How to Build Big Relationships with Small Gatherings with Nick Gray

This week’s show features Nick Gray, a serial entrepreneur who has been living in Austin, Texas for the past two years. After moving to New York City in his mid-20s without any friends, he quickly adapted to the hustle and bustle of the city by walking up to 10,000 steps each day. Inspired by his love of museums, Nick created Museum Hack - a business that provides renegade museum tours led by stand-up comedians and Broadway actors. Museum Hack quickly became a multimillion dollar business, offering team building activities to businesses and companies across the United States. 

We discuss Nick’s book: "The 2-Hour Cocktail Party: How to Build Big Relationships with Small Gatherings." Nick shares tips for improving event attendance and hosting successful parties. He discusses the use of icebreakers, delegating duties, and communicating the end time of a party. Additionally, Nick shares his experience with starting Museum Hack and provides tips for building confidence as a new host. Tune in for great advice on turbocharging connections with guests and making hosting parties a habit.

[05.07] Making friends – Starting the conversation, Nick explains why it is difficult for adults to make friends. 

[09.50] Cocktail party – Nick shares the reason behind choosing the title cocktail party instead of a dinner party and the difference between the two. 

[25.01] Start small – Start small by inviting close friends, neighbors, and work buddies for a low-stakes party.

[30.37] The attendance – Nick shares the steps you have to take to boost the attendance of your party with RSVPs, reminder messages and guest bios.

[37.06] Name tags – We talk about the importance of name tags at parties. 

[39:00] Icebreakers - How icebreakers are used to get people talking and meeting new people at parties.

[48:42] How to end a party - End party 15 minutes before scheduled time, turn off music and lights, tidy up and thank guests for coming.

Connect with Nick:

Website - nickgray.net/ 

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/nickgraynews/ 

Instagram - instagram.com/nickgraynews/ 

Twitter - twitter.com/nickgraynews 

Tiktok - tiktok.com/@nickgraynews

Resources:

Book by Nick
The 2-Hour Cocktail Party: How to Build Big Relationships with Small Gatherings 

Book by James Clear
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

Book by Priya Parker
The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters 

Articles by Nick:

How to Host a Party Website

Happy Hour Best Practices: How to Plan, Host, and Throw a Great Party

The Easy Way to Host or Plan a Networking Event

Launch Party Ideas: 4 Tips for Success

How to Host a Dinner Party

How to Plan a Picnic

How to Host a Housewarming Party

How to Host a Party at Home with Kids