MATCHMAKING EVENTS
WHAT IS THE EVENT ABOUT?
A NETWORKING EVENT BETWEEN COMPANIES AND STAKEHOLDERS
The event can be a networking meeting between companies or between companies and other stakeholders. The event uses the BusinessMaker matchmaking tool to facilitate one-on-one meetings.
THE THEME AND NATURE OF THE EVENT VARIES
It could be a remote, hybrid, or in-person matchmaking event. Each event is unique and tailored to its participants.
THE GOAL IS A PRODUCTIVE MEETING
The aim of every event is to provide participants with an environment where meetings can take place effectively, productively, and easily.
SERIOUS, BUT NOT TOO SERIOUS
BusinessMaker’s company matchmaking events are relaxed business occasions. You are warmly welcome just as you are!
TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL MEETINGS
BEFORE THE MEETINGS
Your profile description creates the first impression
Your profile description is your first chance to make an impact when someone hovers over your photo. Keep the text brief and to the point. Based on your description, others will decide whether to request a meeting with you.
Choose your words carefully—this is your elevator pitch. Be concise. Write openly about what you are looking for and what you offer.
Be honest and authentic—this always works. Think about what you would want to learn from someone else's profile text. How long of a text would you be willing to read?
Every meeting is important
Don’t hesitate to ask for a meeting with other participants. There's no reason to be shy or over analyze it! Remember, the whole event is about networking — not necessarily about closing a deal. Business opportunities often arise through networking.
Every person you meet carries their own network, and you never know where a key connection for you might come from.
That's why every meeting is important, and you can't predict exactly what each meeting will bring. Be open and bold when arranging meetings — this will make the event more effective.
Preparation is the key to a successful meeting
Preparing for business meetings helps you achieve your goals, establish connections and feel more relaxed and confident during the meetings.
By preparing, you also show your interest and demonstrate your willingness to find collaboration opportunities. Before the meetings you can think these questions:
1. What do we already have in common?
2. What could we share in common in the future?
3. My goals with the company who I'm meeting up with?
4. Next steps for the future?
Ensure a positive image in case of cancellations
In the Matchmaking events, pre-scheduled meetings are binding. Treat them as you would any other business meetings you have arranged in advance. Be present at the agreed time.
If you are unable to attend, make sure to cancel well in advance BEFORE SCHEDULED MEETING TIMES.
By notifying others of your cancellation, you ensure that your company maintains a positive image.
If you can't participate to the event, changes can be easily made through the event page under "My Details" - "Exit the event."
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
There are no clients for me among the participants, what should I do?
When it comes to customer acquisition, keep in mind that, in addition to the direct meeting between two people, the networks of both parties are also meeting. Within anyone's network, there could be your key client or the perfect partner, or vice versa!
So, be open and boldly present your services to as many people as possible!
You never know where a business opportunity might arise.
I’m shy about asking for meetings—I worry about what people will think of me.
Getting invited to a meeting feels nice by default. Even if you initially think that you and the other person have nothing in common based on the profile description, asking for a meeting is still a good idea. The person will feel wanted and interesting.
There’s no need to be afraid or ashamed of selling. In these events, it’s encouraged. Additionally, most people attending the event understand how vital sales are.
I’m nervous about attending the event, will I have to speak in front of an audience?
BusinessMaker’s concept is to offer an environment where creating customer contacts and marketing your business can happen without needing to present to a large audience. In the events, participants do not give speeches or perform in front of an audience or group.
You are warmly welcome just as you are!
Why can't I decide my own meeting times?
BusinessMaker's model is designed to create a user-friendly and seamless event experience.
We aim to provide participants with a relaxed and pleasant networking experience, allowing them to focus on meetings rather than managing their own schedules.
With BusinessMaker handling the scheduling, there are more options for meeting partners, and thanks to our scheduling algorithm, more meetings can be arranged in a shorter amount of time.
This enables a clear and hassle-free way to network effectively. When users don’t have to worry about creating their own schedules, they have more resources to focus on the meeting itself and its content.
MEETING ETIQUETTE
Introduce yourself briefly
Get straight to the point
Listen and engage actively
Prioritize discussion topics
Exchange contact details
Agree on next steps
EXPERT TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL MEETINGS
In Matchmaking events, preparation is key. Pay attention to how carefully and effectively you present your company. Be proactive—review the participant list thoroughly, request meetings and either accept or decline meeting requests.
The most important thing is to do your homework and take the preparation seriously, rather than simply waiting for others to ask you for meetings. If you don't put in the work beforehand, it will be too late to regret missed opportunities during or after the event. It's also a good idea to be prepared to briefly and concisely explain your expertise and the products or services you offer.
Before the event, it's helpful to boldly schedule meetings with companies outside of your immediate industry, as you never know where a new partnership or client might come from. If you've registered for the event and scheduled meetings, it's important to treat those meetings as serious commitments, just as if you'd arranged a visit to any other company.
Arrive at the event on time. If there are breaks between meetings, take full advantage of the event by networking with others during those breaks. We've developed the "Matchmaking Game" with BusinessMaker for these spontaneous networking moments that you can find on the live events.
Esa Mänttäri
Vantaan Yrittäjät ry
Minna Lojander
Keski-Uudenmaan Kehittämiskeskus Oy / Business Development Centre Ltd
Before the event, it’s a good idea to create a strategy and clarify your goals. Is your strategy, for example:
- To find opportunities by chance, attending the event spontaneously and networking with everyone with an open mind, or
- To make a detailed, analytical plan where you set your goals and research in advance who will be attending the event?
If you choose option 2, I encourage you to carefully review your potential meeting partners in advance and prepare your pitch specifically for that meeting. It’s just like preparing for a sales meeting. These two strategies can also be mixed!
I recommend that entrepreneurs identify the approach that works best for them and make their strategic choice based on that. Sometimes it’s also good to step outside your comfort zone and challenge yourself to act in a way that’s different from what you’re used to. What’s important in meetings is the ability to listen and engage meaningfully.
At BusinessMaker's Matchmaking events, it’s okay to be visible and sell boldly! If you're attending with a sales strategy, bring along product samples or service references. It’s good to have something to offer, at the very least, a business card. I believe a key advantage would be to customize your product presentation for your specific meeting partner. For example, you can write the date and location of the meeting on your business card in advance.
In a sales strategy, the fear of "being pushy" or "not wanting to sell" should be left behind — be bold! Because what’s really the worst that could happen? The other party simply says "No, thank you", and that’s not so bad at all. However, the goal of every meeting doesn't always need to be a sale — it can also be finding a distributor or a new partner. The other party might be thinking the same way when they send a meeting request. That’s why courage and an open mind are essential when setting up meetings. You can only know for sure what the other party’s proposal is once you’ve heard it from them. So, be bold!
Heli Vuoksimaa
Newco Helsinki, Business Advisor
Tom Gammals
Novago Yrityskehitys Ltd