Introduction: Networking events are no longer confined to stale conference rooms or noisy bars. Welcome to the world of “social saunas,” where business connections are forged in a steamy, 200-degree box. Let’s dive into why tech leaders are embracing the sweat and how you might be tempted to try this unique networking strategy—if you can handle the heat. Networking in Saunas!
Sweat Equity: A New Kind of Investment Imagine pitching your latest startup idea while wiping sweat from your brow. That’s precisely what Jari Salomaa did at the Salesforce mega-conference. He figured that if deals can be sealed in suits over cocktails, why not in swim trunks over steam? Investors found the setting refreshingly different—probably because no one can hide behind pretense when they’re drenched.
Trading Cocktails for Coconut Water The trend of social saunas is part of a larger shift away from alcohol-driven networking. The tech community, known for embracing wellness trends, is finding new ways to connect, sans hangovers. Sure, it’s unconventional, but isn’t that what startups are all about? Besides, nothing says “trust me” like sweating out impurities together.
Why Sauna Networking Works (and Why It Might Not) On the plus side, saunas offer a judgment-free zone. Everyone looks equally ridiculous, making it easier to break the ice. However, distractions are aplenty: bathrobes and bikinis may not be the most conducive to discussing quarterly financials.
Then there’s the challenge of ensuring your pitch survives the heat. Quite literally, if your voice cracks or you lose focus mid-sentence, you might just lose your funding opportunity.
Will Saunas Make Waves in Your Industry? This raises an important question: Should we consider creative environments for business deals beyond traditional spaces? Perhaps boardrooms should take a lesson from Finland’s sauna tradition, which has historically been a place for serious discussions. A sauna session may help melt the barriers faster than a PowerPoint ever could.
Final Thought: So, are social saunas the future of networking or just a flash in the steam pan? Either way, it’s a conversation starter. And who knows? Maybe your next big idea will come from sweating it out with potential investors.
Do you have a viewpoint or recent experience to share? Please comment on this post.
If you enjoyed this post, check out my thoughts on other workplace trends and how small operational tweaks can have a big impact (https://accelebron.com/executive-insights/)
References
Angel Au-Yeung (2024, November 14). Want to Network in Silicon Valley? Bring a Bathing Suit. WSJ. https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/sauna-network-silicon-valley-bathing-suit-380c6368
#Networking #BusinessTrends #Innovation #SocialSauna #WellnessAtWork #StartupLife