For many new and existing businesses in the modern-day, networking is still one of the most highly effective ways to get more eyes on your business’ product(s) or services.
Whether your business is in Wirral, Liverpool or even London – no matter where you are based, the cost of time spent with people will always be valued. However, there seems to be a drop in the number of people attending networking events nowadays and missing out on huge opportunities.
If you’re thinking about attending a networking meetup for the first time, here’s what you can expect from your day and how you can make the most out of the networking experience.
Why do People go to Networking Events?
You may think that the main goal of networking meetings is to sell people products and services and you may feel like that environment doesn’t suit you. This is understandable if this is your perception of business networking events.
However, this couldn’t be further from the truth in most cases. Most sensible businesses will go to a networking event to build long-lasting and meaningful relationships with people – as you would if you’ve just started at a new school or college for example.
If everyone understands that networking is a massive long-term investment for their business and you’re as transparent and open as can be with people – they will begin to respect you inevitably.
Getting to know people and meeting the people you get along with at the events consistently will only increase your business network, followers and opportunities for plans or ideas in the future.
What is a Networking Event?
A networking event is organised to gather people together so that they can connect with like-minded individuals to connect, build relationships and share information. Networking is a great way for business owners or professionals to communicate and share advice on how to succeed in the business world.
It is also ideal for building connections and increasing brand awareness. Networking helps people to build their confidence, improve their skills and stay up-to-date with constantly changing industries.
Attending networking events for a few hours also gives you the opportunity to meet with prospective clients and hand out your business cards to increase your brand’s awareness.
Different Types of Networking Groups
There are so many different ranges of networking groups based on ludicrous amounts of factors and this is where it is easy to be overwhelmed. But in reality, there is nothing to worry about—finding a networking event that suits you can be simple.
Soft Networking Groups
The first type of networking group we’re going to discuss is the “soft networking” group. These are the sort of events you will find most commonly if you search for networking events – as they contain around 50 people in small groups talking to each other about… well, anything.
What you’ll find with this type of networking event is that everyone is in the same boat. They have all come together – usually also their first time and will be friendly towards one another and give everyone an equal amount of time to talk about themselves and their businesses or careers.
If you find a group that you may find a bit uncomfortable in due to their politeness or attitude – then it’s probably best to switch groups and find a more inclusive team. It will save you time and energy!
Hard Networking Groups
The second of the networking groups we’re running through is the “hard networking” group. These groups are usually more structured with a time booked to meet every week (usually super early in the morning)!
These groups are more personal and closed to the public as you usually have to contact someone to join or pay a fee to see a few people from different job careers each week.
The layout of this group is that each of the members introduces themselves (interview style) and exactly what they do and the sector their job role is in.
Once everyone has heard the minute of speech from everyone in the group, there is a referral system where another member can refer you as a potential customer.
This is a high-value group to get yourself or your business into, hence the price and fee to join – because you usually leave these group meetings with another potential customer or long-term new relationships.
Networking Groups in Your Area of Expertise
Subsequently, some of these networking groups can be a pain to travel to. Whereas, there are groups in your area. For example, there will be North of England events such as Chester business networking, Liverpool business networking, and even Wirral business networking events.
When going to these open workshops, especially ones within your niche of work, it is a lot easier to start a conversation as you already have so much in common with your job roles.
This gives you a lot more comfort and confidence as you do this role every day without fail, so it will make a conversation last for as long as you want!
Not only will this make you feel more relaxed, but you will learn a lot more about yourself and your job role. Whether that be in property, sport or even the creative media industry, for example, there is always room for improvement.
Little comments and tips from others go a long way and may improve your work on a day-to-day basis – all from just a few words spoken to you at a networking event!
What to do at a Networking Event
Most people find that they would like to attend a networking event but don’t know what to do or where to start when they get there. However, there is no need to worry as we are here to help and you’re not alone. Here are a few things you can do before you attend a networking event:
- Set goals: Determine the reason behind why you are attending a networking event. Is it to meet new people? Gain new clients? Or for support? Whatever the reason is, it’s ideal to set goals before you attend a networking event to help you stay focused.
- Prepare business cards: Networking events are a great way to meet new people and potential clients, which is why business cards are important. They are a good way to promote your business.
Now that you have a better understanding of how to prepare for a networking event, here are a few things you can do when you arrive:
- Introduce yourself: When you arrive at a networking event, it is important that you introduce yourself if you want to make a good impression. Introduce yourself by explaining what your job role is and your name. This way, people will see you as polite and informative.
- Be Yourself: This is the most important part of networking because authenticity is key to building trust and respect.
- Take part in conversations: Taking part in conversations allows people to get to know you as a person and it shows that you are interested in what they have to say.
If you would like to take part in conversations but don’t know where to start, here are some conversation starters you can use:
- ‘What brought you to this event?’
- ‘What are you passionate about?’
- ‘What is it you do for work?’
Using these conversation starters allows you to engage in an open-ended conversation as well as learn new things about the people you are networking with.
Tips for Going to Networking Events
You may feel a lot of stress going to a networking event, especially if it is the first one you’ve ever attended. The first tip we feel will help you take action and go to that networking event you’ve been planning on going to – is to just relax and enjoy your time there.
It can help to remember that this is most likely other people’s first time going to a networking event too and they’ll be just as nervous as you. Networking is a fun and safe environment and most of the people you will meet will be extremely kind and charming to be around.
The second tip that will go a long way in networking is being interested in someone else’s story. People may seem hard to crack at first but once you hear about them on a deeper level, it will always be interesting to hear another person speak about their personal or business journey.
Lastly, we think that you just need to believe in yourself and talk to lots of people while you’re at it. You don’t give yourself enough credit for how much free knowledge you have sometimes and this could change someone’s life at that event – so go and be yourself!
If you are someone who enjoys exercise and networking, then you may enjoy our netwalking events. These events combine networking and walking into one and it is a great way to meet new people, exercise and build relationships at the same time.
For more information on our netwalking services, don’t hesitate to contact us today at 07852 970 718. We look forward to hearing from you.
Mark is a multi-award winner in business networking and relationship building. He is passionate about coaching and mentoring business owners and professionals through 1-1 & group coaching, team performance workshops and group mastermind sessions.