A station-based event is especially easy to do with virtual speed networking. For in-person events, it requires some organization. A final option is to divide participants into small groups of anywhere from four to 10 people. Each person has a minute or so for an introduction you can time this as well and then the group has a conversation. The idea is that group-based speed networking stimulates creativity. However, there is a risk that some people will dominate the conversation after the initial introductions are complete.
You can use events to find opportunities for your business to grow, progress in your career, find potential business partners, or connect with suppliers, vendors, and clients. Laura Holton.
Laura is a professional writer specializing in content aimed at small businesses and entrepreneurs. She has helped countless startups find the information they needed to take their ventures to the next level. Receive a notification whenever we publish a new post. Be the first to read our tips and tricks for business owners and other professionals.
Your own creativity and talents will only get you so far; you also need contacts. What Is Speed Networking? Benefits of Speed Networking Why would you want to use speed networking? Cut Out the Small Talk Like them or hate them, pleasantries are a necessity of most everyday situations. Develop Meaningful Connections Much of networking today involves adding people who you only meet briefly to a contact list or on LinkedIn. Speed Networking Best Practices Done right, you can use speed networking to gain many great contacts in a short amount of time.
Speed Networking Questions to Ask In fact, knowing what to ask others is just as important as introducing yourself. Some speed networking questions you may like to ask include: Why did you decide to come to the event? How to Find the Right Events Decide whether an event is worthwhile by deciding your reason for networking.
Speed Networking Tips for Hosts If there are no speed networking events coming up in your area and the online ones are unsuitable for your needs, considering organizing your own. Round Robin In round robin speed networking, participants meet each other at random. Station Based Another option is to use station-based networking. Group Based A final option is to divide participants into small groups of anywhere from four to 10 people.
This is possibly the single most important item to have at the event but is oftentimes overlooked. If you can, put multiple water stations around the room for participants to fill up glasses. For simplicity, we recommend only having a wireless microphone for the event facilitator with speakers, of course.
This enables you to walk around the room and manage the event while on the move. A timer on a video board tends to take away from the event, as participants are more focused on the timer than the conversations. It also gives you more control over the event when you can manage the timing. If you need to extend a round by seconds or cut a round short by seconds, you can do this on the fly without anyone noticing.
Our schedules are arranged in alphabetical order by last name, which allows us to easily find individual schedules when they arrive at the event. This Event Video also helps act as a guide. In an effort to expedite the check-in process, we hand out a 1-page information sheet to each participant that explains how the event will work. This is important if you have a first-time event, as it will answer a lot of questions for participants and allow you to focus on running the event. Participants will arrive at different times typically over a minute time window and during this time we encourage everyone to mingle with those around them.
After all, it is a networking event! As the moderator, it is critical that you maintain control and set the tone for the event. Try and limit the instructions to minutes. One critical element to the success of your event is maintaining control, and as silly as some of the commands below may seem….. This signals that the round has begun. Inform participants that they are halfway through a particular round.
This gives them an idea of how much time is left and it also is a signal to allow the other person to have a chance to talk. Let participants know that the round is coming to an end.
They should finish their conversations and exchange contact information to connect after the event. As you can guess, this signals participants to move to the next round. Reminder participants to take their personal belongings with them and quickly move to their next meeting. If you are timing the rotations, let them know when they have 30 seconds and 15 seconds left to finish rotating.
Upon completing the event, it is important to provide wrap up announcements. Outcomes Certainly, one of the goals of speed networking is to meet new individuals who can directly be of help to you. Each person you meet has a network of individuals they know, and it may be one of those persons who will be a good match for you.
Speed networking can be another tool in your professional toolkit to contribute to your success. Speed Networking: A Quick Way to Expand Your Professional Contacts Networking can be one of the most powerful and productive activities an individual can do to launch and manage their career. Preparation for Speed Networking Practice a second statement that includes your name, title or occupation, and what you are looking for, such as information, leads, a job or internship.
Some people like speed networking because you get right to the point and there is no time for small talk. Make sure you have a supply of business cards ready. Sometimes event planners will suggest a number; bring at least If you are unemployed at the time, get business cards with your contact information and occupation printed on them. Assemble brochures, resumes or other type of handout, if applicable.
Bring a pen, notepad, and your appointment calendar with you. Usually attire is either business or business casual. Check with the organizers if it is not stated. Remember that you have a few seconds to make a positive first impression. During the Event First of all, have fun. The fast pace of this kind of event contributes to a high level of energy in the room. Usually minutes are allowed for each round; the leader will inform the group about the time frame. As you meet each person, shake hands and exchange names and business cards.
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