Make Fringe Friends, Romans and Countrymen!
One of the best things about the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the shear number of artists, practioners and generally like-minded people who are all in the same place at the same time!
Do you think they can find a freelance lampie in London? NO! They’re all in Edinburgh! What about up and coming poets for your open mic night? Edinburgh! An audience in general? EDINBURGH!
In fact, the population of Edinburgh triples from 500 thousand to 1.5 million! That’s 1,499,999 potential friends to make. I know what that sounds like but people inherently like to work with people who they know a little bit about, both in regards to their work and on a personal level.
So, run a meet up.
So simple! So effective!
Get in touch with fellow minded companies and individuals and invite them out. If you’ve got a bit of budget to spare you could take a group out for a meal and a show. Less budget? How about cocktails at Cabaret Voltaire. Shoestring? Go for a picnic in the park. No money? Throw a party at your digs!
With or without seducing people with food and booze the key selling point is the good company. Although this is essentially a networking event you are organising for yourself or your company it is sure to benefit all parties who attend so let them know who you’re inviting and why.
How do you invite them? If you find their show on the Edinburgh Fringe site you’ll find links to their social media and websites so send them a message on facebook or Instagram, drop them an email or, old school, give them a ring.
Keep your eye on the numbers at gatherings like this, too small and it can be awkward, too big and there is no way you can have a personal conversation with people. You’ll find a sweet spot between 10-20.
And that’s all there is to it!
For one month a year you can find similar minded individuals, with similar ideals and similar goals, to raise awareness of their show. So, take advantage of it! And you’re bound to meet all kinds of interesting people from all over the world!
Thinking of running a meet and greet?! Why yes, I’d love to come! You only need to ask.
Have you run a successful Meet Up in Edinburgh! How did it go? Let us know in the comments below!