Can speed dating land your business clients?

Published 2:13 pm Monday, July 20, 2009

I’m not sure if anyone actually uses speed dating to find a romantic partner, or if that’s just a scene that pops up in movies now and then.

But some small business owners are using the concept to try to nail down a government contract.

Business Matchmaking 2009 is a nationwide tour meant to match government agencies and corporations with small service providers who might not have the knowledge or resources to go head-to-head with better connected businesses.

It works a lot like the movie scene. There’s a row of folding tables, a line of potential suitors, and a bell that rings every 20 minutes. When that happens, it’s time to move on to the next table.

The idea is that somewhere down the line, you’ll find a new client.

The tour isn’t headed to Everett — or anywhere near Everett, for that matter. This year it’s headed to Chicago and Boston.

But the program does offer an online network. And maybe you’ll meet your perfect match there.