There are a lot of networking events in the Bay Area every day of the week. If you wanted to be a professional networker, this is undoubtedly the place to do it. But not all networking events are created equal. The massive gathering at a local bar may result in you rubbing shoulders with lots of like minded individuals but it will be loud and crowded and not particularly conducive to building real relationships. The nighttime panel on the startup topic of your choice is equally dubious when it comes to growing your professional network. While the conversation afterwards will require less shouting, it will probably be with other startup neophytes -- it is hard to attract seasoned professionals to take part in such events. The monthly trade organization gathering may well get you chatting with a number of similarly situated professionals, but it will do little to expand the breadth of contacts you have.
What is the solution to these networking woes? Dodgeball. After contemplating the profound networking opportunities on the dodgeball court, YouTube's Hunter Walk, Mint's Noah Kagan and I went about organizing the "First Annual Labor vs. Capital Dodgeball Tournament." And it was a big success. Lots of smart, fun entrepreneurs and venture capitalist came together to throw balls at each other's heads. And in between games of riotous ball-chucking fun, there were lots of opportunities to get to know each other. When folks headed back to work (or home) on Friday afternoon, there were lots of requests for the next Labor vs. Capital event on the circuit. We are still in planning mode but are contemplating Labor vs. Capital miniature golf, or Labor vs. Capital Paint Ball. Whatever it is that we choose, I think the result will be a pile of fun and some good clean networking on the side.
For those of you who didn't make it to the First Annual Labor vs. Capital Dodgeball Tournament, check out the latest installment of VentureCast. Craig and I recorded it at the dodgeball courts. You can even get the play by play of the finals of the tournament. It may well be our best remote VentureCast yet. And if audio from the dodgeball court isn't scintillating enough, check out the great video the folks at the Mercury News made.
It really was a pile of fun. I look forward to the next in the "Labor vs. Capital" series of networking events. Perhaps Labor vs. Capital curling.
You can stretch this a bit further. Being involved in possible simulations say where you're battling terrorists could even generate better interactions amongst investors/entrepreneurs. Getting to know someone in a non-business purpose setting allows personalities to surface that might otherwise be deterred by purpose-driven interactions such as seeking profitability from partnerships. Fun, endorphins, unorthodox puzzles can all lead to innovative mixers, but the exclusivity of it means it can't really be on meetup.com
Posted by: Azam Khan | 09/07/2007 at 05:07 PM
I enjoy reading your blog.
today is my first time that I came across your blod by chance.
I will read it more often later on.
I'm from china,a freelancer businessman.
we have a project,to make hydrogen from methanol and ethanol by the waste heat from the exhausting pipe in any vehicles.
it is the solution to the rocking-the-sky petroleum price worldwide.
We need venture capital for the project.
pls let me know your comments if you are interested.
with best regards,
Liu Jianshe
Fro Shenzhen,Guangdong,China
Posted by: liu.jianshe.myopenid.com | 04/02/2008 at 09:14 AM
Gucci is a famous brand in the world , and is originate from Italy and create by Guccio Gucci. He is a famous designer. His products are popular with most of people . His design are originality and natural. Gucci bags and Gucci outlet are also popular and elegant. You can search for our website : http://www.gucciusaoutlet.com.
Posted by: Gucci handbags | 08/09/2010 at 08:32 PM
Just wanted to say HI. I found your blog a few days ago and have been reading it over the past few days.
Posted by: Jordan Heels | 05/10/2011 at 02:31 AM
Never done in the article comments, this is my first network comments, appreciate you sharing. Very good article
Posted by: Brand Bikinis | 05/12/2011 at 11:34 PM
Good ! very good!
Posted by: Christian Louboutin Outlet | 05/12/2011 at 11:37 PM
I remember a few years ago when you could get a steal on a used car. Pretty amazing how fast the market changes, thanks for the info.
Posted by: Asics Tiger | 05/18/2011 at 05:57 PM
Any pictures? Would love a house with that much land...oh and I've just noticed its quite an old post. Is it still available?
Posted by: MBT Shoes | 05/18/2011 at 06:00 PM
Good stuff as per usual, thanks. I do hope this kind of thing gets more exposure.
Posted by: GHD Iron | 07/06/2011 at 06:48 AM
I remember a few years ago when you could get a steal on a used car. Pretty amazing how fast the market changes, thanks for the info.
Posted by: cheap human hair extensions | 07/19/2011 at 11:59 PM
Thank you for sharing. Very happy to see your article, I very much to like and agree with your point of view. Have a good time.
Posted by: MBT Trainers | 07/26/2011 at 12:04 AM
I just like reading all the blogs.
Posted by: ghd | 09/05/2011 at 02:59 AM
The economy weak and the public seething, President Barack Obama is expected to propose $300 billion in tax cuts and federal spending Thursday night to get Americans working again. Republicans offered Tuesday to compromise with him on jobs — but also assailed his plans in advance of his prime-time speech.In effect, Obama will be hitting cleanup on a shortened holiday week, with Republican White House contender Mitt Romney releasing his jobs proposals on Tuesday and front-running Texas Gov. Rick Perry hoping to join his presidential rivals Wednesday evening on a nationally televised debate stage for the first time.
Posted by: rolex daytona | 09/07/2011 at 01:06 AM
Thanks for sharing. This website is to I too have to help. Very good.
Posted by: cheap jordan 11 | 10/03/2011 at 12:20 PM