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| | Post New Topic | | This Week's Discussion Topic-07.28.08 - Networking vs. Nightlife | Views: 309 | | Jul 28, 2008 8:53 am | | This Week's Discussion Topic-07.28.08 - Networking vs. Nightlife | # | 
Exceed Magazine | | I have noticed more and more that a lot of business networking events have been placed in a restaurant/bar/lounge setting. It seems, in fact, to have become the "norm" in business networking.
You get an invite, you attend, you buy a glass or two of your favorite cocktail, the DJ isn't half-bad, so you do your two step, and you may even get your hands on a business card or two. Do you follow up on that contact? If so, does this develop into a new, productive business relationship?
My experience has been mixed. I have picked up several business cards from these types of events, but in many cases, there's no real interest in building a relationship. People SAY that they are at these events to "network" but what I have observed has been more of the "nightlife" experience. Get out, unwind a little, meet new people and that's as far as it goes.
What do you think? What has been YOUR experience? How do you think we can improve on our business networking methods and truly turn these new contacts into meaningful business building contacts?
I want to hear from you. We're going to publish some of your thoughts in our September issue and on our website.
Private Reply to Exceed Magazine | | Jul 30, 2008 7:28 pm | | re: This Week's Discussion Topic-07.28.08 - Networking vs. Nightlife | # | 
Karyn Beach | | I've found those kinds of 'networking' events to be a waste of time. If I want to go to a club, it's fine, but if I'm looking to do business, I wouldn't choose that kind of venue.
I have a friend who is trying to jumpstart her photography business and she used to do a lot of those kinds of events. I think she got one or maybe two usable leads but nothing else lead to results for her.
I think environment says a lot and a lot of the people who attend nightclub networking events are there for more personal reasons than anything else. I prefer events that have more of a buisness or even a volunteer focus.
Karyn L. Beach
Success Coach
http://www.losetheexcuses.com
http://www.losetheexcuses.blogspot.com
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