Afterwork Networking: Why has meeting up at the local bar or nightclub become such an effective way to make that connection or aquire your next client?

In New York City afterwork mixers at local nightclubs have become the place where deals are made and business relationships are formed.Why is this become so popular with corporate New Yorkers?

May 4, 2004--You can stroll into a local bar or pub in NYC around 5:30 in the evening and there will probably be just a few local regulars sipping their drafts and shooting the breeze with the bartenders. Nightclubs are a different story. The afterwork "mixer" has become the meeting place for New York city professionals to network, have a few drinks and eat some wings. Why has this become so popular?

Danny Fried, manager and co-owner of the China Club thinks it's all in the atmosphere. "On a friday evening people come to our club afterwork, have a bite to eat, drink, sit on one of our sofa's and just relax. But after about an hour; they're out on the dance floor breaking a sweat. It gives people an opportunity to meet others in a completely different forum. Instead of talking on the phone or in a board room they're buying one another drinks."

The China Club is one of many nightclub establishments that run the mixers. Friday's are usually the best crowds and you should plan to arrive early. At least before 7 p.m. if you want to get a table or sofa for your group. Admission is usually free before 7 p.m. and most good places provide a complimentry buffet and drink specials. China Club is located at 268 West 47th St. corner of 8th Avenue. Doors open at 5 p.m. with a free buffet and drink specials till 7 p.m. Their Friday afterwork party is one of the more popular spots in Manhattan. There are others, Remy Lounge is a nice spot downtown and The VUE is on the east side in the 50's. Wherever you decide to drop by be sure you bring your Palm Pilot for all those new connections your bound to make.