You’ve heard of speed dating, right? Well, instead of exchanging phone numbers for follow-up dates, EO Los Angeles traded business cards with other members at a “speed-networking” event, held 14 October 2008.
The goal of the event was to facilitate relationship building within the organization through peer-to-peer networking. With the economy in a state of chaos and the potential for new business in a bind, the event allowed members a fast, fun few minutes to share how their businesses are coping, or even growing, in these troubled times.
The event generated a lot of interest among the membership. With more than 100 members in the chapter, entrepreneurs were given an opportunity to rekindle old friendships, establish new friendships and talk about their businesses.
“The speed networking event was a fun way for our members to get to know each other in an intimate setting,” said chapter member Hanna Rochelle Schmieder, who hosted the event. “EO Los Angeles has a very diverse and dynamic membership base, and strengthening our relationships internally is a key element to building a successful and powerful chapter.”
Speed dating, a series of short “dates” with a large number of people, is a recent trend in America. However, the idea was expanded on by EO Los Angeles to make the “dates” five-minute business interactions between peers. The goal at the end of the night was to collect as many business cards as possible.
“By taking the time to enhance the member experience, and that of our chapter mates, we were able to build stronger bonds, especially in these hard times,” said Chapter President Jamie Douraghy.
To learn more about this once-in-a-lifetime event, or how you can hold a similar event for your chapter, contact us.