networking events

In the first five tips on how to put together a successful networking event I discussed some of the key things you need to consider before you are even ready to open the doo

I was delighted to be invited to the launch of Heather Townsend's new book 'The Financial Times Guide to Business Networking' last Thursday evening. 

I was discussing networking skills during a lunch run by Chairman's Network last week. A couple of fellow attendees had read my profile in advance and had been watching to see how I 'worked the room'. Would I pass out lots of business cards? Did I make sure I spoke to everyone there? 

I'm pleased to report that I did none of the above, I simply relaxed, enjoyed myself and had a number of interesting conversations. Some of those conversations promise to lead to interesting opportunities. But I digress.

With the growth of online networks allowing people to connect with ease, is the popularity of networking groups close to peaking and are they in danger of becoming redundant? What role do they play in the modern, inter-connected environment?

Last week I spent a thoroughly enjoyable couple of days speaking at ‘Sage World 2010’, a conference run by the business software company Sage. I spoke both at the beginning of the first day of the event and at the very end of the last, so was involved throughout. And I had a wonderful time.

What made Sage World so outstanding for me was the atmosphere. It was one where the staff, the speakers and the delegates all shared a positive spirit and a sense of community.

I really thought networking events had moved on. It turns out that I might have been wrong.

I met with a corporate lawyer this morning. Earlier this week he attended an event run by his local Chamber of Commerce. The event was billed as 'Networking by Numbers' and, as he outlined the format to me, I was horrified.

Michael Schrage, in his Harvard Business Review blog on Thursday, put forward the interesting idea that smart phones may soon be the tool of choice at networking events. Instead of the fumbling elevator pitch where people struggle to explain what they do, business people can instead take out their smart phone and show people.

Are you unsure about why you need to network, the relevance it has for your business or how to do so as effectively as possible? Are you worried about how your business can survive through the current economic downturn?

On Friday 9th July I'll be speaking at Key Connectors' Big Breakfast in Watford. The event, taking place at Ramada Javis, Watford Way, Bushey, Herts, starts at 7.30am and runs through until 11am.

I often stress the importance of listening for people, rather than simply listening to them. The simple act of listening is a key skill for networkers and an oft-overlooked one by people who believe that the person who speaks loudest and most often will be noticed.

In this guest blog, Katheryn Rivas looks more closely at the importance of listening.