Are Networking Events Really Worth It?

Networking events can be awkward and uncomfortable. Your anxieties are on high alert. You don’t know anyone there. You’re afraid you’ll want to leave right away. “Why isn’t anyone talking to me?” “Why aren’t I talking to anyone else?” You’d rather be watching Netflix, catching up on sleep, or cleaning the toilet.

Why would anyone want to go through that?

Networking expert Michael Goldberg, in his Ted Talk about personal networking, states that there are 5 reasons people network:

get more business
land a job
learn something
make friends
solve a problem

Do you have any of those goals? If so, consider attending a professional networking event.

Last Tuesday night I walked into a Network After Work event as a nervous rookie networker, but left with new connections, open doors, and some realizations.

Here are the takeaways.

HELLO, MY NAME IS…

After I arrived, the hostess checked my name off a list and gestured towards the sticker station. There were about six stickers to choose from, each representing a group of related industries. I filled out two stickers, wrote “banking” on the blue one and “video/film” on the green one, slapped them on my jacket and faced the crowded and noisy room of hustling and bustling networkers.

“…it was great simply getting out and meeting people that are motivated and passionate.”

SET A GOAL

Have you ever walked away from a conversation wishing you had given the other person your business card? Handing out my business card to new contacts isn’t part of my routine yet, so it happens to me often. My goal for the event was to introduce myself and give my business card to at least 15 people in my industries.

Setting this goal ahead of time helped me to remember to oSetting this goal ahead of time helped me remember to offer my card as soon as it was clear we may be able to help each other down the road. I ordered my current cards from Vistaprint but I’ve also used MOO in the past. When all was said and done, I had given out 13 business cards and had met even more interesting and energetic people pursuing their dreams.

At one point I met the founder and CEO of Fotosnap, Ann Sanderson. She asked me what my goal was for attending the event. I said I was there to meet three kinds of people: those looking for an operations manager, those looking for video/film work, and those that just want to play some tennis.

By the way, if you’re looking for a great way to get professional photos for your websites and online portfolios, check out Ann’s business at Fotosnap.co.

STAND OUT

With so many people talking to each other in a crowded room, how do you get noticed and start conversations? I read once that a good way to stand out is to wear something unique, like an interesting watch, a ring, earrings, a necklace, etc., to give something for others to comment on.

I found an interesting conversation starter simply by putting oI found an interesting conversation starter simply by wearing two name tags. This started a few conversations for me and gave me the chance to network with a wider audience.

LISTEN

Listening is critical to all parts of life, including networking events. Julian Treasure gives a TED talk called 5 Ways to Listen Better. In it, Julian offers the acronym R.A.S.A. which stands for Receive, Appreciate, Summarize and Ask, and suggests that the skill of listening be formally taught in schools.

“Talk to someone about themselves and they’ll listen for hours.” -Dale Carnegie

Later on in the evening, a gentleman approached me and said, “I understand you make promo videos. I’m looking for someone to produce a video for my new business.” Someone had been listening and connecting the dots to make our introduction happen.

You’ll find listening on many lists of “leadership skills.” Why? Real listening can lead to real understanding. Understanding the needs of others is essential to becoming a better leader and a better networker.

ADD VALUE

I found myself discussing video marketing trends with two gentlemen. The one in the brown blazer suggested I look up a Portland company called Brandlive. After the event, I researched the company and found that they’re looking to hire someone with my qualifications. So, I applied for the role.

Within a 5 minute conversation, the gentlemen in the brown blazer offered information that could potentially help me land an exciting new job. That’s what I call adding value.

HAVE FUN

As nervous as I was beforehand, I admit it was great simply getting out and meeting people that are motivated and passionate.

I met the previous owner and operator of Pure Joy Consulting, SarahJoy Smith. Sarah recently moved to Portland from Seattle and is looking for Marketing, Communications, and Business Development opportunities. Connect with her on LinkedIn here.

A friend of mine, Vinay Prasad, also attended the event and I bumped into him unexpectedly shortly after arriving. He makes a point to attend networking events on occasion just to stay connected with others in the hospital and health care field. Here is his LinkedIn profile.

Network After Work is holding their next Portland, Oregon networking event on Tuesday, March 22nd. I’m registered. Come join and bring your passion…and your business card.