Speed Networking Does Not Work!
Carol Deckert
Speed networking, when it was originally launched got everyone all excited about the possibility of meeting so many new people, in a short period of time, all in one place. Well, that part is certainly true and remains true today. My thoughts are flying around right now, trying to figure out how speed fits into relationship building. In my opinion, it doesn’t! Meeting all these new people - how do you know they are in your target market, or even know anyone that is in your target market that they could refer to you? Are there any pre-qualifying actions taken prior to the event?
Building relationships is a slow, methodical process. Meeting someone new, taking the time to learn more about that person, learning what they like and dislike, understanding what they do and how they do it and then finally, finding out what it is they want or need help in doing takes a lot of time. All this information is not obtained in only one meeting! Talk to the members in my RUNLancaster Netweaving Group (http://www.runlancaster.com) - they will tell you that relationships take time to build!
When you meet someone at a networking event, you are simply doing just that - meeting someone new. If in the course of short conversation, you can find some sort of commonality, you follow-up with them, after the meeting and request another time to get together. Perhaps for coffee or lunch, or even to go with you to another networking event. E-mails, handwritten notes, cards, phone calls are all part of the follow-up process. Could someone please tell me how that is speed networking?
I coach my clients to take whatever time is necessary to make sure this new contact is someone they truly want to connect with. Did you hear contact and connect? Two different words, two totally different meanings. Contacts are people you know exist; connections are people you know more about! Use your networking time wisely, to build up your list of contacts and then develop them in connections. Helping others to get what they need and/or want tightens up the connections, making them rock-solid. Personally, I want many more connections than I want contacts. How about you? What’s your choice?
In my opinion, holding a speed networking event is a form of false advertising! What do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts and opinions! Please post your comments below and let’s hear what you all think about speed networking and building relationships - does it or doesn’t it, work?
Carol Deckert @ July 6, 2008
Carol Deckert
I think speed networking can work if it is used as a tool to building a relationship. You meet the person quickly and if there is an interest from both parties then there will be follow up meetings to establish the relationship.
It’s similar to using a business networking site such as Linkedin, Schmoozii, or Xing to make the initial connection. If you meet the person online and leave it at that, then there is no connection. But if you meet them online and then follow up with a phone call or meeting, then it’s effective.
Carol,
You are amazing. I always look to you for the best information on networking.
Great post!
Sally
http://www.drsallywitt.com