Posts Tagged ‘Networking Events’

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Treat Your Event Speaker Right

Wednesday, October 12th, 2011

So you’ve decided to get a speaker for your organization or event. Excellent! Now, how can you ensure it’s the best experience for everyone?

1. Evaluate Your Speaker In Advance

Sometimes the best names don’t make the best speakers. Some people are very good at what they do and hopeless at speaking about it. I suggest, if at all possible, listen to your speaker before you invite him or her to your event. This gives you a chance to evaluate if he or she is right for your group. Is he interesting? Is she clear? Does his voice irritate you? Does she stay within the time allotted, or does she ramble and talk too long?

All these things are difficult or impossible to judge from websites or speaker promotional materials. If you absolutely can’t listen yourself, get a referral from someone you trust. Nothing kills an event like the wrong speaker.

2. Speaker Bios

Every speaker should have one, and you definitely should request it in advance. If he doesn’t send one, or it’s not professional, that’s a red flag. If it’s too long, ask her to shorten it. If it doesn’t include the kind of details your organization wants (like, do you want a bit more of a personal touch?), ask the speaker if he’s willing to revise it.

And it’s your responsibility as the host to have it printed out and ready. A good speaker should have a back-up copy available in a pinch, but make sure you have it. If you forget to read the bio, you’re depriving the speaker of a vital introduction, and you make everyone wonder who forgot it. You or the speaker? Neither makes you look good.

3. Arrive Early To Meet Your Speaker

Good speakers show up early, as much as 15-30 minutes. We need to check out the space, set up and test audio-visual equipment and generally get ready. I like to look for a visible clock and adjust where I’ll be standing based on its location. Please have someone there to greet him or her and provide what everyone needs to make the event run smoothly.

If your speaker arrives just in time or, worse, late, don’t use him or her again. It’s unprofessional and makes you look bad. Let the referring party or organization know what happened.

4. Timing of Presentation

Please make the timing clear in advance. If you give a speaker 15 minutes, please don’t cut it to 10 at the last minute. Yes, we should all be able to be flexible with our presentations, but most of us plan for a particular amount of time, and it’s disrespectful to make us adjust it on the fly without a darned good reason.

On the other hand, some speakers don’t know when to stop. If you get one who is long-winded, don’t hesitate to cut him or her off. Do it respectfully, but do it. Your audience has an expectation of when an event will end. Don’t make them wait around because your speaker wasn’t prepared.

In case you hadn’t guessed, I’ve had each of these go wrong for me, either as a speaker or as an event organizer. When selected and treated correctly, a good speaker can make your event pop. And a bad one can make it flop. Do what you can to make it a good experience for everyone.

Anyone else want to add your own experiences to the list?

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Dos and Don’ts of Scheduling Events

Monday, September 12th, 2011

When, how and where to schedule seminars and networking events can be tough. Here are some areas to remember when you are scheduling your own events.

Do

1. For business events, use a professional on-line scheduler, like Eventbrite. Make certain your scheduling site gives you a professional landing page and the social links your audience are likely to use. (Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn at a minimum.)

2. Consider time of day carefully. When is your audience most likely to have time to attend. Morning? Lunch? Evening? Schedule accordingly.

3. Give yourself plenty to time to plan and market your event. Make sure you have at least three weeks to market most events. Seminars can require more time, 4-6 weeks at least.

Don’t

1. Schedule too close to holiday weekends or the “back to school” time. People are generally too distracted during those times to remember to register or attend. The exception, of course, is if your event is holiday-related.

2. Charge your guest speakers an attendance fee. Even if your budget is tight, it’s just not done.

3. Use a cheap venue. Free is always good, but sometimes you really do get what you pay for. Remember that people need to be able to hear themselves and a speaker, if any. I recently attended a seminar in a bar. It was impossible to hear the people I tried to network with, and the seating for the seminar part of the evening was too cramped. Oh, yeah, and the sound system didn’t work, so we couldn’t hear most of the panelists.

Anyone else have any suggestions from your own experience, whether as speaker, attendee or organizer?

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Be Specific To Get What You Want

Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011

I was at a networking event a couple of nights ago, and I ran into a contact I hadn’t seen in a while. We chatted and caught up and then agreed it was time to work the room. As we were departing, she said, “If you run into anyone you think I should meet, let me know, and I’ll do the same for you.”

It was a kind offer, and she meant it. We could have gone our separate ways then, but what would we have missed if we had?

You’ve got it. Neither of us knew who the other was targeting. So how could we have known who would be a good contact for the other?

I asked her who she most wanted to meet, and she gave me a short list, which immediately generated an event she needed to attend. We’re meeting there today, and I’m certain I’ll be able to make some introductions for her.

See what happens when you remember to be specific and ask for what you want?

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The Cost of a Networking Event

Wednesday, April 6th, 2011

I was meeting with a client a few days ago, and he was talking about events he did and did not want to attend.

He was very emphatic about not wanting to attend a $45 chamber mixer, and I agreed that his reasoning made sense for that event.

That brings up the question. What makes a $45 event not worthwhile and a free event a “never miss event?”

It’s not so much the cost of the event. It’s what you can expect to get out of it, and also how much it will cost you in time.

Is there an event where you land a new client almost every time? If so, it’s worth going to, even if it costs a bit in time and money.

How about a free event where you never get anything? It’s probably not worth the time it’s costing you.

Remember to look at both cost in money and cost in time. Is one event right around the corner from your office while another requires a one hour drive? Each way! Even if both events cost the same amout of money, you’d better get a lot out of the one that “costs” you two hours in driving times.

So don’t forget to look at both $$$ and time when planning your networking marketing budget.

Speaking of good events. Does anyone know any particularly good ones in the DC metro area? I’d like to do a post on good events in our area. Feel free to send me a link and why you think it’s good, and I’ll feature both you and the event in an upcoming post. Recurring events only, please. I’d like the post to have ongoing value.

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Talking About Other People Is Good

Monday, April 4th, 2011

I was at a networking event recently where instead of elevator speeches, we had a few minutes to talk to a person we’d never met before, and then we gave the other person’s elevator speech.

Did it get awkward a few times? Sure. I had to feel for the estate planning attorney who never got introduced as such.

But it was interesting to watch. I’ve been going to this event for about 6 years now, and I know a lot of the regulars. Some of them can’t talk about themselves, but they blossomed when they were asked to talk about someone else.

Sometimes it’s hard to talk about yourself. We’re taught as kids to stay in the background and not draw attention to ourselves. We’re told not to “brag on ourselves” and similar messages.

But talking about someone else can be easy. It doesn’t summon up the voice of our moms past. This is why I recommend people go to events with a buddy. Try it sometimes. Go to an event and find contacts for your buddy. Really talk him up. As long as your buddy does the same for you, the event can be a success for each of you.

Your buddy may describe your business in a slightly different way than you would, and that different approach may resonate with the audience. And it’s easier for someone else to say “She rocks!” than for you to say it about yourself.

So give it a try sometime. And report back on how it worked for you and your buddy.

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You Are Where You Network

Monday, November 15th, 2010

You know how they say, “You are what you eat”? After this weekend, I must be a chocolate chip cookie. (My husband baked!)

But it’s also true that where you network will influence how people see you.

I was in a class last Friday, and there was a networking event next door. In the bathroom, I met someone I haven’t seen in a while. I had a neutral opinion of her based on my prior interactions with her.

However, the event she had been attending is frequented primarily by people who are more interested in socializing that networking. I attended the event once and left half-way through. Many of my clients have attended and quit because, while it is billed as a business networking event, few serious business people attend, and little business is passed.

My impression of the event is that it is attended by hobbyists who are not interested in growing their business or referring others.

This contact indicated she attends the event frequently. How do you think I view her?

On the other hand, there is a well-regarded monthly networking event I attend in DC. I recently had someone say, “Oh, you go to that event? You must be serious about networking.”

Music to my ears.

Can impressions be incorrect? Of course. Which is why I recommend you are careful where you network. Look at where you want to be in 5 years. Where do people at that level of success gather? Go there. Their success and reputation will rub off on you.

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The iPhone Prayer Meeting

Friday, October 22nd, 2010

A client of mine gave me the idea for this post. She said that she goes to networking events and sees people, usually younger, in a circle, huddled over their iPhones or other smart phones. I’ve seen the same thing, and I immediately recognized the image. It is kind of like a prayer meeting.

Is it good or bad? Kind of both, I think.

There’s nothing wrong with a group having something in common. Smart phones are cool and good conversational topics. They make it easy to exchange Twitter handles and contact information. They can be a good conversation starter for two people who don’t yet know what they have in common.

But the “prayer meeting” excludes people who don’t have smart phones. One of my clients just bought an Android phone because he said networking was uncomfortable without one. He couldn’t be in with the tech crowd or up with following people on Twitter.

Anything that makes you more approachable is good. Anything that makes you less approachable? Not so good. Ironically, smart phones do both.

The solution? Moderation. Going into the huddle briefly can help you bond with others. But leave the huddle after a few minutes. Make a point of talking to new people, whether or not they have smart phones.

You’ll be the cool kid who is accessible to everyone. And that’s cool!

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Worst Elevator Speech Ever!

Monday, October 4th, 2010

As you can imagine, I’ve heard the good, the bad and the ugly of elevator speeches, but this one particularly stood out.

It went something like this:

Hi I’m Jill of [fill in company name]. I’m the speaker at my networking group next Tuesday, and it’s my responsibility to bring guests. We’re a great group with usually at least 50 people there, so it will be a great networking opportunity for you. I hope you’ll be there.

Actually, it was a bit longer, and I tightened it up. But that was the gist.

There wasn’t anything really right about this speech, but here’s the list of what was wrong. Ready? It’s a long one.

1. Other than the company name, there’s no indication about what she does.

2. No indication about what she’s speaking about. Where’s the value in my coming?

3. Really, you wanted to tell us all it’s your responsibility to bring guests? That makes us more likely to attend why?

4. Short notice. This speech was given the Friday before the event.

5. Worst of all. Where and what time? The event moderator actually had to ask her to give that information. Lucky the moderator cared enough to do that.

What could this have looked like? How about this.

Hi, I’m Jill of [company name]. In my business, I [add value statement]. I’m the speaker at my networking group next Tuesday morning at 8:00. If you attend, you’ll receive 5 useful tips in the [fill in industry] that you’ll be able to use right away. The group usually has 50 people each week, so it’ll also be a good networking opportunity. The location is [fill in name and location of place].

The time frame is still short, but everything else gives us a reason to attend. And all the pertinent information.

Anyone else have a horribly bad speech to share. Of course, one you heard. We know yours are always good!

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Take Clients to Events

Wednesday, September 29th, 2010

I’ve written before about attending events with a buddy. It can be an effective way to work the room and get the most out of an event.

One of the best buddies to take with you is a satisfied client. They know who you are looking for, so they are able to target good contacts for you. Once they have found a good contact, they have a good story to tell about you. Who better to brag about your accomplishments than a satisfied client!

After your client has spoken about you to several people in the room, a buzz about you starts. I’ve had people walk up to me and say, “Everyone is talking about you and saying I should meet you.” Was it really everyone? Of course not, but it’s easy for a good client to leave that impression about you.

On the flip side, you should know your clients as well as they know you. Which makes it easy for you to find and make connections on their behalf.

Do it right, and attendees will leave the event thinking that you and your client were the most important people in the room.

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Where to Find Your Strategic Partners

Thursday, September 9th, 2010

I’ve been writing about strategic partners and how to add value to them. You’ve identified them and have a good message to attract them. Now, how do you find them?

1. Ask Your Network

That’s a good place to start. People in your network might be potential strategic partners or they network with them. Ask where else they network. You’ll find some new events or get a new perspective on an old event.

2. Look for Professional Organizations

If you are targeting particular professions, there are probably professional organizations which serve them. If you are looking for people in related professions (e.g. real estate), one organization might serve multiple professions. Many organizations have open events a couple of times a year. Those are your opportunity to meet a lot of different people in a particular industry or profession.

Be warned. Members of such organizations are accustomed to visitors coming to open events and looking to sell their services. Remember that your role at the event is to find referral partners, not customers. As long as you act accordingly, you’ll be welcomed where the sales-focused people will be politely (or not) ignored. Quickly review yesterday’s post on adding value to strategic partnerships for ideas.

3. Don’t Forget Social Media

Events and groups are often promoted through social media. If you are targeting a particular profession or industry, follow some influential local people. Look at what events they talk about. I’ve gone to an event because someone I followed on Twitter was going to be there, and I wanted to meet in person.

LinkedIn Groups or Yahoo! Groups are another good place to meet people. Look for a group dedicated to the industry you are targeting. Provide useful information and be a good group member. I just scored a connection to a local published author and writers’ group through a Yahoo! Group. I’m still bouncing about that!

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