Good morning wonderful people
How many invitations do you receive each week to networking events? Five, ten, more?
My inbox is swamped, the holler of come hither deafening and with each week it seems a new player enters into this low cost marketing industry. With cheery calls to sup champagne & feast on canapes whilst building lucrative contacts, I started wondering - isn't it time for networking to evolve?
Attending an event last week I was reminded how much I disklike the traditional networking event along with all it's card thrusting and superficial, sales-y conversation. Surely these people had read an Ivan Misner blog or a Robyn Henderson book and knew better than to approach networking like a shark attacking a seal. I know from experience there are far better networking events than the one I attended last week, but as every two buck biz enters the market delivering traditional networking events, I'm noticing very little thought is going into evolving the medium itself.
SHE Business is not a network, we're a community and our ethos and culture has little resemblance to that of a traditional networking event, but I'm interested to know: Is traditional networking still working for you or would you like to see it evolve?
Love to hear your thoughts.
4 comments:
I think you're on to something there, Suzy. One of the things I am regularly bemused to see on offer is the speed networking event. To me, networking is a long-term process; the idea of only being allowed a few minutes with many people is anathema to how it really works. I'd much rather make a genuine connection with even just one person. And that takes time.
Yes, absolutely it's time for networking to evolve. I'm an independent business owner and have over the years exhausted my supply of networking groups. What I do enjoy is the comraderie, speakers and motivation to go out there and grab the day, however many people never get in touch nor offer anything other than pushing cards and their own businesses. Don't they know it's all about what we can do for EACH other and long term commitments?! Some women are excellent networkers, butr many just seem to go along for the social aspect and a 'nice lunch'!
It really is about building a strong relationship through connecting and engaging, rather than going for the quick 'kill'. And I like the idea of it of a club, rather than a networking group. It feels more personal and solid.
Thanks for your comments and it seems we share similar thinking. The process of meeting and building relationships is long term yet every new event that comes along is pushing the idea that networking is a consumptive, short term panacea.
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