We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chris Oyeku a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Chris, appreciate you joining us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
The spark for MixerCloud ignited within me as I envisioned a mobile application that could seamlessly connect people locally. This vision birthed “Mixer” and “Cloud” – symbolic of the virtual networking experience I aimed to create. My three-phase strategy kicked off with Phase 1: Brand and Community. Here, I laid the foundation for MixerCloud, cultivating a welcoming space for the community to connect under the MixerCloud brand.
Moving into Phase 2: Bridging the Gap, my focus shifted to empowering the underserved. I enhanced events by incorporating complimentary headshots, attracting decision-makers, and partnering with sponsors to offer valuable perks. This initiative aimed to provide exposure to local resources for underserved communities.
Phase 3: Accelerating connections with technology saw a mobile application development designed to simplify attendees’ networking experiences. MixerCloud evolved from a concept into a tangible platform, marrying the virtual and networking realms.
My commitment to building the brand led to me launching the “Dallas Tech Industry Mixer hosted by MixerCloud.” The slogan, “MixerCloud is dedicated to making mixers less intimidating but also generating and creating opportunities for those through networking,” was the mindset used to create the space
The initial success of the October 2022 event, with 30-40 attendees, prompted a second event in November, attracting a similar crowd. However, by December 2022, the attendance skyrocketed to over 200 people. Recognizing the unmet demand, I invested more time and resources, upgrading the venue and assembling a team of volunteers who shared my vision.
The January 2023 event exceeded all expectations with over 400 attendees, signaling the immense void MixerCloud filled in the Dallas area. Subsequent events consistently drew between 400 and 500 attendees monthly, surpassing my initial projections for Phase 1.
Fast forward to October 2023, marking MixerCloud’s first anniversary in Dallas. The growth from the inaugural event, with just 30 attendees, to monthly gatherings exceeding 500 attendees has been staggering. Witnessing the support from those who believe in the MixerCloud brand remains a humbling experience.
As I reflect on the past year, it feels like a never-ending marathon, and I’m determined to keep the momentum. Monthly mixers in Dallas will persist, accompanied by the introduction of innovative concepts. Simultaneously, I’m exploring ways to leverage mobile technology for enhanced networking experiences, not only during events but extending beyond.
Looking ahead, MixerCloud’s expansion continues with plans to host events in Houston, which are rapidly gaining traction. Moreover, the vision extends globally, intending to venture into more U.S. cities and internationally in 2024. The journey of MixerCloud is an ongoing saga of connecting people, fostering opportunities, and shaping the future of networking experiences.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Chris Oyeku, originally from Houston, Texas, but currently based in Dallas. I am a second-generation Nigerian American, and my parents immigrated to the USA from Nigeria in the 80s. My upbringing has been influenced by Nigerian, African-American, and Texan cultures, significantly shaping my perspective and contributing to my career success.
Coming from a family-oriented background, I am the youngest of three siblings. Growing up in a household where my parents and siblings exemplified a strong work ethic, I learned valuable principles through their actions. Drawing from this work ethic, I earned a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering and a Master’s in Engineering Management and obtained industry-leading tech certifications.
My professional journey has included senior roles in Fortune 500 companies such as Google (my current employer), Deloitte, Verizon, and Nokia. Beyond my formal education and career, I have cultivated interests in content creation and digital marketing as hobbies. These pursuits have played a significant role in the success of MixerCloud and have contributed positively to my overall career trajectory.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
Riding the wave of word-of-mouth and the social media surge, platforms like Instagram, Linkedin, TikTok, and Facebook have been critical players in our journey to success.
How did you build your audience on social media?
I prefer sharing content that feels authentic and relatable to others. I steer clear of using gimmicks or employing emotion-triggering words to garner attention. Genuine authenticity tends to attract people naturally, prompting them to gravitate toward you and bring others along.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mixercloud.com
- Instagram: Company @mixercloud Personal @saychris
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/MixerCloud/100085677141009/
- Linkedin: Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mixercloud/ Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oyeku/
- Twitter: @mixer_cloud
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mixercloud