MeetUps and the ‘Pajama Factor’

Embracing the Pajama Factor: Navigating the New Normal of In-Person Meetups

Something me and other meetup leaders have noticed: Meetup turnout has been wildly variable vs. RSVP rates in the pre-covid world. Why is this?

It might be the ‘new normal’ of Tuesday to Thursday’s in-office (meaning Monday plus Friday at home) is causing a lot of folks at home to not get ‘out of the pajamas’ and go out to events on Monday nights. Hence, we’re moving most of our events to Tuesday nights for the foreseeable future.

In an age where remote work has become the norm for many, the concept of the “pajama factor” has emerged as a significant consideration in determining people’s willingness to attend in-person meetup events. The shift to remote work brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic has blurred the lines between work and personal life. With the flexibility to work from home, many individuals have grown accustomed to the convenience and comfort it offers. However, this newfound comfort can also pose challenges when it comes to re-engaging with in-person activities, such as networking events, workshops, or social gatherings.

To address the pajama factor and encourage participation in in-person events, organizers must be mindful of scheduling and programming. By strategically planning events on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, when individuals are more likely to be in the office and already out of their homes, organizers can increase the likelihood of attendance

Businesses can also play a role in addressing the pajama factor by fostering a culture that values in-person interactions and encourages employees to participate in events outside of their homes. By emphasizing the importance of networking and professional development, companies can motivate employees to step out of their comfort zones and engage with the broader community.

For our upcoming events: check out: https://www.meetup.com/colorado-technology-sales-meetup/events/294871585/

The “Hero’s Journey” in Sales, a customer centric sales methodology

LinkedIn Branding and Sales Acceleration, a talk with Cher Fox, the Datanista

https://www.meetup.com/colorado-technology-sales-meetup/events/299123275

Pitch Lab: Five Comedy Tips That Will Help You Win More Deals!

https://www.meetup.com/colorado-technology-sales-meetup/events/299124434

Yours in sales, Bob and Jason.

The 2024 outlook for tech sales and sales networking

Seems every new years since covid has had us all sighing a collective ‘Whew!’ when we make it to that next year. Personally, I have very high hopes for 2024. 

  • The economy is solid
  • We avoided a recession
  • Economic fundamentals are pointing up
  • Economic metrics are strong

We should all be able to do well in 2024. Lets make it happen!

In events, instead of a guest speaker, I’m leading my own event in February. I have been studying the ‘Hero’s journey’ as a customer-centric methodology since 2021. I’m bringing this knowledge to the CTSP meetup next month.

Every customer facing company, and internal operations team uses the Hero’s Journey to maintain a customer centric solutions mindset.

Our February event will show you how to develop this story / movie narrative and be the “Obi-Wan” to your “Luke Skywalker” customer, making them the hero.

We’ll walk you through this process, teaching you how to guide your customer:

1. Your client is the hero; the hero has a problem.
2. You are their guide to a solution.
3. You unveil a plan, the Executive Pitch, the actions required to resolve the problem.
4. The solution is implemented.
5. Success or Failure?

wallup.net

AGENDA:

5:30 to 6:00 Networking / Pizza
6:00: Introductions around the room and Icebreaker (15 minutes)
6:15: Feature Presentation
7:00: Conclusion, final thoughts, Wrap-up, additional networking.

Movie Examples Showing the Hero’s Journey

  • 1. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)
  • 2. Star Wars (1977)
  • 3. Black Panther (2018)
  • 4. Airplane! (1980)
  • 5. The Matrix (1999)
  • 6. The Lion King (1994)
  • 7. Avatar (2009)
  • 8. Hacksaw Ridge (2016)

Other notable tech networking events and other resources I recently discovered:

Another group that has come to my attention in 2023 is the Media Tech Collective. They’re having a 2024 kickoff Thursday night, January 25th. Register here: https://www.mediatechcollective.com/2024-industry-kickoff-