Roses are red, Violets are blue, We connect marketers, That much is true.

As matchmakers for brands and agencies and true masters of connection, Valentine’s Day is by far the most important holiday for Setup. We celebrated by hosting one of our ever-popular Marketer’s Breakfasts.

Unlike past Marketer’s Breakfasts with themes such as customer experience, creativity in the workplace, or data measurement - this particular event was focused on “speed-dating.” 

Esteemed brands such as Georgia Pacific, Honey Baked Ham, United Healthcare, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), among many others were courted by our well-vetted marketing agencies for five minutes at a time. With a precise elevator pitch, some silly conversation starters, and thoroughly entertaining conversations, brand and agency representatives networked in rapid succession. Although speed dating can seem “forced,” attendees described the event as “easy-going.” The format  encouraged natural conversations with people who may not have met otherwise.

This proved successful. Andy Monfalcone, the Senior Brand Director for Serta Simmons Bedding, said that Setup “takes the ‘work’ out of networking.” Others stated that the event was great for networking because of conversations that were “relevant, helpful, and easy.”

Given only five minutes to talk to a business client at any moment, what would you say? What would you do?

As a representative of a brand or agency, it is important to simplify the needs, strengths, and weaknesses of your company.

Agencies - it is not about you. Your job is to make the client feel important. Spend 60 seconds on your pitch. Be sure to include key work you have done and problems you have solved for clients. Then spend the next four minutes LISTENING. Does your agency actually fit the needs of the client?  

Clients - Know what needs to be fixed. Be open minded and listen. Selecting an agency that will actually meet your demands is challenging - listen for capabilities and experience that is relevant to your brand.  Also check for chemistry, since this agency could become an extension of your marketing team.

Brands and agency people were pleased with the opportunity to speak with like-minded influencers. Alan Magee, the Director of Brand Marketing for Moe’s Southwest Grill, stated “Setup takes the time to curate the right people in the room for real conversations that really help marketers.” Moira Vetter, CEO of agency partner Modo Modo, agreed that Setup events bring together the “real brand decision-makers and thought leaders in Atlanta.”

Jennifer Morgan, the Manager of Marketing at the High Museum of Art may have summed it up best when she stated “Setup is a brilliant connector of people.”