Ready, Set, Network!

[gregpritchard.virtualcio]

Every business development, marketing, and sales advisor will tell you to network to grow your business. This can take many forms, such as trade shows, seminars, cocktail parties, etc. We all know referrals from our network are some of the best ways of generating business, and I have realised great engagements from people I have met at seminars.

But the one thing that I. Just. Don't. Get. is the forced networking. This is where at the end of the session, the MC instructs everyone to network, and "don't go home without at least 4 business cards".

Does this actually work? Or is it just a way to collect lots of pretty cardboard?

(Caveat: in no way am I'm advocating not to do networking)

[MissieK]

I don't like that either. I refuse to take the cards of people I haven't connected with. At one event, a man was sitting next to me and a colleague and didn't say two words to us. When he stood up and left he handed his card to us. We left it on the table, instead leaving with 2 very good contacts that have proved extremely beneficial to all of us.

Melissa

[@HeatherSmithAU]

sometimes I guess people feel akward about handing it out - but then other guys just shove it in your hand. I go to a business breakfast and every month a lady comes and piles all her advertising brochures on my cereal bowl - YUK!

another lady handed out business cards with a little butterfly chocolate attached - she came up said would I like one, and moved on - YUM!

[kathiemt]

I am happy to swap cards with those I converse with but not open to receiving cards from those I haven't yet connected with. LinkedIn.com is a bit like that - perfect strangers sending blanket invitations expecting you to connect with not a word about how they found you and what their interest is. It works the same offline and online - relationship building is paramount.

[Jexley]

I think the term "forced" says it all. Nobody likes being forced to do anything and building a relationship can't be forced or you won't like the relationship to start with.

As for person-to-person networking, I'm so damn social that there are times that I stand there talking and enjoying somebody's company so much that I forget to hand them a card. If it was fun enough though, they usually find me somewhere though.

That thing with the chocolates though is one way to go if you're being forced to hand them out. Got a mate that had his cards made out of old cereal boxes, so that's a unique enough thing to make you stand out.

I was thinking I'd take mine one step past the chocolate and just make my business cards edible. Think of the possibilities... "Hey, it's Judd, remember me? You don't? I gave you my card... ohhhhh, you ATE it dinchoo!! Naughty!"

[JohBD]

There is nothing worse than feeling like you have to force your card on someone. I'll happily swap cards with people I have spoken to, or those who ask for a card, but I don't see the point is just taking random cards that are just going to clog up your file, bag or wherever you will stuff them.

On a brighter note, I've made great contacts through networking and seminars.

[Motivator]

Living on the far outskirts of Sydney, I have to be really keen to attend any networking event but the truth is that, as soloists, networking at events is an advertising essential. (I say an essential, because as soloists, we can't usually afford the expense of a 'proper' promotional campaign).

I always swap cards where possible and check out the other person's website because I might just learn something.

Obviously, I hope they check out my site because they just might know someone who needs what I offer!

Grant Hyman
www.salescentral.com.au

[jonbergan]

I have been to a few networking events where they are basically focused around a "Speed Networking" theme which is obviously a take on speed dating. Although this seems like a great idea, I actually believe it goes against everything business networking is about.

Networking in business is about building strong long lasting relationships. Networking events allow us to meet people we could potentially have such a relationship with by allowing us to get to know that person (at least a little bit!). So, how can we achieve this if all we do is slap a card in eachothers hand and move along? I often get home from those types of events and wonder who I met and that alone can get a little worrying when I have to start sending followup emails and phone calls.

"Speed Networking" is definitely not for me and I would imagine it isn't for most soloists.

Rgds,
JB

[The Office Witch]

Although I love the networking events, am selective whom I make contact with.

I tend to go to the same events so I learn more about the attendees.

Why do I like to go? Because I find a lot of interesting businesses that, I would not be aware of otherwise. I met some nice friends through networking. You never know! This is how I found out about Flyingsolo!

Therefore, my advice is yes, networking can be dreadful at times but be selective and learn to say NO to the ones that you do not want to connect with.

[businessbooster]

Originally Posted by gregpritchard.virtualcio

Every business development, marketing, and sales advisor will tell you to network to grow your business. This can take many forms, such as trade shows, seminars, cocktail parties, etc. We all know referrals from our network are some of the best ways of generating business, and I have realised great engagements from people I have met at seminars.

But the one thing that I. Just. Don't. Get. is the forced networking. This is where at the end of the session, the MC instructs everyone to network, and "don't go home without at least 4 business cards".

Does this actually work? Or is it just a way to collect lots of pretty cardboard?

(Caveat: in no way am I'm advocating not to do networking)

Hi Greg, i am new to this forum, so hi.
I happen to love networking and i have written several articles about it.
You must have the, how can i help you to achieve your goals, mindset in networking. If you do that you turn will come. You are quite right it won't work i would never get involved in that.
People who rush around handing out cards will eventually isolate themselves.
I have been to those type of events and to be honest i have got more business talking to people at the train station!

Richard Lockyer
‘Blasting Your Business To New Heights’