Disclaimer: introvert.

I went to a party tonight. CRASHED a party, even. The only people I knew were the hosts.

It was a party for small business owners.

And I gotta tell you: I actually had a good time.

Normally when I go to parties it’s excruciating. Small talk with people I don’t know, trying to decipher the culture of the group, feeling disconnected and socially awkward. That goes double for parties where I don’t know anyone.

Maybe it’s because I’m getting older and I cease to care, but socializing with small business owners was way more fun than a normal party.

There was always an ice breaker (“what’s your business?”), and everyone had an interesting story around what they do. Add in some small town do-you-know-this-person bingo, and you’re golden.

It probably helped that not everyone knew each other, so everyone was more than willing to accept new people into their conversation circles.

This is a much smaller deal than I’m making it, but I kind of want to start a small business so I can hang out with other small business owners.