More mixers for babysitters & moms

It was back in 2007 that we wrote about MommyMixer and its networking events for babysitters and moms, and the company has since expanded to include many more cities throughout North America. Since we like seeing a good idea spread, we were gratified to learn of a similar venture that recently popped up in Tampa called Sitter Soirees. Much like MommyMixer—which does, incidentally, operate in Tampa as well—Sitter Soirees organizes events to help parents and babysitters connect. Before being invited to attend, every babysitter must go through an approval process with Sitter Soirees’ staff that includes a four-point inspection, a spot check on references and an interview. All must be college students, and all must have at least one year of babysitting experience. Those accepted are then invited to the next one-hour soiree, which parents pay USD 60 to attend. Between 10 and 15 parents and the same number of sitters attend each event, providing ample opportunity for participants on both sides to mingle and connect. Once they do, it is up to babysitters and parents to negotiate schedules and rates. Parents also get a copy of the resumes and photos of all babysitters who attend the event. Sitter Soirees events are held at local boutiques and include light refreshments; participants are also given discounts at the host boutique. For USD 150, Sitter Soirees can organize personalized soirees for individual moms as well, including five babysitter candidates. That’s two companies now focused on efficiently connecting sitters and moms in North America; how about bringing something similar to time-strapped parents in the rest of the world…? (Related: Sitters with a creative touch.) Spotted by: Bill McMahon