People are often quick to call out networking events for being sh*t or a waste of time, but is there a difference between a bad event and the wrong event for you?

A bad event is one that’s organised or delivered poorly– for example they booked the venue on the wrong date (we’ve all been there), or shared the wrong start time and delegates arrive after it’s over. Refreshments were promised yet forgotten, or the speaker spent two hours talking about their political views when they’re meant to be sharing insights into accountancy.

However, if the conversations aren’t on topics you’re personally interested in, there are three people there instead of 300, or the host designs a format you don’t enjoy, that doesn’t actually mean it’s a sh*t event – it just means it’s not the right event for you.

Going to a seafood restaurant when you don’t like seafood probably isn’t going to result in you having an enjoyable meal. The first step toward finding the right events is knowing what you want, and what you need from networking.

  • Set networking objectives
  • Identify who you want to meet
  • Select events where you’re most likely to meet them

All important steps when it comes to selecting the right events, absolutely. BUT, you also need to consider…

  • What event formats work best for you?
  • Are you more introverted or extroverted?
  • Do you want large volumes of people, or more intimate opportunities?
  • Would you prefer one-to-one interactions to nurture your existing network?
  • Do you like open and informal, or structured with knowledge transfer?
  • Peer-to-peer your preference, or do you want to be a flamingo in a flock of pigeons?

There are so many events available and to be honest, I don’t think any of them are sh*t. I just think people are possibly attending the wrong ones for their own personal preference and/or professional goals and then instead of exploring alternatives they’re blaming the events. And like I said, if you want a burger but order sushi, it could be the best sushi in the world but you’re never going to be happy.

Right, rant over, I’m off to eat something. I’m suddenly starving!

 

p.s. if you’d like to start thinking more strategically about your networking activities you can download a FREE Networking Strategy Canvas HERE (you’re welcome 😏)