Networking Made Easy at CoMotion

Networking Made Easy at CoMotion

Networking can be an intimidating exercise for some. But here at CoMotion, the events and get-togethers give even the most introverted of us plenty of easy ways to do some mingling…and enjoy it.

As an entrepreneur or freelancer, it’s hard to understate the importance of networking. And if you happen to be keeping score at home, yes, my last post was about how I was preaching from the networking pulpit to the ambitious students of the Start-Up Crawl. Some of the discussions that were generated from that post were about the varying levels of comfort people have with the idea of networking. Sure, the social butterflies of the group are going to flock to anything that brings more than three people together, but a good chunk of the population isn’t quite as enthused. This is where CoMotion does a good job of taking the edge off of this entrepreneurial fact of life.

Would you rather “network”, or share laughs over a ridiculous movie?

December, in particular, has a pretty impressive lineup of networking opportunities. But networking is only the sterile term used to describe the results. Ultimately, it’s about something a little more interesting, enlightening, or entertaining than that. A unique, and/or head scratching, example of this is the members-only screening of “The Room” – an event dubbed “A participatory celebration of the Citizen Kane of bad movies”. By any evaluation, that’s pretty funny. Not to mention, a cool way for CoMotion members to casually get together, enjoy some snacks and beverages, and laugh at a train-wreck of a flick. And before you know it, actual conversations are taking place. Without realizing it, networking is happening.

Some Razzle Dazzle to bring the community together.

Bringing the community together is another forte of CoMotion events. Coming up on December 19th is the annual Holiday Razzle Dazzle event – hosted by the CoMotion Group and Forge & Foster. Last year, this was loads of fun. As the holidays approach, this is one of those parties that brings people from the downtown Hamilton community and beyond together for a casual evening of delectable eats and frosty beverages – all in support of the Good Shepherd. Based on my experience, it could easily be considered a #HamOnt tweetup, too – in fact, there could probably be a drinking game centred around how often you overhear, ‘Oh, I know you from Twitter!”.

For those who may fall on the introverted side of the spectrum, few things breed introductions and conversations like hovering around the snack table or bar. Lots of questions being lobbed about what’s being served, or the prevailing choice of Collective Arts brew to snag. And, on the flipside, if you want to pull the ‘chute on a conversation you’ve found yourself in, heading over to grab another plate is always a polite way to take a breather.

It goes with the territory.

Plus, it’s no secret that networking is part of the programming. At public parties like Razzle Dazzle, it’s often right in the event title. Why does that matter? Well, it means those perceived “awkward introductions” aren’t really awkward at all. It’s an expected part of being at the event – and part of the fun, too.

To give you an idea of how networking is infused into the culture here at CoMotion, here’s glimpse at what’s in store, or what’s already occurred, for the month of December:

CoMotion’s December Event Lineup

December 4 – Christmas Tree Decorating – Internal

Help us decorate for Christmas! We’ll trim the tree and eat cookies! 2pm-4pm

December 4 – The Shoebox Project Wrapping Party at CoMotion 302 – Internal

Come help wrap and fill shoeboxes that are going to be donated to women living in shelters in Hamilton.

December 5 – George Street Lunch and Learn – CoMotion on King – Internal

Simon Cott from George Street Law will be explaining the new legislation regarding Employment Law and what that means for small businesses. Snacks will be provided. Run time from 12-1pm

December 7 – CoMotion and Hub of the Hammer present The Room film screening – CoMotion On King – Internal

Is it possible to make both the best and worst movie at the same time?  This is the eternal question that will forever be asked in regards to Tommy Wiseau’s 2003 master/crapsterpiece The Room.

December 15 – Business Book Club – CoMotion on King – Internal

A discussion about Shoe Dog: A memoir by the Creator of Nike.

December 19 – Holiday Razzle Dazzle – CoMotion On King – Public/ Ticketed Event

It’s that special time of year, which means the annual Razzle Dazzle: A CoMotion Holiday Party is upon us and you’re invited! Fantastic door prizes, food, drinks, games, the best festive music, and a jolly good time! Come celebrate the holidays and network with Hamilton’s most interesting and innovative!

Please bring non-perishable food or monetary donations in support of Good Shepherd Hamilton services!