How To Get Hired, Network & Create Opportunities...Effortlessly

New Year. New Gatherings.

New Schools. New Jobs. New Opportunities.

What's not new? Small talk.... the 'do I ask where they're from?' or most recently, 'do you work remotely or at the office?' I loathe it.

But what if cocktail parties, get togethers and beginning of the year networking events could be opportunities instead of obstacles? A place for meaningful connections not meaningless conversations? Where you can create true friendships instead of transactions?

Founder and author, Nick Gray , has shown me there's a method to the madness.

His new book, The 2-Hour Cocktail Party, is the secret sauce to supercharging your social interactions. In this illustration rich book (it took me less than 2 hours to read cover to cover!), he teaches you how to build big relationships with small gatherings by sharing his best tips and tactics.

Best Day To Schedule A Gathering

According to Nick, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights are the best nights for social gatherings or networking events.?

“Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are ‘non-red level days’, meaning people are less likely to cancel. In fact, over 90% of RSVPs show up when you use this method. Because it’s a weeknight it also sets the expectation that there is a level of professionalism, so there won’t be heavy drinking or inappropriate behavior.”

? Easiest Way To Secure RSVP'S? Set a start and end time.?This way guests come when expected and you have a more “efficient” gathering.

Getting Guests To Leave (Politely!)

Everyone is busy so keeping things efficient and making the best of time together is important hence Nick's two hour time limit. But how can you ask guests, colleagues or coworkers to beat it when approaching the two-hour mark?

“Set an alarm for an hour and 45 minutes. When it goes off make an announcement for last call. Express that you want to be respectful of everyone's schedule and now is the time to get a last drink and swap contact info. Turn the lights up and the music down, and start to get ready to end your party on time.”

? Pro Tip: You don’t have to follow standard event times like 7pm - 9pm or 8pm -10pm. Choose a time that best works for your group!

Use Icebreaker Activities

When you host a 2-hour cocktail party, you become the super-connector for your friends, neighbors, and colleagues. In fact, Nick introduced me to business powerhouse Codie Sanchez (you may have seen her viral TikToks on your feed!) who I've become close friends with after our initial meeting!

Create icebreakers that cater to both introverts and extroverts.?Here are 3 examples:

1. "What's one of your favorite things to eat for breakfast?" It’s nonjudgmental, you can answer even if you don’t eat breakfast, and for many people, it’s a happy memory.
2. "Share your name, what you do for work, and a favorite piece of media you consumed recently." Everyone gets to share quality recommendations and advice.
3. "What’s one of the best purchases you’ve made for $100 or less?" Nick's guests have share great kitchen gadgets, tours they’ve done, or new things they’ve found online.?

“Icebreakers are a great way for guests to signal to the room and express who they are. It’s important to share what you do for work because you never know who’s looking for a new job or hiring at their company. The best opportunities come from weak ties or loose connections.”

Why You Should Host At Home

Many people shy away from hosting at home because they don't want to mix work with their personal life but Nick says a house gathering is the key to turbocharging your relationships.

“Inviting someone into your home is like going on a date with them. It’s vulnerable, intimate and creates a connection like no other. Hosting at home is generous. You control the environment and the level of energy and excitement is high.”

? Pro Tip: When starting out stick to around 15 guests. That means inviting around 25 people and allowing plus ones. The more people who attend the less work you have to do to keep the event fun.?

If you’re self-conscious about having a clean home, follow Nick’s lead and throw all the clutter in a storage tub until the party’s over!?

Keeping Connections: The Real After Party

The premise behind Nick’s book, and passion for throwing parties, is relationship building but how do relationships continue once the event ends?

“Collect RSVPs on an online platform like Mixily, Evite, Paperless Post, or Partiful. Make the?guest list visible - this creates social proof and FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) once a guest see all the cool people scheduled to attend.”

? Pro Tip: If you’re an ‘Advanced Host’ (someone who has hosted four or more parties using Nick’s methods) try the ‘24-Hour Reply All Thread’. Ask attendees if they would like to be included in a group email, then send a note asking everyone to "reply all" with their social links, charities they support and an ask related to business (like finding a new job!). The reply time is only 24 hours and if you respond after that, you’re blacklisted! Intense, right?!

Read ‘The 2-Hour Cocktail Party’and choose a date on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. Text or email five close friends or family members and ask if they’d come to a gathering on that date during your selected time slot. Don’t move forward until you get five yes’s.

If you’d like to learn how to make gatherings more intentional, read ‘The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker’

Keep connecting with Nick via: Website | Blog | Instagram | Twitter?

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