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Why you should go to networking events

Written by: Helen Dowling

Article Overview: If you’re anything like me, there are probably times when you’ve booked onto a networking event and then when the day arrives, you question whether or not to go to it. My reasons are usually around the stack of work I’ve got building up on my desk and I debate whether to stay in the office and plough through it or to make the effort to go to the event.

Why you should go to networking events

If you’re anything like me, there are probably times when you’ve booked onto a networking event and then when the day arrives, you question whether or not to go to it. My reasons are usually around the stack of work I’ve got building up on my desk and I debate whether to stay in the office and plough through it or to make the effort to go to the event.

And I’m obviously not the only one who feels that way, judging by the amount of no-shows that an event usually gets. Nine times out of ten though, I do turn up, partly because once I book something in my diary I tend to stick to it and partly because very often when I do go, it’s worth my while.

Just the other day, I attended a networking event, that to be honest about half way through I was thinking “why did I bother”. But then, the 10-minute speaker stood up. He was excellent and gave me a couple of really good marketing tips that I hadn’t come across before. That in itself was worth my time to go to the event.

So, why is it then that people in generally don’t go to the event? Well, like my reason above, I think the number one reason is probably time – as in something they consider more important on the day has come up and the person has to stay and do that instead.

The second most common reason is probably the “can’t be bothered” excuse. I know I’ve certainly felt like that, or it could be that I’m not in the mood to socialise and be nice to other people.

Other excuses could be that the person is ill or an emergency has happened. I’m sure there are other reasons too. But, you see, that’s where there seems to be a bit of a conflict. I hear business owners say that they want to get more business and yet they will also say that they haven’t got time to go out there and get it – so it comes back to a choice of which one is more important to you.

Here are my top reasons why you should make the effort to go to a networking event when you’ve committed to it:

1. You’ve booked onto it. If you’re continuously booking onto events, but don’t go on a regular basis, it builds up a pattern of behaviour and opinions will form about you and your business. The organisers will get the impression as will the people who have made an effort to turn up. Same goes if you’re continually turning up late. And if you’re sat there thinking “well, I go to different networking events and not the same group, so it doesn’t matter”, think again. Don’t forget that many businesses go to various networking events and many will have come across your company at one of them.

2. It might actually be useful. If you’re focused, motivated and want to be at the event, your positive attitude will come across to the people you meet and as a result you’re more likely to be open to ideas and opportunities and find it useful to your business. You could well walk away with new customers or pick up some useful tips.

3. People get to know you. If you go to networking events on a regular basis, people will get to know you and your business. They may not use your product or service directly but they may be in a position to refer you to someone they know. And the more they get to know you the more likely they are to do this.

If you’ve booked onto a networking event, you obviously thought that it would be worthwhile going to it, so when the day comes make sure you make the effort to go. You never know, you might be pleasantly surprised.

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  Preparation Precedes Prosperity When It Comes To Networking Too
  Connections that Count – Making Networking Events Pay Their Way
  Something you have, not something you do

Article Tags: business owners, conflict, desk, diary, excuse, good marketing, marketing tips, networking event, nine times, one reason, plough, stack



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How do you maximize your time at business/networking events? - How do you maximize your time at business and networking events? For instance, who do your prioritize speaking with and do you set limits on how long you talk to someone? Do you only focus on those who can help your business growth, people you've met at previous events or will you also venture out to meet someone completely new? Also consider how there's always a huge line up for to get a moment of the speaker(s)' time.
Re: Upcoming 'Meat & Tweet' - I wish I was in NY but can you tell me how that goes? I would like to know and I can help share that kind of information to my friends in NY in the future. They are always looking for networking events to go to.
GTA Networking? - Hi guys, are there any upcoming networking events in Toronto and/or GTA? I would like to start meeting likeminded entrepreneurs and share our thoughts, ideas and plans for 2012.
Problem with networking events - Another benefit for shy people who use the internet to promote is that it's also much easier to build rapport and genuine relationships. For instance, it's a more effective way to reach the largest audience possible by simply participating in a forum like this, than to walk around at an in-person networking or social event and ask superficial questions like "So what do you do for a living?" Most of the people who attend business/networking events are usually only there to sell something rather than buy. They ONLY care about what you do for a living IF you can help him/her out and then you're stuck in a room full of people competing for talk time as SageMediaDesign pointed out.
Re: How do you maximize your time at business/networking events? - Whether you realize it or not, 80% of all jobs are found by networking. That's why it is so important to consistently network and upgrade your networking skills. This may feel a little uncomfortable at first but with some practice you can quickly establish yourself as a seasoned veteran. You can establish a vast array of networking sources with this process. One contact can lead to another and another and so on. Networking remains the ultimate job search philosophy. This process allows you to establish a base of contacts through various social settings. Through your networking life line you come into contact with individuals possessing knowledge about various job openings, specific leads, as well as personnel who have the authority to make the hiring decision. When you attend business networking events always look for ways to be of service to those you network with. Don't appear pushy and overly aggressive. Make it a smooth natural conversation and ask questions of those you are speaking to and try not to focus all the attention on yourself. And do ask questions when you are speaking with a prospect ask what type of business they are in and what types of goals they have for their business or company. Finally get a business card and make a quick note on the back about something you spoke to that person about and later you will be able to inquire about that same thing. This will show you were listening and are truly interested.


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