123ArticleOnline Logo
Welcome to 123ArticleOnline.com!
ALL >> Marketing >> View Article

Are Networking Events Worth It?

Profile Picture
By Author: Lori Feldman
Total Articles: 6
Comment this article
Facebook ShareTwitter ShareGoogle+ ShareTwitter Share

There are 2 kinds of people in the world: Those who like Sunrise and those who've never seen a Sunrise.

Group one thrives on networking events-the earlier the better. Why? I've been to lots of networking events, and they're all the same: meet, greet, elevator pitch, business card exchange. He who leaves with the biggest card deck wins. So what's so special about socializing at daybreak?

Better question: Are networking events worth it? Have introductions you've leveraged or sales you've made from networking (assuming you've made any) worth the gasoline and time drain-regardless of time of day? And if everyone shows up looking for the best watering hole, are there any fish in the pond?

Here's the interesting thing. After 20+ years of giving networking a chance, I still don't know that answer.

But here's what I do know:

a. True networkers (the ones you see at every venue) are the most plugged-in, fun people I know. They know E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G and everybody.

b. They believe in woo-woo principles like pay it forward and give to get. They're always first to introduce you to someone they ...
... know that you don't. (Face it; if you met a big bore who tried to hard sell you, you'd dodge him like instant coffee, am I right? And wadyaknow, they're ones who never show up againsort of the networking equivalent of the Darwin Awards.)

c. True networkers are curious. They want to know all about you, what you do, who you know (and not just where you went to high school). I once had an HR consultant advise me that I should only hire people who are curious because they make better, more invested employees. They see things that others don't because they're paying attentionthey're listening!

Are networking events worth it?

In my opinion, they have a place in the business promotion mix. We still live in a social society and eyeball-to-eyeball meetings still build relationships better than impersonal emails. Networking alone won't pay the bills. But absence sends a loud and clear message: You're not part of the inner circle.

I set high standards for my company's networking activities. Here are a few:

1. It's in my Marketing Manager Golda Cohen's job description to go to one networking event each week. Fortunately, Golda loves to schmooze.

2. We focus on events that are attended by business owners with employees and road warrior sales reps, rather than multi-level marketers. Nothing against MLMs, but they're not our customers.

3. Events must take 2 hours or less, including drive time.

4. You must meet and collect cards from at least 10-20 people that you don't already know. (I'm not sure I could do this, but Golda manages itask her if you want to know how.) There is, of course, a follow-up database component to this rule. It's the answer to, What do I do with all these business cards I'm collecting? I'll cover that answer in my next newsletter.

5. Only attend events with or sponsored by Big Mouths (refer to a-c above). My 3 favorite big mouths in St. Louis are: Karen Hoffman, Darlene Willman and Joe High. You'd kill for a peek into one of their databases. Each of these curious, generous big mouths (I say that with admiration) has a big networking event coming up. You should go. You must see professional networking in action. It's inspiring.

If you're curious, believe in give to get and want a networking buddy, invite me along. Just make sure the thing starts after 9am.

Total Views: 161Word Count: 571See All articles From Author

Add Comment

Marketing Articles

1. The Merits Of Doing Marketing In Adelaide
Author: Barry Elvis

2. Digital Marketing Agency For Small Business: Why Hobo E Services Is Your Best Choice
Author: Hobo e Services

3. Marketing Mistri-best Seo Company In Jaipur
Author: Marketing Mistri

4. 5g-powered Marketing Automation: What Marketers Need To Know
Author: Saastargo Technologies

5. Understanding The Role Of Analytics In Digital Marketing Success
Author: Saastargo Technologies

6. Seo In The Ai Era: How Artificial Intelligence Is Shaping Search Optimization
Author: Saastargo Technologies

7. 6 Ways To Measure Roi From Influencer Marketing Campaigns!
Author: Pooja Saha

8. 5 Best Skills Needed To Become An Expert Email Marketer!
Author: Pooja Saha

9. What Is A Digital Marketing Agency And Why Your Business Needs One
Author: Vaibhav

10. Top 5 Bug Tracking Software Of 2025
Author: Otis

11. The Role Of Ai In Shaping The Future Of Marketing
Author: Dharma Raj

12. 15 Reasons Your Keyword’s Rankings Are Fluctuating Like Crazy
Author: Olivia Walker

13. Momentum In Action: Tailored Growth Marketing Strategies For Series A Startups
Author: Alastar Kerpel

14. Experience Ultimate Softness With Satino Royale Carpet
Author: carpetsonline

15. 10 Must Have Digital Marketing Services To Boost Your Business Growth
Author: Uprango Digital

Login To Account
Login Email:
Password:
Forgot Password?
New User?
Sign Up Newsletter
Email Address: