networking events

ONE: 24-7-30

After meeting someone for the first time you need to follow up quickly and consistently to embed yourself in their memory.

If you find it hard to approach people or build genuine relationships at a traditional networking event, perhaps there is another way.

Over the last few weeks I have been fortunate enough to run three small events for some of my clients and close network. I’ve run the events in association with Aveqia, a Swedish business taking their first steps overseas with a launch in London. The feedback has been quite extraordinary, consistently the best feedback of any events I’ve run or experienced.

A couple of weeks ago an article in Bloomberg Businessweek asked how business cards survive in the 'Age of LinkedIn'. The article's author, Roger Bennett, quoted Mo Koyfman of Spark Capital describing business cards as 'so horse-and-carriage'.

You know something is becoming popular when more and more variations come up, trying to fit it in with other common every day activities. If that's the case, perhaps networking is on the verge of enjoying its moment in the sun.

First we had 'Speed Networking', a rapid-fire series of networking 1-2-1s based on the speed dating concept that became incredibly popular a few years ago.

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.