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Networking events numbers falling |
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Networking events numbers falling - why do you think that is? posted by Jon Davey
It's been very apparent that traditional networking numbers have been falling over recent months. Why do you think that should be? Please join in the discussion on LinkedIn and we'll add your feedback below. We add here as BinB has a huge distribution base via natural search, Google news and other online media channels. This maximises the opportunities for our members. Post on LinkedIn: Networking events numbers falling Alison Crook I believe there has been a swift rise in the number of actual networking events running who are ultimately offering the same thing - with a different name - but targeting the same audience. If you are reading this and had been thinking of setting up another "networking" opportunity then I suggest you think hard about what you will offer that is relevant, interesting and will keep people coming after they have had a "nosey" for the first month or two. Online activity such as this is great - no cost, opportunity to network anytime of day or night and a targeted local audience. So who said that networking events numbers are falling, Jon? Perhaps its just a case of poor marketing? John Hill FInstSMM The economy is picking up and real working beckons. There are far too many events offering very little. Too many one man bands networking ad too few bigger companies (in other words direct opportunities) missing. All the same old faces. Ivan Misner is wrong and givers don't gain. Tony Silver It is interesting to hear opinions as having recently found myself looking for a new role, I have been advised to network hard. I have only really done Chamber events before but have recently done others and have meetings lined up this month. Obviously I am looking at it from 2 points, for opportunities and also to see what is going on on business and who could be useful to me in the future. I beleive that i will run into ones that offer little and others that are a rich source, but also it is down to what you put into it as well. I dont expect to get a mass of connections and ideas from a first visit, but i hope to identify potential sources for future meetings and also gauge if there is a long term future in attending that hub. I hope not to see the same faces at all the events and will happily report back once i have been to these meetings. Eric Burrow I agree with John's comments - there seems to be a plethora of networking events, some free, some charging a fee and many of the same people attending. It really comes down to what you expect from networking - those who want an instant sales opportunity will be disappointed. It is about creating relationshis and awareness, which can only happen over time. It can also only be part of your business development strategy - it needs to be supplemented with online activity, existing customers and prospecting. If you don't try soemthing you will not know if it works - but equally in doing so you will find things which don't work and stop attending. Maybe people are just targetting their networking more. Richard Knight Some need a freshen up or a relaunch probably. There are a lot, but people buy people - always have, always will. Those that are still successful is probably because of the person who runs the group - although not always the case, FREE events help, timing helps. A date people remember easily helps. Something different from what other events are doing - a USP will also help. Think also people are being more selective and choosy where they spend their time. If you have been at the same networking event for a while and it ceases to be of benefit, try others. Would always suggest others are wirth trying and you should be able to attend a couple if times at least before you make a committment. I do beleive the networking model will be a big part of the way business is conducted in the future. They are also a great environment to find Strategic partners you can work wtih who can also add value to your business offerings to your clients and vice versa. Takes time to build these relationships though Dean Faulkner I think people are being more selective in hwere and how they network. A number of suggestions have already been made as to why numbers at some groups are falling and in truth it is probably a combination of all of those to a greater or lesser degree. For my own part, you go with what works - online and off. If a particular group isn't doing it for you whay stay, as long as you have given it a good go. But remember it isn't just the people in the room, look beyond that - it's who thos epeople know and can refer you to that adds weight to the group too. |
