Cause life is better when you’re searching for somewhere to sit and you get the “Over here!” wave

Do you cringe at the thought of a “happy hour” or “networking” event? A badly facilitated, unstructured, loud, on your feet, free for all where you’re balancing a plate of crusty cheese cubes and forcing conversation while stuffed in uncomfortable clothes, wondering why you came, when you can leave, if you should ever leave the house again, and whyyyyyyyy it’s so hard to find your people.

But still want to (occasionally) leave the house and find quality community?

Imagine you’re in a room full of strangers, all there for the same reason—to meet others.

Imagine comfortably chatting with those of a different age, race, industry, education, income, sexuality, gender, marital status, personality type.

Imagine being gently, warmly, and charismatcially guided by a skilled facilitator who has experienced and understands, acknowledges, and mitigates awkwardness, social anxiety, feeling like you don’t belong, sitting in the car convincing yourself to go inside, and hiding in the bathroom.

It’s much easier to be yourself seated, in comfy pants, not shout-talking. And you being yourself surrounded by others being themselves is the foundation for quality connection.

Welcome to Mac & Cheese speed-friending, a perfect inclusive blend of structure and free-range where both introverts and extroverts shine.

You’ll talk with Person A for a short amount of time (five-ten minutes), until you hear the chime, and then you’ll talk with Person B for a short amount of time, Person C, Person D, and so on. At the end of the conversation rounds, you’ll have an opportunity to (comfortably) follow up with people you’ve already talked to and to chat with folks you didn’t get a chance to meet, building on the shared-experience of the gathering, making back and forth easy and organic.

Come with the expectation of a low-key, enjoyable, unique experience. Cherry on top? A connection or three with people you’d like to see again.

Bonus: a quick “networking” crash course from someone who built a successful twenty+ year career on word of mouth, community, and enjoyable and replenishing, not awkward and depleting, “getting out there,” and whom often hears, “You know so many people! You know so many fun things to do! You’re such a delight to be around!” Your host is responsible for too many to count friendships and seven marriages, including her own (she and Husband met at one of her events).

If you’re nervous about —

• Coming solo, don’t be; find Saya when you arrive and she’ll ease you in
• Being the oldest, the youngest, the only _______, don’t be; part of the Mac & Cheese magic is that it’s not for a certain type, label, demographic, and that anyone who’s yes’y, open-minded, and friendly will fit right in
• Being socially awkward, don’t be; you’ll be in a room full of humans human’ing, who all know what it’s like to get tongue-tied or struggle with small talk. Be weird, be nerdy, be other’ish… just be yourself and welcome others being themselves, and you’ll at the very least have a nice time

STRUCTURE

• Doors open thirty minutes before event start
• On time start
• “How to (and how not to) network” crash course
• Speed-friending
• Mingling
• On time end

TIPS

• Arrive thirty to ten minutes before event start. This helps you arrive as your best self, not someone rushing to be on time. Gives you a chance to get a nametag, find the bathroom, meet the host, choose the best seat, (non-creepily) watch others arrive…
• Know how you prefer to respond if someone asks for your contact info. What do you prefer to share? Email, website, social media links, phone…
• Make it easy to give someone your info, in your preferred format. E.g. business card (analog or digital), QR code, digital one-link, pen & paper…
• Attire is whatever you feel good in. Your host will be in comfy clothes.
• Eat ahead of time. This event is not food-focused and you want energy and a satiated belly.

YOUR HOST

Learn more about Saya (Sigh-Uh)

Check out other servings of Mac & Cheese, virtual and in-person