Q: I'm a young business owner (26) and get a bit tired of the grey suits I encounter from day to day. Is there any place or club where like-minded, younger business people meet to share knowledge and experience?
* Simone Williams, of the Employers and Manufacturers (EMA), replies:
A: There's Schmooze!
Schmooze is a network run by the Employers & Manufacturers Association for younger professionals wanting to meet over a social drink, often to hear from a high-profile person they can learn from.
Membership is not restricted. You don't have to have to look like you're auditioning for Friends. The network lavishes attention on our "typical" professionals. But anyone out for a fresh take on the importance of extending their client database will benefit.
EMA wanted to establish a way for our future business leaders to meet and get to know each other outside the workplace.
These people are serious and passionate about business success. They (usually) have a strong aptitude for it. They want to wind down with others sharing the same attributes and outlook.
Schmooze caters as well to proponents of the arts, design and other fields with commercial and creative objectives.
Several thousand of these people populate the Schmooze database.
Schmooze events are scheduled in varied Auckland nightspots and unusual locations to facilitate meet-and-greet opportunities with humour, games and business-oriented activities.
Almost all communication about them is online - www.schmooze.co.nz - or by email. Regular outbounds keep you in the loop on what's coming up.
Something new is out there every three weeks or so to tempt your attendance at two main types of events: Caffeinated Knowledge Shots are for breakfast networking - you turn up to one of Auckland's inner-city eateries to take in advice from a speaker, mentor or other inspirational figure.
Recently Schmooze heard from Olympic medal-winner Bevan Docherty on what it takes to succeed at the Olympics.
On Thursday week (November 25) at the Studio Bar, Oliver Driver is the host for a concert: Studio Live with WBC and Hot Grits.
Since it's the season to be jolly, the emphasis this month is on meet and greet.
* For more information email: Schmooze or check the website www.schmooze.co.nz
* Email us your small business question
<i>Business mentor:</i> Meet and learn for younger set
Q: I'm a young business owner (26) and get a bit tired of the grey suits I encounter from day to day. Is there any place or club where like-minded, younger business people meet to share knowledge and experience?
* Simone Williams, of the Employers and Manufacturers (EMA), replies:
A: There's Schmooze!
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