Networking. The key to any business’s success, but loaded with the pressures of capturing leads, making good impressions, not wasting time, and the ultimate nightmare for introverts.

At Setup, we know networking can be stressful, which is why we work hard to create pitch-free, comfortable event environments where our attendees can focus on the root of any business matter: human connection and chemistry.

The Setup Marketer Speed Dating #MarketersBreakfast is one of our most popular in-person events because attendees get to meet as many qualified people as possible in short bursts of time. Many attendees recounted that the facilitated structure of the matchmaking event made networking so much easier. Plus, to ensure that everyone’s time is valued, the roster of #MarketersBreakfast attendees is exclusive, only open to our agency partners and Client-side marketing leaders. Some of the brands in attendance included Veritiv, Cartoon Network, Primrose Schools, and more.

Still, talking to a ton of people can feel like a lot of pressure. In order to help ignite that spark, we left the following conversation starters on the table:

What is your marketing superpower?
Who is your marketing role model, aka your marketing celebrity crush?
What did you learn from your most adventurous marketing project?
How would you describe the culture and personality of your company?
How would your best marketing partner describe your company?
What’s your biggest pet peeve in a marketing relationship?
What realm of marketing are you most excited to explore?
Tell me about a bad “marketing” romance where you wanted to break up the relationship.
What attributes make up your perfect marketing partnership?
What’s the craziest, coolest job you’ve ever had?

“Such a unique concept. Was great to meet marketers I never would have talked to otherwise!”

— Stephanie Spicer | President | Luquire

Relationships are built on mutual respect and interest. Consider using these questions at your next event to break the ice! A helpful trick we use is focusing on getting to know the person outside of their role. What are their hobbies, values, and quirks? This approach feels less impersonal and disingenuous, and, who knows, maybe you’ll even make a friend outside of work.

Speaking of “breaking the ice,” Setup offers a Team Building service based on improv principles like “Yes and,” to work on building a team’s confidence, chemistry, and collaborative skills. If this interests you, check out the Team Building service offering here.

The best part about our #MarketersBreakfasts is that they expose people to other marketing leaders they probably would not encounter otherwise at no cost to the attendees, and often people continue the conversations afterwards. We truly enjoy hosting these #MarketersBreakfast events for Brands and Agencies, and we get inspired by the prospect of leaders connecting and clicking with one another. If you are a Client-side Marketer in Atlanta and would like to join us at our next in person or virtual event, RSVP here.