Hosting a Successful Networking Event

Whether you’re looking to grow your business or you have been in business for years, networking is the most efficient way of meeting like-minded business owners and increasing your contact database. Hosting your own event is the most efficient way of making networking work for you, ensuring the best outcomes for your business.

Cost
Whilst your business may have been up and running for months or even years, this may not be the case for everyone attending. Small business owners, and those who are just starting out may feel intimidated by having to spend a large amount of money attending an event. That being said, you want to ensure that you make a profit or, at least, break even from the cost of your supplies. To do this, it is important to keep your cost of entry low and reasonable, as neither you nor your guests will want to be out of pocket.

Venue

There is no point in choosing a venue that no one has heard of, guests will either decline invitations or arrive tense after struggling to locate your event. Where possible, hire a venue central to your town or city, a business capital like a meeting venue in London, or one that is clearly sign posted. Cost may be an issue here, but negotiation can stem from reassuring venue owners that their establishment will earn their own money from the event (from the sale of food, drinks etc.).

Refreshments

If you decide not to host your event in a location that serves its own food and drink, it is important to supply these yourself. The appeal of free food and beverages may entice visitors who may be unsure as to whether or not they should attend, and large tables serving food are great ice breaking locations. These need not be expensive, just enough to ensure guests feel they are getting their money’s worth for travel, accommodation etc. which was required to get to the event.

Entertainment

Whilst talking shop is a great way to gain insight into other business owners in your local area, repeatedly discussing your business goals can become monotonous after a while, particularly if your guests are attending after spending a full day at work. Use your event to entertain guests, as well as informing and connecting them. Look to local entertainment providers, such as bands or theatre groups, whose work is relevant to your business. Not only will this benefit the performers, it will also be a great way of getting guests to connect through mutual interests

Utilise what’s available to you.

Whilst not all business owners in your local area may work in the same industry as you, you still have a lot in common based on your location. It is important not to exclude certain business owners from invitations and guest lists, just because you don’t feel their work is relevant to your event. Whether you’re discussing cupcakes or conservatories, the underlying theme is still business! Get others involved, if you own a clothing company, include vintage clothing samples from local markets, or sell handmade confectionary, at food-based events. Anything to draw in as many business owners as possible. This also provides an opportunity to make a profit, as business owners are likely to be willing to share a portion of their profits in exchange for exposure.

Give back

Whilst it is important to increase your contact list and meet with like-minded business owners, it can also be beneficial to use your event to benefit others as well. Taking donations, or donating a portion of your profits, to relevant charities is a great way of raising funds and awareness for whatever cause you chose, and shows your philanthropic side in an environment that can seem purely business focused. Not only that, but guests may be more likely to attend if they feel the event is going to include an element of variety, instead of just being about discussing work with other business owners.

Hosting your own networking event may seem intimidating, especially if you’re only just starting out. But holding a small event can dramatically increase the number of people you are able to communicate and connect with, in both a professional and personal capacity. 

from Darlene Milligan http://ift.tt/1YxIaoE via transformational marketing
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1IrN2EN