As the head of a networking organisation for women, you may think that I’d love networking events. Truth is, more often than not they have been a cause of frustration and a waste of time. Four reasons networking events don’t work:
- The events are contextualised by meals (and often drinking)
- You are allocated seating based on when you registered rather than any logical grouping
- You are not usually aware of who is attending and cannot choose who to sit with
- The events are not structured to support networking
Let’s take a closer look at these points in reference to the most common networking events. Then we’ll look at some solutions. Breakfast, lunch or dinner? Networking events are often contextualised by meals. First, second and third course… and then a table of 8-10 of random people. The likelyhood that the people at your table will share your interests is unlikely (unless the event has a theme set by either the organisers or because the guest speaker is introducing a subject that has brought that crowd together). And, depending on whether it is a breakfast, lunch or dinner, will depend on how flexible you can be with your networking. (More on that tomorrow).
Facilitated Networking Most networking events do not have facilitated networking. I find that people get more out of networking when there is a clear focus and outcome. The structure doesn’t need to be tight (or inane such as ‘high-five the person next you and share your favourite joke!)… we’re dealing with professional adults, I assume… but I believe some structure helps. A simple and sophisticated process for the tables to engage around can help bring out information about people you would not normally know and it helps those that are a little shy share. For example, at our Make the Most of Your Membership networking nights each person is asked to bring a business issue to share with a small group. The process allows them to get input from other team members on solutions to the issue, contacts and resources. Look for events where the organisers take the networking aspect of the event seriously enough to ensure those that attend will get value. Who is there? You can choose! Most organisations don’t publish the details of those attending (and rightly so). What this means though is that you cannot strategically plan who to connect with. It’s all a bit random. So, how do you get around this? Bring your own crowd! I suggest you choose a couple of people that you’d like to network with and invite them to join you at the event. This is a great way to spend time with someone you want to connect with and it will allow you to get more out of the event than if you attended hoping to find someone to network with. So, choose an event you’d like to go to. Call up a contact that you’ve been wanting to get know better and ‘shout’ them a ticket to the event. [US readers translation of Shout below ;-)] TODAY’S TASK An easy one today… What events do you get the most from? And why? Let us know! (Tomorrow we’ll look at some ideas to support your networking, depending on the type of event you attend.)
Shout what? ( one’s shout) Brit., informal one’s turn to buy a round of drinks : “Do you want another drink? My shout.”
