In most cities you can attend a breakfast, lunch or dinner networking event, most days of the week. There are definitely pros and cons to the type of event you attend so it’s important to be clear on what your networking outcome is and choose the time and type of event that will work best towards your networking goals. For example, I’m a fan of events that have a keynote address and/or a theme, rather than general networking events. I don’t attend events in hope of ‘meeting more people’. [Tomorrow’s networking post is about why you DON’T need more contacts… so look out for that.]
At the bottom of this page are my two favourite types of networking events, but first, let’s look at The Most Common Types of Networking Events. Which suits you?
Attending networking events can waste a lot of time if you don’t go in with a plan or if the event is poorly organised for networking (see post from yesterday). Let’s assume you have found THE right type of networking event for you and you’re ready to go but need to choose a time of day… Breakfast networking Breakfasts don’t usually include alcohol so the whole affair may be a little more sober than lunch or dinner events. And, because people normally have somewhere to go after the event they’ll be more purposeful in their interactions. The downside is that often breakfasts will be seated events so you get to network mostly with those around you, or immediately on either side of you. You may luck out and get the right people at your table, but if the seating is random, you may not. Lunch Networking Lunches are usually constrained by time. Most people are coming from, and return to their offices. Like breakfasts and dinners they are a sit down affair so the networking tends to occur with those at your table, and mostly those on either side of you. Dinner Networking Often proceded by ‘drinks’, these events allow a little more possibility for finding those that you want to network with, ahead of time and then sitting with them (assuming the organisers haven’t allocated the seats for you – though if they have you can always ask someone to swap with you.)
Tip for Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners: Organise a table. Get with some other friends and invite possible clients/contacts. You’ll create your own interesting crowd at your table. Any additional networking contacts you make will be a bonus.
Cocktail Functions Usually stand-up, I find these events easier to navigate. The downside is that the lack of structure means you may need to introduce yourself to an already-formed group or approach someone you don’t know. If you’re a little shy, this can be problematic… but persist.
My Two Favourite Types of Networking Events
Here are my two favourite types of networking events:
1. Educational events I’m a big advocate of education. And, whether it’s online or offline events I know that if I’m in a room with people who are seeking the same knowledge I am, there is a good chance of rapport, shared interests and possibilities – and DEFINITELY networking.
2. Coffee and/or wine Yep, I’m a fan of a good cup of Joe and a glass of wine (not usually at the same time). No, I don’t hang out at coffee shops/bars hoping to meeting the right people. I invite people to join me. A meeting over ‘coffee’ or a ‘drink’ are both a shorter time commitments that meetings around meals and don’t take a lot out of someone’s day. I also find the casual environment lends itself to a more personal and casual conversation. I find both these ways to network a great way to start a relationship in a very low-pressure way.
[Side note for event organisers: Getting people up to dance or to high-five those at their table can only be pulled off by the best of facilitators without offending smart, professional people. Leave the antics for teen-camps, not professional events. Instead look at low-confront ways that make sense to the context of the event.]
TODAY’S TASK
Find an event you’d like to attend. Hook up with an existing friend or colleague (or two) and each invite 2 people to attend with you. You don’t have to foot the bill for your guest(s), but of course if you can afford to, it may be a nice gesture. Best wishes, Suzi The photograph above is courtesy of fireflyphotography.com.au It was taken at the 2007 Businesswomen’s Seminar & Expo Day, presented by the Australian Businesswomen’s Network.
