Cutting

You’re still invited to attend the grand opening and Ribbon Cutting ceremony on Monday. Please comment below if you plan to attend.

Monday, March 2, 2009
10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Courtyard Marriott Midtown
4422 Y Street
Sacramento

By the way: Bring your business cards, stick out your right hand, and practice your 30 second infomercial on me!