The UP Collection’s Post

Large business networking events are traditional, and the question often is not whether you should attend, but how to make the most of such events when you do attend. Theoretically, they’re one of the best ways to grow your business. The problem is that you’re probably not getting the consistent results you’d like because your success is directly tied to your ability to interact with people looking for the exact same things as you are. Networking can be defined as any activity that increases the value of your network or the value you contribute to it. The best way to do this is to avoid traditional networking events almost entirely. Some alternative strategies are: host your own get-togethers, giving you more control; double date – invite a client to an event, and ask them to bring someone they think you should meet, while you do the same; and reconnect with dormant ties, such as former classmates and any contacts from a previous career.

Networking is important, hard work, sometimes fun as well. I would like to share this interesting and critical article about the benefit of larger networking events. As rightly stated in the intro, it all depends on how you plan such events, when you meet whom and in which way (prepared meetings are most efficient). One should, in my opinion, though retain some flexibility and time for the unexpected, i.e., also meeting professionals that you have not met before, including the ones outside your comfort zone and common peer group (e.g., young talents, grey hair, people from other markets, including competitors, etc.).

𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝗜𝘀 𝗜𝘁 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀? We’ve all attended large networking events, filled with professionals, each with their own goals. But how often do we truly walk away with valuable connections? In an article published by HBR, Derek Coburn questions the effectiveness of these traditional events, suggesting that our time might be better spent deepening existing relationships or hosting more targeted and meaningful gatherings. This article offers a fresh perspective that could change how you view networking. Read the full article here: 𝘿𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙒𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙏𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙤𝙣 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨. https://lnkd.in/dGHxaGBT

I ENJOYED THIS ARTICLE AND THUS SHARING IT BUT I DO NOT THINK IT SHOULD BE AN ABSOLUTE. WHY? IT IS ALSO A REFLECTION OF YOUR CHOICE EVENTS AND HOW YOU MINGLE. BE INTENTIONAL. Large business networking events are traditional, and the question often is not whether you should attend, but how to make the most of such events when you do attend. Theoretically, they’re one of the best ways to grow your business. The problem is that you’re probably not getting the consistent results you’d like because your success is directly tied to your ability to interact with people looking for the exact same things as you are. Networking can be defined as any activity that increases the value of your network or the value you contribute to it. The best way to do this is to avoid traditional networking events almost entirely. Some alternative strategies are: host your own get-togethers, giving you more control; double date – invite a client to an event, and ask them to bring someone they think you should meet, while you do the same; and reconnect with dormant ties, such as former classmates and any contacts from a previous career.

According to the Harvard Business Review, networking events are not the most effective way to grow your business. Instead, host your own get-togethers, double date, and reconnect with dormant ties to expand your network and increase the value you contribute to it. If you’re looking to grow your business, it’s important to focus on building meaningful relationships with people who share your interests and values, rather than attending traditional networking events. By hosting your own get-togethers, double dating, and reconnecting with dormant ties, you can expand your network and increase the value you contribute to it. So, why not try something new and see how it works for you? 😊

My number one tip for networking events? 💬 Network to listen. Attend to learn. What do I mean by that? I find that sometimes people can attend a networking event wanting to tell anyone and everyone who will listen about who they are and what they do. Which is great. But... I’ve found that when I approach networking events with the mindset of attending to learn, it has brought a lot more opportunities my way. Asking questions and listening to the other person gives you insight into their brand and brand needs that you otherwise may not have known. What's your biggest tip for networking? I would love to hear. ⬇

Networking events are overrated. Yep, I said it. How many of us have wasted time at events collecting business cards we’ll never use? Real connections aren’t made in crowded rooms with forced small talk. Want to build meaningful relationships? Start offering real value, one-on-one, with no agenda. You’ll be amazed at how much more comes from authentic connections than from networking for the sake of networking. Quality over quantity. What are your thoughts on this topic? ☝🏼

Networking can help you out when you least expect it. And that help may come from someone you didn't expect it from. I can also say that having more people in my network has helped me get interviews and my current job. There's some great advice in this article! #phdtoindustry #networking

Ever wonder how often you should be attending networking events? 🤔 Networking is key to business growth—it's where ideas are shared and partnerships are formed. Just two reasons why attending events like business breakfasts, and lectures are crucial. I regularly expand my network because it broadens my perspective and provides opportunities to engage with fascinating individuals. Here's a snap from a recent business lunch where I met some invaluable contacts, already starting fruitful collaborations. 🌟 And here are five quick tips for making the most out of networking events: 📍 Be Prepared: Have a clear idea of what you're looking to gain from the event—knowledge, contacts, or opportunities. 🖇 Elevator Pitch: Be ready to succinctly describe who you are and what you do in a way that captures interest. 📍 Listen More: Engage genuinely. Sometimes, listening can reveal more opportunities than speaking. 🖇 Follow Up: Make it a point to reach out to the contacts you've made, keeping the connection alive. 📍 Be Yourself: Authenticity goes a long way. Be genuine in your interactions, and you'll form more meaningful connections. Networking isn’t just about collecting contacts; it's about planting seeds for future collaborations! #Networking #BusinessGrowth #Connections

Networking events are a scam... If you’re only doing this: Networking means getting a person's number or sharing your business card or LinkedIn ID with them. But actually, that's not networking. Building a network doesn't happen inside the event; it happens after the event. It means giving or adding value to them, like: ➡ Sharing insights with each other through calls or chats ➡Giving small gifts when meeting in person ➡Providing high-quality services to them This is what real networking looks like. Can you follow this process next time you attend a networking event?