My company hosted what could be considered a mixer a few weeks ago, though the event was technically a breakfast with a panel discussion about building B2B pipeline for 2015.
People mingled for the first 45 minutes until it came time for the speaker portion. Our Sales Director then announced an interactive intent and then polled the audience for their respective professions and motives for being present.
We heard from a series of sales reps, marketing professionals, and entrepreneurs. At least three people were in attendance with similar self-introductions to this one:
"My name is _____. Our company is a manufacturer of water pipes. That's right folks, we're a bong company."
The majority of a the audience had a good laugh, and I would be willing to be I was not the only one who was pleasantly surprised when the three "water pipe manufacturers" turned out to be thoughtful contributors to the conversation.
Our Sales Director asked hard hitting questions to our CEO and a representative from a partner organization as the audience listened and shared their own best practices - as well as their struggles - with marketing and building their own businesses.
I'd consider the event a success, especially since our sales team walked away with a handful of business cards for people looking to build a lead generation program. I also had the pleasure of meeting a (now new) colleague who seems to have the same affection for the color purple as I do!
No comments:
Post a Comment