Speed dating for business partnerships

Most people have heard of speed dating - a quick way to chat up a number of people and find a romantic connection. Now the business sector is getting in on the game - in the most professional of ways.

Speed networking is a new type of business mixer that does away with uncomfortable small talk and allows small businesses and entrepreneurs to cut to the chase and form new partnerships quickly, the Santa Cruz Sentinel reports.

Greg Holsen, a collaborator at Scotts Zyzyrgy Center for Entrepreneurial Innovation, told the paper that the mixers are a way "to make people successful" and allow them to "step outside of their comfort zone." Throughout the event, small business owners are encouraged to exchange business cards and contact information with like-minded entrepreneurs.

"When people grow organic relationships, they feel more comfortable doing business together," Holsen added.

Speed networking is also a good way for business professionals to gain visibility for their ventures. However, according to Ivan Misner of Entrepreneur magazine, the key to making these contacts work is to follow-up so a relationship can begin to develop.