Running a Successful Networking Event
Hosting a business mixer is a great way to make some valuable connections, or get a business off the ground. It’s important to make your event successful as well as fun, just remember to keep in mind that the main goal is to facilitate networking, and proper preparation is the key to running a successful networking event. Here are some tips:
* If possible, hold your event at your office to gain exposure for your business.
* Don’t overload the schedule with too many speeches or planned talks, as it detracts from the networking.
* Make sure you choose the right format for your event. If you would like to encourage people to mingle, they need to feel comfortable doing so.
* Plan the event in advance, so you have time to invite guests, and also try and get prizes donated. Obviously you need good numbers, however you also don’t want the event to be overcrowded, which can hamper networking.
* When planning, ensure that the timing does not affect business hours and work, or people’s evenings…. late afternoon, between 4pm and 6pm is considered a good time. If your attendees will be predominantly mothers though, you may like to make the meeting lunch times, when kids are in school. Also, if this is a regular occurrence, make sure you set a regular time, such as the 3rd Thursday of the month at say 12.30 pm, or 5.30 pm.
* Encourage guests to bring information on their products or services, and have a display table for that purpose.
* Ensure everyone wears name tags- it’s a good way to help people connect.
* Take lots of photos of the event, and make sure you share them on social media as well as your website etc
* Don’t have too many chairs out- it encourage people to stay on the move and mingle more.
* Consider conducting a short exercise where each guest has to meet 2 or 3 people that they have never met before
* Consider having designated areas for specific professions, such as real estate, finance etc
* Set an agenda for the event, so that guests know what to expect. If this is a regular event, make sure it is consistent- you can bet that if the standards drop after your first event, so will the numbers!
* Don’t take too long. Close the event off with prizes or announcements quickly, and ensure that you follow up with thank you emails, and ask for feedback for future events so that the next one you hold is even better!
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