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Setting Up An Effective Networking Event
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Hi Everyone,
Marlaine asked me to put together a list of tips you may want to consider when setting up your area events. The following are tips from a networking event I grew from a small handful of individuals to over 200 monthly attendees. The format tips are focused on handling the challenging logistics that tend to hinder most events and is set with the intention of creating win-wins for all involved. The goal is to ensure the communication of key information for everyone to walk away feeling their needs were met and they know how they can help each other. I hope you find these tips useful. |
Effective Networking Tips
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1. Set your date.
Keep in mind that you will have less people attend on weekends during the summer. Best day of the week to hold an event is Tuesdays between 6:30-8:30pm or a lunch event of no more than 1.5 hours. 2. Pick your venue. Choose a venue that allows for flexibility and for you to update your attendance numbers as late as 24 hours out. 3. Food Considerations Decide on food and the format it will be served in. The absolute easiest way to deal with this is to choose a venue that allows your attendees to order their own preferences and pay for them on separate bills. However, if you plan to have more than 20 people attending your event, the venue may ask you to consider choosing a pre-set menu. If that becomes an issue choose a regular menu item and a vegetarian option. Be sure to let your attendees know the cost if it is preset or that they will be responsible for their own orders. |
4. Decide on Intention and Format
The intent behind your event will lead you to a format that best suits your events needs. You can be incredibly informal and do a meet and greet mingler or add elements that give a little more structure. The networking events I have organized had the intent of creating new meaningful connections. The only way to do that was to allow people to get to know each other and keep the focus on allowing the ability to share information about themselves with others. For that reason I don't complicate networking events with bringing in speakers. 5. Decide on Your Guest List. I personally go for those who have influence or are the decision makers and that can filter the information down through their ranks. Another option is to choose individuals of organizations or businesses you would like to work with. 6. Invite them. Use the phone. Emails get lost and ignored. 7. |
Effective Communication Facilitation
In order for a networking event to be effective for everyone, each person attending must be aware of what others need to know in order to help them meet their objectives and how to communicate what they are looking for in a way that makes it easy for others to work with and connect with them. To often people waste time talking about things that mean nothing and realize only when the event is over they never got around to actually speaking about what they wanted to because they never got past the pleasantries. To bypass this obstacle you can set the format of the event but providing your guests with a guideline of what they should focus on communicating to get optimal results from the event.
In order for a networking event to be effective for everyone, each person attending must be aware of what others need to know in order to help them meet their objectives and how to communicate what they are looking for in a way that makes it easy for others to work with and connect with them. To often people waste time talking about things that mean nothing and realize only when the event is over they never got around to actually speaking about what they wanted to because they never got past the pleasantries. To bypass this obstacle you can set the format of the event but providing your guests with a guideline of what they should focus on communicating to get optimal results from the event.
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Create a Communication Guide
A small tip sheet that your attendees can refer to while they communicate with the others around them. The tip sheet ensures that all important info is addressed. Info should include 1. Who you are and what company you work for. 2. Who you serve in what manner. 3. Who your ideal client is. 4. How others at the table can help you. At this point others can offer suggestions of contacts and or ways they may be able Give Everyone A Chance to Speak Incorporating a set time limit ensures that everyone gets a chance to speak and be heard. 2 minutes is more than enough time to communicate the key points on your communication guide. |
Connect With Everyone
Provide a way for people to exchange contact information. Often at events you don't get a chance to connect with everyone in the room. This can be addressed if you have a central place that allows everyone to put their business card or brochure where others who attend can pick up the information, so they can connect after the event is over. Encourage Follow Up |
