Philip Kehoe’s Post

Dread Networking Events? Here's How to Turn Them into Taco Tuesdays (Minus the Tacos) Let's face it, business networking events can feel drier than a week-old bagel. Except for my upcoming event this WED 4/17/24 at Total Wine in the Grove! 530pm sharp! You hand out business cards like poker chips, hoping to land a whale instead of ending up with a room full of face-picking jacks. But fear not, fellow business adventurer! Here's the key to turning these events into gold (or at least a decent breakfast burrito): 1. Ditch the Pitch: No one wants to be sold a used car at a cocktail party. Instead, focus on having genuine conversations. Ask interesting questions, listen intently, and be the networking ninja who leaves people wanting more. 2. Be a Connector, Not a Collector: You're not catching Pokemon here. Instead of hoarding contacts, aim to connect people with shared interests. Play Cupid for the business world, and watch your network blossom like a well-watered cactus. 3. Remember Names (or Fake It Really Well): There's nothing worse than a "Nice to meet you... again?" situation. Pay attention to names and use them during conversation. Bonus points if you remember their favorite childhood stuffed animal (totally not creepy). Networking doesn't have to be a soul-crushing experience. By following these tips, you can turn those awkward interactions into valuable connections, and maybe even score some decent post-event snacks (because tacos are always a good idea).

Come with me and you'll be in a world of ..... . . . .great networking! The best 90 Minutes you'll spend in business. Luke was going to an important networking event, he wanted to make sure he was getting the most out of the event, but also his return on investment - the amount of time he was there was worth it. Believe it or not. Successful networking is about the work you do in advance and after you've left the event- less about what happens there! 90 mins later - we had a strategy to get the most out of the event! All we need to know in advance is what event you are going to - and we do the rest on the call. £150 DM me to book.

In reality most networking events are a complete waste of time, but if you're smart you can turn them into fuel for your business. For starters, do your homework. I'm amazed at how many people, myself included, show up to these things like lost puppies. Check the attendee list, identify key people to connect with, and have a game plan. If you can't articulate what you want from an interaction, stay home and work on building the product. Don't just chase the big fish. Sure, it's tempting to stalk the VCs and industry bigwigs, but remember - today's nobodies might be tomorrow's somebodies. Make genuine connections with your peers. They're the ones who'll remember you when they hit it big. Be picky about which events you attend. Generic "networking mixers" are usually a bust. Aim for more exclusive gatherings. Look for invite-only events, industry-specific roundtables, or intimate speaker series. Try to focus on giving, not taking. Offer introductions or help to others without expecting immediate returns. Building an actual network and connections comes from genuine interactions. Learn to spot and avoid the energy vampires. We've all met them - they corner you with their half-baked ideas and you can't escape. Be polite, but don't let them hijack your evening. You're there to make meaningful connections, not to be someone's therapist. Bottom line: networking isn't about collecting business cards or racking up LinkedIn connections. It's about building relationships that could shape the future of your business. I’ve come to attend my fair share of these events - These are my tips on how to actually make networking events worth your precious time. But I'm always looking to learn more. What’s worked for you?

Think networking events are a waste of time? Think again! Networking events allow you to learn and hear the perspectives of established professionals to carry with you into your business. You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of the industry, how to handle certain situations, and gain insights you need to better assist future clients so you’re set up for success.

Sometimes it gets really old during networking events to share the same thing over and over about who you are and what your business is. I often look for ways to start the conversation differently. That’s why I loved observing Phillip Ramsey’s (CEO of Uncommon Wealth Partners) approach to conversation when I met him at a couple of events. In his unique style he often tries engaging with people through playful elements like creating games and competitions. Here are a couple of examples: Goldman Sachs Event: Ramsey proposed a simple guessing game where the “winner” had to give a toast. This fun twist turned a nerve-wracking task into a shared, memorable experience that created lasting bonds among participants. Adding Prizes: Without any formal coordination, Ramsey decided to hand out $2 bills as prizes for getting a hole-in-one during a planned miniature golf event. This spontaneous competition added excitement and encouraged interaction, making the event more enjoyable and memorable for everyone involved. I watch the participants and fans grow with each win! Ramsey’s approach shows that being playful and introducing friendly competition can break the ice, making interactions more relaxed and genuine. It’s a great reminder that networking doesn’t have to be stiff or transactional—it can be fun and authentic.

Networking is cold and impersonal. I know that’s how it can seem, but if that is your experience, it’s usually a huge indicator that you’re not visiting the right groups. A member of my networking group recently shared their experience with me saying, ‘It’s incredible, the vibe, the atmosphere and the support are great and I’ve only been there for four months.’ This perfectly captures how the right networking event builds trust and starts to build relationships even in the early days of membership. Being around positive people at networking events is contagious and helps you believe what’s possible for you too. Effective networking is warm, friendly and productive. In our groups, like attracts like, creating an environment where members support each other. Members bring their unique perspectives and experiences and learn from each other, gaining insights they might not have been able to access in their usual circles. The supportive environment we’ve built at our networking events means everyone feels valued and encouraged to contribute, which ultimately helps them grow their business. So, the next time you go to a networking event, measure how warm and supportive the room feels because that’s a huge indicator of what your long-term experience will be. 📢DM me to find out more Your Business Matters networking events in your area. #businessroom #connectionsclub #networking #businessnetworking #yourbusinessmatters

People need to be reminded, not told once. Here’s how to apply this into your networking. You cannot rely on meeting someone once and thinking they’ll remember you when the time comes in the future. Nor will they need what you do the first time you meet them. You need to remind them. This means reconnecting with people you’ve already met at events. As a way to further imprint yourself in the front of their mind. Doing so helps you: - Reconnect with an old connection - Reignite a conversation - Stay front of mind - Become the first person people think of So next event you attend, try this: 1. Review the guest list a day or two in advance 2. Highlight 2-4 people you already know or met previously 3. Make a point at the event to say hi These interactions can be as simple as a quick hello and catch up finding out what they’ve been working on. Yes, networking is about connecting with new people. But it is just as important to reconnect with those you already know. This is what will make you the person people think of, when they think of what you do. P.S. Something for those attending the Network My Club event at Twickenham Stadium today to consider too! ----- ✍️ How do you prepare for a networking event? 👤 Tag someone you know that’s new to networking this will help. ♻️ Repost if this was helpful.

Impromptu interview with potential new organiser of R U Networking Q. Morning A. Thank goodness that is nearly over. Q. What? A. Richard Wadman’s attempt to “organise” R U Networking. If he had carried on he would have completely ruined the concept. So much so that even I could not have saved it.. Q. Apologies, I am behind the curve here. What is “Are you networking”? A. It is simple but brilliant concept - business people meet up; have a chat whilst running and then continue the conversation over a coffee Q. Sounds good; so Richard deserves some credit for the idea A. No - it was not his idea! Q. Ok… so what has gone wrong in the execution? A. Richard Wadman! Q. Can you be more expansive? A. Richard #### Wadman! [slight dramatic pause before carrying on] What else needs saying - he may have Faye Dunaway like cheekbones but he has the charisma of a gold fish, and that is being harsh on goldfish! Q. Faye Dunaway? Never mind.. Do you fancy taking “Are you networking” on then? A. If there is still something to salvage after today’s outing then maybe. I turned Finance in Cornwall from a shanbolic mess into a extremely well received event. So, if there is still a pulse for R U Networking after today, then maybe.. Q. What would you change, the route, the coffee stop? A. No all those are good, 108 Coffee is also my favourite. No, just one thing needs to change. Q. I think I can guess what you are going to say.. A. Yep, you know it, everyone knows it, all that needs to change is Richard Wadman Q. Ok. Well good luck - count me in. And would you mind just moving to the side slightly so I can fill up my water bottle (If you fancy attending the “last” R U Networking please be at 108 Coffee for 8am this morning)

Networking events 🤝 We’ve all been to them and all come away with thoughts on what we liked and what could have been done better. There definitely appears to be a kind of “template” when it comes to these things that consists of: ☕️🥐 Breakfast / some kind of morning tea or nibbles 🎤 Speeches and maybe one or two keynote speakers 🤝 Breakout groups where you may spend 10-15 mins actually networking By this stage, many people have had to run off back to the office for meetings or other commitments and interest is well and truly waning. Not only that, but with so many people in the room, you may only find yourself meeting a small percentage of other attendees. I know for me, the best networking comes from being in an environment that doesn’t feel like everyone is there purely to sell themselves and there is genuine enjoyment from a shared experience that makes breaking the ice easy. It’s having the opportunity to have deeper conversations and get to know the others in the room on a more personal level ✨ I’d love to hear of any interesting or out of the box ideas you think could add value to a networking event or have experienced in the past. Also, what you may look for, or aim to get out of a networking event 🤔

When you walk into a networking event, do you have a goal? The thing about networking events, particularly when you are with groups you know well, is that it is easy to let the opportunity pass you by. There are a few ways this can happen. ⛔ Talking to only people you know ⛔ Talking to "the wrong" people ⛔ Focusing too much on other things (hor d'oeuvres or your phone) and not talking to anyone. I am particularly guilty of the first one of these. The way I am addressing this is by setting a networking goal. Whenever I have an event, I decide in advance who (if not a specific person, then a classification) I want to talk to. So, for instance, it might be three decision-makers. Having a goal really has helped me transform the effectiveness of my networking. What about you? Do you go into events with a networking goal?