Shoutout to the Detroit Chamber for that event last month, but I think their focus is off

I went to their mixer expecting to connect with other small business owners, but I was one of only three contractors in a room of over 200 people. It made me realize a lot of these big networking groups aren't really set up for the trades. Has anyone found a better spot in the city to meet other people who run physical businesses?

3 comments

3 Comments

abby1893mo ago

Funny, I used to think those mixers were for everyone. The trade shows at Cobo are way better for finding people with actual shops and crews.

holly_green822mo ago

Ugh, my buddy wasted a whole night at one of those.

shane_wilson2mo ago

Yeah, "mixers were for everyone" is exactly what I used to think too. It took me way too long to figure out that most people at those things are just there for free drinks and business cards they'll never look at again. I've sat through too many awkward conversations where people can't even tell you what kind of work they actually do. The Cobo shows sound like a better bet, honestly. I feel for your buddy though, it's frustrating to waste a whole night on something that doesn't pan out. At least he knows now what to avoid next time.