'Get dressed up and corporate mingle'

By Paul Allen Business reporter allenp@jamaicaobserver.com

Sunday, February 12, 2012

With over 12 per cent of the population unemployed and the economy static, it's understandable that a "Corporate Mingle", aimed at putting job-hunters and employers together, would be a hit in Jamaica.

Corporate Mingle, initiated by Creative Media and Events' (CME) "Wealth Magazine" in 2009, is a monthly business-networking event. Business professionals are encouraged to go, meet, share ideas and talk about the industry, said Ann-Loy Morgan, CME's public relations executive.

A final year student of the University of the West Indies (UWI) said she has attended three mingles but has not received any job offers. However, the "experience of being in such a professional setting has really helped my confidence level and the people that I've spoken with there have given me lots of useful advice."

She admits that the talks have not been extensive in most cases "but that's to be expected given the numbers that turn up, all expecting to speak to the business bigwigs."

"We like to say it's not a job, it's a lifestyle," Morgan told Sunday Finance. While jobs won't be offered to everyone, there are many instances of success, she said. Employers have turned up not intending to hire but have been so impressed by the quality of people who attend that they've done interviews and made offers.

The UWI student said she's heard of instances where people have been hired.

"I don't know any of them personally but I have heard talk by the way, which suggests there may be truth to it. You never see smoke without fire", she said.

One's business card is the only requirement needed for entry into mingles.

Despite the good reviews, some are still doubtful of the actual benefits to be reaped from attending.

"I know what it is, what it's about and the whole networking thing but that doesn't say much," said a graduate of the University of Technology. "It just seems like a grand time to be honest. You get dressed up and play business leader for a night."

"I'm not saying it doesn't work," he said, "I just think people should have realistic expectations and know that many, most, will not get a job or even be remembered past that one evening."

It's about the impression you make and the links you are able to forge for future use, said Morgan.

Mingles of this nature are not uncommon and are in fact rather popular around the world. This particular one has had guest speakers such as businessman Omar Azan and financial analyst Denis Chung.

"Even if you have a small business, you should come. It's a great way to get your name out there," said Morgan.

Corporate Mingle is held on the last Friday of each month and will be held at a new location, the Spanish Court Hotel.