How to Find Networking Events that are Actually Worth Attending
Identify events that have a value to you and your business and you won't waste any more precious time
Determine What You’d Like to Achieve from Networking Events
Are you looking to meet potential clients, or maybe you’re simply eager to learn something new? Before searching for an event, know your objectives and identify the value an event can bring to you and your business. You ideally want to come away from feeling energised, motivated and inspired, otherwise you might as well stay at home and read a self-help book.
RBS England and Scotland’s HR Business Partner, Gill Kerr, suggests making a list of your objectives so you can tick them off as you evaluate the schedule. “My needs can change from one event to the next. Sometimes I’m keen to connect with fellow business people, while other times I simply want to listen to a great speaker that I’ve been following on social media.”
Are you looking to meet potential clients, or maybe you’re simply eager to learn something new? Before searching for an event, know your objectives and identify the value an event can bring to you and your business. You ideally want to come away from feeling energised, motivated and inspired, otherwise you might as well stay at home and read a self-help book.
RBS England and Scotland’s HR Business Partner, Gill Kerr, suggests making a list of your objectives so you can tick them off as you evaluate the schedule. “My needs can change from one event to the next. Sometimes I’m keen to connect with fellow business people, while other times I simply want to listen to a great speaker that I’ve been following on social media.”
Consider the Topic and Speakers
When a network event catches your eye, ask yourself whether it’s the topic that sounds interesting, the speakers that are attending, or both? It’s always worth researching the agenda to ensure the speakers live up to the promise of the topic. It’s also worth noting that a topic might not capture your interest, however a great speaker will attract a quality networking crowd. Think about TED talks, for example, and how their inspiring speakers attract crowds of like-minded people that will in turn offer the opportunity to have thought-provoking dialogues. This can potentially lead to collaborations or partnerships that can change your business direction. Kerr finds networking events via organisations and people she follows on LinkedIn. “Recruitment agencies also organise events. If you identify the right places to look, you’ll always find the right topics for your industry,” she says.
When a network event catches your eye, ask yourself whether it’s the topic that sounds interesting, the speakers that are attending, or both? It’s always worth researching the agenda to ensure the speakers live up to the promise of the topic. It’s also worth noting that a topic might not capture your interest, however a great speaker will attract a quality networking crowd. Think about TED talks, for example, and how their inspiring speakers attract crowds of like-minded people that will in turn offer the opportunity to have thought-provoking dialogues. This can potentially lead to collaborations or partnerships that can change your business direction. Kerr finds networking events via organisations and people she follows on LinkedIn. “Recruitment agencies also organise events. If you identify the right places to look, you’ll always find the right topics for your industry,” she says.
Find Out How Many People Are Attending
It’s important to find out how big the event is. You might think that a large event of a hundred people or so will be fun and great for networking, however it can be chaotic and hard to navigate like-minded people worth connecting with. With a smaller number of people, between 30 and 70, you may find it easier to make conversation and hone in on the right sort of people quicker.
Kerr suggests the location can also affect the atmosphere of the event. “A poor choice of venue, like a dull conference room, can feel awkward and uninspiring. I enjoy networking in relaxed spaces, such as meeting rooms connected to a bar or restaurant, as they can be more comfortable and inviting.”
It’s important to find out how big the event is. You might think that a large event of a hundred people or so will be fun and great for networking, however it can be chaotic and hard to navigate like-minded people worth connecting with. With a smaller number of people, between 30 and 70, you may find it easier to make conversation and hone in on the right sort of people quicker.
Kerr suggests the location can also affect the atmosphere of the event. “A poor choice of venue, like a dull conference room, can feel awkward and uninspiring. I enjoy networking in relaxed spaces, such as meeting rooms connected to a bar or restaurant, as they can be more comfortable and inviting.”
Research Online to see if it’s a Popular Event
Is the event gaining lots of interest on social media? Is the organiser a well-known host who has had experience with successful events in the past? And what about the tickets? If it’s a paid event and the tickets are flying out the door, then you know it’s going to be popular and full of quality attendees. Doing a little research beforehand will be well worth your effort and time.
Is the event gaining lots of interest on social media? Is the organiser a well-known host who has had experience with successful events in the past? And what about the tickets? If it’s a paid event and the tickets are flying out the door, then you know it’s going to be popular and full of quality attendees. Doing a little research beforehand will be well worth your effort and time.
Try Experimenting Now and Again
Not all topics are going to float your boat or appear to have any relevance, however it could be worth branching out to new realms now and again as you might learn something new. “I’ve attended events in the past which haven’t been about my field of business but I’ve simply gone along to keep friends company,” says Kerr. “However, I’ve found these to be some of the most interesting and constructive events as I’ve gone along with no expectations and left with positive outcomes.”
Do you enjoy attending network events? If you’ve got some handy hints for finding ones that are worth attending, share your insights below in the comments.
This story was written by the Houzz Industry Marketing team.
Not all topics are going to float your boat or appear to have any relevance, however it could be worth branching out to new realms now and again as you might learn something new. “I’ve attended events in the past which haven’t been about my field of business but I’ve simply gone along to keep friends company,” says Kerr. “However, I’ve found these to be some of the most interesting and constructive events as I’ve gone along with no expectations and left with positive outcomes.”
Do you enjoy attending network events? If you’ve got some handy hints for finding ones that are worth attending, share your insights below in the comments.
This story was written by the Houzz Industry Marketing team.
So how can you identify the ones worth going to? This checklist of tips will help you hone in on the events relevant to you, so you’ll never be looking for a quick exit again.