Had to choose between a $100 booth at the local chamber mixer or a $40 coffee meetup group last spring

Picked the coffee group since it was cheaper and more low-key, ended up meeting three folks who actually referred me work within two months, has anyone else found better luck with smaller gatherings than the big events?

3 comments

3 Comments

flores.mark10d ago

Nah, I gotta disagree with that take honestly. The big chamber events were the reason I landed my two biggest clients last year. Yeah, they cost more and feel like a cattle call, but there's something about the sheer volume of eyeballs that just works if you're willing to work the room right. That coffee meetup thing sounds nice for the cozy vibe, but I've never had anyone from a small group actually pony up cash like the people I've met at the bigger mixers. Different strokes I guess, but I'll take the $100 hit if it means shaking hands with fifty business owners instead of five.

oliviabutler10d ago

You're totally right, that's exactly my experience too. I landed my biggest contract to date at a chamber gala last spring when I just happened to be standing by the bar next to the right person. Those small coffee groups are nice for a chat but nobody's writing checks over a latte, you know? It's a numbers game and I'd rather throw my name in the hat with fifty decision makers than hope the five show up hungry to spend money. Works for me every time.

-1

shane_wilson10d ago

Man, I feel like both sides make good points here but I gotta ask something. When you say the big events worked, did you actually get business from people you met that night or did it take a few follow up meetings? Because I've noticed a lot of folks confuse handing out cards at a big mixer with actually closing deals later. The coffee group thing gave me results fast, like within weeks, not months of playing phone tag.