Comments on: Six Ways to Ensure You NEVER Have to Attend Another Useless Networking Event

By: Susan Hasty

Susan Hasty — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 14:04:48 +0000

Question:
What would you do for the first 30 days (month) of starting a new "company" to attract business.....each day?
Susan

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 19:20:42 +0000

These are excellent tips, Keith.

I had to smile when I read Steve's comment about taking a nap instead of attending an unproductive meeting. That is absolutely brilliant! :)

By: Ricardo Bueno

Ricardo Bueno — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 02:40:00 +0000

I organize a monthly luncheon. At first this started out with a small group of 6-7 of us getting together to brainstorm. That group grew to 15, then 20 and next thing ya know, it's turned into a monthly event with new faces each time!

I'm also a big fan of getting together for coffee with folks. It's great for getting out of the office every now and again (which is always very refreshing!).

By: Janice Plado Dalager

Janice Plado Dalager — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 18:27:14 +0000

My friend Ben & I were just lamenting the "contrived" networking scene the other day, when he passed this on to me. (If Ben had a web presence already, I'd give him props right now! Grunt, grunt!)

I'd been wondering how to avoid those d@mn networking events and still get network traction by being my true to myself. Your six ways has given me some ideas about really making my network my own, something to enjoy and look forward to!

By: Liz Kupcha

Liz Kupcha — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:38:46 +0000

I agree with Steve.

I go a go/no go analysis on events in terms of costs and other logistics to see if attending is worth my time. I also ask the following questions: 1) Who will this event attract? 2) When I attended comparable event, did I walk away with "quality" connections? 3) Does host organization cater to folks that I currently do or want to do business with? 4) Is this a group that I would consider joining?

By: Michael

Michael — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:37:45 +0000

I agree, Keith, but here's my problem. How do I find people to invite to my clubs and have coffee or dinner with me? They're all at the networking events.

By: Steve Smolinsky

Steve Smolinsky — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 11:45:26 +0000

I'll add my favorite suggestion to people suffering from networking overload:

Think about the events you regularly attend. Do you enjoy them? Do you meet new people or strengthen existing useful relationships? Do you dred it when you see them on your calendar?

If your answer is yes to these questions, stop going and take a nap instead. We're all sleep deprived and this is a much better use of your time.