#meetup interview

Tell us more about your Meetup group, Santa Monica New Tech. Why did you decide to start it? How is it different from other tech related Meetup groups?

When I relocated to LA from the East Coast one year ago I was looking for a group with monthly pitch events similar to Boston New Tech. I didnít find it, so I started one in Santa Monica. I wanted to be a part of the LA Tech community to network and find a technical co-founder for my startup, which I did shortly after. Today our group hosts the most frequent and well attended pitch/demo events for tech startups in LA area! And they are free of charge.

What are the backgrounds of your members? What are they looking to get out of the group?

It is a high energy group of people passionate about innovation in web and mobile technology. Our members come from various backgrounds with different goals: founders of startups to promote their creation, technical and business people who have corporate jobs to get inspired and possibly launch a startup of their own in the future, people who already have ideas and look for co-founders, service providers to help startups grow, investors to find their next investment and media to cover this tech entrepreneurial movement.

What have been some of your most popular events? Why do you think they were popular?

So far weíve had mainly pitch events with 5-7 tech startups giving 5 min presentation (demo/slides) and 5 min Q&A. I think this format is easy to digest, as 5 min is long enough to explain the gist of the idea. We also have different industries represented. This way it never gets boring. Presenters are full of passion about what they do and it charges the audience with great positive energy. It is especially fascinating to hear about solutions to problems that you experience yourself. We usually have an open mike session at the end to help people better connect with each other. There is an opportunity to approach presenters after the event, converse more and exchange ideas. Besides pitch/demo events, we invite some interesting speakers and hold social events. We plan to create other events, like Technology Pay It Forward and tech panels.

What do you think of the Los Angeles Tech Community? What excites you about it?

It is the Wild West and the California gold rush all over again with numerous opportunities, if only you are brave enough and willing to take risks. Vast pool of entrepreneurs and tech pros who are going solo or with a buddy trying to find ìgoldî but in reality are gold themselves.

They just need to be persistent, connect to the similar minded people and get feedback. Los Angeles has a lot of newcomers, and migration constantly brings new waves of talent. This talent should be plugged into the community and that is what our group is for.

What do you think it takes to run a successful tech Meetup group?

Positive attitude and perseverance. In the past I had difficulties with venues, unreliable presenters and low attendance, but it was all temporary and I had to go through it to get to where we are now. I always knew that our events inspire Los Angelinos to pursue their dreams, and if that doesnít work try again and again. As one of our members said, this Meetup group is a tree and members are the birds that come and make it live. Only together they make a prosperous living ecosystem, neither one can do without another. It is a community of people passionate about tech innovation, helping each other and creating a better quality of life. In the end life is not that much enjoyable without passion and people to share it with.

Connect with Marina

Twitter: https://twitter.com/@SMNewTech

Startup: http://theultimateanswer.org

Tell us more about your Meetup groups, The Art of Active Networking. Why did you decide to start it?

I currently have three Meetup Groups (which by the way are very effective and active) in New york City, Los Angeles and in San Francisco where this started. I also use LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter as a way to engage people in a conversation as well as my own massive database and mailing lists.

I started The Art of Active Networking worldwide to help people do better in life, love and business, to help them to better engage in a conversation that is not sell, sell, sell! I want to help people understand that they have a personal brand and that business is done through powerful relationships.

There are a million people out there doing what you do, some better at it than you and some worse at it than you. And if I have three people all equally qualified in front of my for something I need to do, who am I going to hire? Or call? I'm calling the one I know, the one I trust, the one I understand and like! RELATIONSHIP!

How is it different than other networking groups around your area?

My events are not like any networking event you have attended because at mine they are all about helping each other do better instead of the hard sell. Mine are about building powerful friendships and relationships instead. My events are only three hours with a half seminar/roundtable in the middle hour.

At most networking events people throw business cards at each other and barely wait for an exchange before moving on to the next person. They then leave with a pile of cards and then use what I call "rubber-band syndrome" they wrap a rubber-band around the cards and toss them on or in their desk, purse or backpack and never do anything with them!

My people followup, and that's a big part of what I preach. It sounds sophomoric and stupid simple...and it is!

What are the backgrounds of your members?

I have had attendees from over 56 countries and from the unemployed to CEO's and entrepreneurs. I have had people from over 1000 professions attend. I have now done my events in three countries and 8 cities worldwide for nearly 8000 people. I have had people from 19 to 82 year's old attend that I know of and everyone in between!

What are they looking to get out of the group?

People come for all kinds of reasons. To sell themselves, to find new business or clients, to buy something, to get a date, to find a resource, to be less lonely, to simply get out of the house for a bit.

But my repeaters...they come because they have this powerful Aha! moment and they say to me all the time, "Wow Mark, I had no idea your events were this different, I have heard about this from so many people and I finally decided to come tonight, and I am so glad I did." 60-70 percent of all attendees come again and become regulars!

Here are some actual quotes people recently sent me:

From CEO's and Entrepreneurs to the Unemployed and in transition to something cool, people are showing up for this new kind of networking. It's small, it's connected, it's intimate and it's personal.These events are a wonderful social experiment. Mark helps us find group connection and sincerity in a context I used to despise (okay, fear). Who likes networking? I used to answer, "definitely not me."

Mark, and the Art of Active Networking, seek not only to help professionals grow their businesses, but also make the world and our community a better place. Building community, enhancing relationships, and helping professionals to communicate "their holistic selves" -- the person and the professional -- is at the core of Mark's philosophy. With the Art of Active Networking, it's not only about what you do -- but who you are as a person.

I just attended my first Art of Active Networking event and I was astounded, surprised and moved by what the evening provided. This is not your typical networking event where you exchange business cards, share a few words and then forget whom you met or talked with. It's more of an informal party, hosted by Mark ,who sets a stellar example of how to network effectively by his own behavior. By the end of the evening, you have experienced much more than idle chit chat with some new people, you have potentially connected to people who might become friends or business associates.

What have been some of your most popular events? Why do you think they were popular?

All of my events are the same...I have a unique roundtable format that allows everyone who attends equal time to talk to the group by answering (in their own unique way), the same 4 questions in a timed :30 second format. And I make all of them fun!

What do you think it takes to have a good networking group?

Followup and friendships that develop! The amazing referrals that happen and the community that is developed. And the best part is the connections between cities and countries I get to make for folks!

I think everyone must be considered equal and everyone must be giving and not a taker. People so bent on selling themselves never really create sustainable powerful relationships! Give up coming from "need" and "want" and your world will surely change for the better.

What tips do you have for someone attending a group looking to network?

Don't be a wallflower...you showed up for a reason.

Engage with many different people and find out about them.

Bring your cards.

And above all....FOLLOW UP! 70 percent of all "networkers" never friggin' followup. So what's the point of showing up at all?

AND HAVE A GREAT TIME! You are surround by amazing stories and cool people.

Connect with Mark E. Sackett

Networking Site: http://www.theartofactivenetworking.com/meetup.html

Tell us more about your Meetup group, OC Golfing Singles Meetup Group. Why did you decide to start it? How is it different than other Meetup groups around your area?

I started the meetup because I like golfing and wanted more friends to golf with. This group is the largest meetup golfing group in OC, possibly southern Cal ... the member are great people, I am sponsoring the meetup so there is no cost for members currently...(my version of philanthropy).

What are the members of your Meetup group like and what are they looking for?

Members are mostly single, looking to play golf with other like minded people.

What have been some of your most popular events? Why do you think they were popular?

All events are popular... its golf.

What do you think makes a good social event? How can other social event organizers do a better job with their events?

Events where like minded people can get together and participate in an activity they all have passion for.

Connect with Mits Shinohara

Tell us more about your Meetup group, Connecting to Greatness - Inspired Business Networking. Why did you decide to start it? How is it different than other Meetup groups or networking groups?

I started 'Connecting to Greatness' at the end of 2008 just as I had closed down a company I created and ran for 7 years. With that company, 'Beautiful Futures' I focused on the children's gifting industry and because most of my time and energy went into growing relationships and creating business with anyone/anything connected to this world, I realized, I didn't really know too many people outside of it. So, I started my group essentially as a way to build up my own network. However, being an entrepreneur, I also wanted to create a successful business entity. And so I set out to create a different kind of group where relationship building, professional development and even fun was at its core. I didn't want to put on the kind of events where people were just thrown into a room with no facilitation of any kind and a goal not much bigger or inspiring than to get the 25 business cards they came with into other people's hands.

First and foremost, my intention was to give attendees a warm, very positive and productive networking experience. This experience shows itself in the content, style and personal touch of my marketing communication to members. It then continues on as each event attendee is warmly welcomed upon arrival. It is further deepened as I foster a 'relationship first' philosophy at each event. I also bring in well known speakers in all kinds of areas of business building with an emphasis on the 'soft skills.' And, a couple times a year, I present to the group on topics such as 'SuperStar Networking for Real People,' and 'The Art of Stellar Follow Up.' Our group has a reputation in the NY area for being very different than others in that it has focus, wonderful energy and puts the relationship first.

What are the backgrounds of your members? What are they looking to get out of the group?

My group is mostly made up of Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs from a variety of industries...Real Estate, E-Commerce,Tech, Coaching, Health and Wellness, Marketing, Financial, Legal, Marketing, just to name a few. Of course everyone would like to meet their next client at my events and many do. Others find out about new resources, gain referrals and a lot of friendships get formed. And, out of these friendships, a lot of business gets done. When we have our 'learning events' members are attending to hone their business building skills, experience an 'aha' moment or two as well as to meet others.

Do you have any examples where networking helped either further your career or company's goals?

I have tons of examples because to me, networking happens all the time. It's not just confined to an 'event.' Several years ago while building my business, Beautiful Futures, a customer of mine from the west coast emailed me that she'd be in NYC for a couple of days and asked if I'd meet her for lunch. I didn't really know much about her other than that she placed orders online fairly frequently with me. It wasn't my norm to meet in person with individual customers because my days were pretty busy but I decided to this time. Over the course of the lunch, I mentioned I was looking for investors and three months later, she and her husband put in twice the amount I was looking for. This was astounding to me because I could have easily said 'no' to lunch and it certainly was not my intention to mention that I was seeking capital. In fact, outside of my inner circle, she was the first person I mentioned it to and it was actually a very spontaneous decision to do so. So to me, 'networking' is just meeting people, having conversations, getting to know each other, finding 'connection' and putting your ideas and desires 'out there' because you just never completely know the world and people that exist behind someone you are just meeting. This can happen with your seat neighbor on a plane, online at the supermarket, with the person next to you at Starbucks. If you hold it in your heart and mind that the next conversation you hace could change your life, you will find those that do...and in places and at times you might not 'normally,' expect them to.

Some people have no problem meeting new people, however, what's more difficult is keeping those connections and relationships strong and healthy. What is the system you use to keep in contact with people? Twitter, Facebook, phone calls, etc...?

You're absolutely right on this point. Most people make one contact after meeting someone and then never another. Mostly it's because they don't know what to say or how long to wait in between points of contact. I was an early adopter of Twitter but am not so active on it anymore. One of the things I do after I meet someone is to see if they are in Facebook and if they are, I'll send them a Friend Request and I'll like and comment on posts. One of the great things in doing this is you get to see what their hobbies are, trips they've taken, celebrations of things that are important to them. This is great for bonding and learning about those you'd like to get closer to. And then what a great thing it can be to make mention of one of these things the next time you see or talk to them. As an example, one of my contacts/customers is very passionate and very vocal about animal rights issues and I only learned of this because of her FB posts. This is now something I can engage her on which can work to build our rapport and deepen our bond.

In terms of additional points of contact, I'm very 'permission/agreement' based when it comes to this. If I meet someone at an event and we find something in common or there's been an agreement that one of of us might have something of value to share with the other, I'll ask if it's okay that I call them tomorrow to set up a time to continue the conversation, schedule a meeting, etc. If they say 'yes,' I'll ask what the best time to reach them is. This 'mutually agreed upon next action step' is huge for keeping the conversation going and it feels very honoring to the other person to ask permission to keep going. Sending unsolicited piles of info by email the next day as many do is extremely ineffective as is connecting again and making it all about you, your needs and your desires.

In terms of 'systems,' I'm a big fan of those that can simplify and automate 'warm touch' marketing to foster retention and loyalty. And the 'system' I use to stay in touch is the most effective 'warm touch' marketing tool I've come across and it's called Send Out Cards. You know how you always hear how important it is to send handwritten 'thank you' cards? And while the intention may be there to do so, either we don't have time to go to the store, we don't want to spend $4 on a card or maybe we're just a little lazy like I know I can be. This system, one I've been using for five years allows me to go online a choose a beautiful 'real' card from a catalog of 16,000. I then type in my message with a font created out of my own handwriting and Send Out Cards prints it, puts in a beautiful white envelope and takes it to the Post Office to mail...all for about a dollar. And the cool thing is, I can put my card sending on autopilot by setting up cards to go out in advance like for upcoming birthdays, anniversaries, etc. Anyone that would like to try it can visit the following link to send out a card at no cost. www.SendOutCards.com/24039

What resources do you recommended for becoming a better networker?

The best networkers I have ever seen have two inherent qualities. First is that they are genuinely curious about others. They want to know what drives people and they enjoy meeting and getting to know others. The next is that they are 'Connectors.' They like bringing people together, providing value to others, helping people move their passions along and this in turn inspires others to want to help them. I would say the best thing you can do to become a better networker is to get good, very good at these two traits. If you're not curious about others, get curious and in doing so, worlds will open up with those you meet. And if you're not now a 'Connector,' simply look at your network and start becoming one.

Connect with Kate Gaffin

Tell us more about your Meetup group, Chicago Interactive Design & Development. Why did you decide to start it? How is it different from other Meetup groups around your area?

I wish I could say I created the group for altruistic reasons, but I didn't. I launched this group in July of 2007, for two (selfish I admit) reasons: (1) So I could listen to subject matter experts and learn from them; and (2) because I was a recruiter in a staffing firm and wanted potential candidates to join the group and come to our events so I could meet them. In 2009, I and 2 partners founded the WunderLand Group (recruiting firm), and of course I continued the group, and it has gotten better and bigger! It helps, of course, that I have a conference center in my office building to host the events.

What are the backgrounds of your members? What are they looking to get out of the group?

My group, which has 2,100 members, is made up of Chicago-area people who work in a digital field - web developers, mobile app developers, digital designers, user experience designers, online marketers, SEO and PPC experts and other related job types. We also have a good-sized contingent of students who will be pursuing a job in one of these fields. They are all looking for one main thing - learning! Networking is in second place to that. That's why we don't hold bar meetups and why we always have a subject-matter-expert speaker.

We noticed on the group's page you specifically say that only people residing in Chicago area will be admitted to the group, why did you choose to do that?

I chose to only let Chicago-area members join because this is a "meet" up; that is, to meet others face to face who share the same interests as you. Originally I did not restrict anyone from joining, and that resulted in people from all over the world joining, who had no intention of attending our events, and they began sending spammy sales emails to group members. That caused me to lose members, so I changed the group so that I now approve, or disapprove, everyone who wants to join.

What have been some of your most popular events? Why do you think they were popular?

I can't really say which was the most popular event, but I can tell you that in the last few years we always 'sell-out' (we don't actually charge anything) and have a waiting list to attend our events. For instance, the most recent event was last Wednesday. The topic was Wireframing the Right Way. We had the maximum yes RSVPs, plus a waiting list of 113 people! The room was filled mostly with people employed as information architects and user experience designers - or students who want to get into that field. It I had to say what tends to be the most popular, I'd say that speakers who talk about front end web and mobile development, and user experience design speakers seem to get the biggest turn-out.

Your group is focused around interactive design and development. How do you determine what topics to cover and how do you get speakers?

I keep abreast of trends in the digital world (i.e., I live online!) by reading everything I can find about topics related to digital technology so I can time my events to cover topical issues. For instance my next event is about starting/building a company apprenticeship program, so America can 'home-grow' our own tech talent, which there is an extreme shortage of today. I know there's a shortage of tech talent because my recruiting firm sees that every day. I sought the speaker, who has written a book about apprenticeships, because he's well-known in the Chicago tech community, and because I personally believe that apprenticeships (where someone learns on-the-job and gets paid a living wage for a year) are the way to go to get more skilled workers. I am vehemently against outsourcing American jobs, or increasing our visa allotments to bring foreign workers here, by the way.

Connect with Judi Wunderlich

Meetup Group: http://www.meetup.com/Chicago-Interactive-Design-Development/

Tell us more about your Meetup group, NY Connect and Learn Business Networking Group. Why did you decide to start it? How is it different than other Meetup groups or networking groups?

About three years ago, I moved to New York City from Texas. As I started networking here, I found that most of the events were very poorly organized; some of them were nothing more than a happy hour for business owners. So I started NY Connect and Learn as a resource that business owners could use to become more skilled networkers. Over the years, we have formalized the structure to combine facilitated networking, business education, and brainstorming in one power packed event.

What distinguishes us is that people leave our events not only with contacts but also with tools to turn them into connections, and insights they can use to grow their businesses.

What are the backgrounds of your members? What are they looking to get out of the group?

Most of them either own or serve small business, and want to develop lasting relationships that can translate to support as well as more business through referrals.

How do you choose what members are allowed to join the group? Is it open to everyone?

Yes, our group is open to everyone who wants to grow!

Some people have no problem meeting new people, however, what's more difficult is keeping those connections and relationships strong and healthy. What is the system you use to keep in contact with people? Twitter, Facebook, phone calls, etc...?

I am glad you asked this, because effective follow up is the most important part of networking, and yet I find this skill so lacking in networkers.

When I meet with a person, I try to grow the relationship through the three levels of depth:

Contact - Within 24 hours I send them a 'nice-to-meet-you' follow up email. I also get connected with them on linkedIn and other networking sites.

Connection - I set up a coffee meeting to know the person behind the profession. This also helps me understand their business and how we can best help each other.

Champion - This level of trust can sometimes take years to reach. It starts with me sending them referrals, introductions, and business tools that can help them. It also involves taking care of their referrals so well they become eager to refer more and more people. In the long run I want us to know each other's business so well that cross promotion comes automatically. Though this level of trust takes a long time, I know that I only need a few of these relationships to get ongoing business.

Connect with Aditi Gautam

Meetup Group: http://www.meetup.com/NY-Smart-Business-Networking/

Tell us more about your Meetup group, How About a Date. Why did you decide to start it? How is it different from other Meetup groups around your area?

This meetup is for all singles - all ages, races, religion, etc. We try to do events and activities where singles can come out and just have fun. That's it. Enjoy meeting people for friendship first, and if a spark develops, great; if not, you had a great time and you've made some friends.

The meetup got started as an extension of our website, HowAboutADate.com, an activity base online dating website. The meetup group embodies the same message as the website, which is: do what you love... and love will find you. And to encourage singles to get out and do activities, we host local events and workshops at least once a week, and most of them are FREE. It's a lot of work but our reward is getting the word out about our website and our message. And in the end, it's all to support and enrich the Singles Community.

What are the backgrounds of your members? What are they looking to get out of the group (find a date, find a relationship, network, etc...)?

Singles of course want to find a relationship or at least find a date. That's human nature and that need will never go away. But love is not something anybody can control or demand or strategically obtain. And when one tries too hard to find a relationship (or stay in a relationship that's not working) it only leads to frustration and pain. We want to empower singles to be happy with themselves first and to enjoy life. AND when you're happy, your personality shines... and that's when love finds you.

What have been some of your most popular events? Why do you think they were popular?

Our most popular events range from exploring the neighborhood shops in the SF Bay Area (e.g. Olive Oil Tasting & Wine Tasting in Berkeley CA and First Fridays in Oakland CA) to fun casual activities (e.g. Bowling, Beach Bonfire, BBQ, etc.) to unique events (e.g. Kayaking Under the Blue Angles) and event just Social Mixers and Happy Hours. What makes our events popular is the careful planning that goes in to each one as well as the wonderful hosts who do their best to greet each person and make sure that everyone feels included.

What do you think it takes to make a good social event? How do you get attendees and guests to interact with each other especially if an event has lots of people?

A good social event starts with good planning. First, you have to come up with an activity that would interest your audience, in our case, singles. Then you have to find the right time and location (for example, if the event is on a weekday after work, you have to consider traffic, etc.) You have to find the right venue that can accommodate your activity and the size of your group, etc. (this can take many phone calls and/or networking with local businesses). You have to consider cost and/or if you have to make a reservation or not, etc. Also depending upon the event, you may have to consider weather conditions and have a backup plan. Lastly, you wrap it all together in an informative and inviting event description on meetup.

Second, you need to be a great host. For example, showing up early before the event starts to talk to the venue manager and make sure everything is place. And during the event, welcome every person that shows up and introduce them to the group. Walk around and engage with different people, especially those that are standing alone. Try not to let one person dominate the conversation. Etc. And lastly, handle difficult situations professionally and politely.

If you are a good host, people will come back to your events. We now average 20-40% returning members to most of our events. They have become comfortable with the group and they are meeting new people, making new friends, and just having a great time. And some of them have even found dates!

Connect with Dao and How About a Date

Site: http://www.howaboutadate.com/

Meetup:  http://www.meetup.com/HowAboutADate/

Tell us more about your Meetup group, Christian Singles Outdoor. Why did you decide to start it? How is it different than other Meetup groups or other Christian groups around your area?

I started this group because I could not find a Christian, singles, outdoors activities Meetup group around my area.

My group is different from other groups because it is based on 3 criteria, namely, Christian, single, outdoor, plus it is located in the South Bay.

And I knew that once I got it up and running, it would be more popular than other groups even if they are based on the same 3 criteria and also based in the South Bay because I had always been leading Christian Singles events in my church and I knew I was very good at it... I have always known that it is my calling.

What are the backgrounds of your members? What are they looking to get out of the group?

My members come from all walks of life, but they all are supposed to be Christian, singles and live in the Bay Area. I have never done a formal survey but from meeting and talking to everyone that has shown up so far, they all seem to be looking to go with a group of other Christians to do fun outdoor activities, mostly hiking, with a secondary goal to meet someone. But the primary goal is hiking.

What have been some of your most popular events? Why do you think they were popular?

I have had many many popular events, the most popular ones would be hiking Half Dome, camping and hiking at Big Sur and a Bon Fire-BBQ event.

I think the Half Dome hikes were popular because a lot of people who like hiking would consider Half Dome as an ultimate hike in this area, and if they have not done so, and if there is someone doing all the planning and training, they would not miss it. Big Sur is known for its beauty, and lots of people like camping, so combining that together plus a side trip to Point Lobos made this trip very popular. And everyone loves a good bon fire, especially when it is done on a beach close to the South Bay, with a BBQ thrown in...

What do you think it takes to make a good social event? How do you get attendees and guests to interact with each other especially if an event has lots of people (especially if they might be shy)?

What it takes to make a good social event is a combination of a good host and good planning... I make sure I introduce everyone to everyone, and I sometimes ask them to tell everyone where they are from and what their hobbies are, so anyone who finds something in common with someone else will instantly have something to start the conversation with. And my events are all very well planned. I check the weather forecast and I plan the venue according to the weather forecast, if it is going to be hot, I pick a place with lots of shade, if it is going to be cold, I pick a place with no shade, etc. And I make sure that all the logistics are taken care of by me and/or my co-organizers.

You mentioned how Meetup has changed your life? How so?

Hm, I did not mention Meetup changed my life... but it has been fun and rewarding... I have met roughly 500 new people in the past 2 and a half years, and I have impacted their lives in a positive way by introducing new friends to them, new places to go hiking and sightseeing and helping them stay healthy... I have found helping people very rewarding to me...

Connect with Larry