I was skimming through my LinkedIn Groups the other day, and one discussion thread jumped out at me: Are networking events worth the time? The originator was frustrated that his forays weren’t putting him in a room with the people he wanted to meet.
Like many people, he is missing the big picture: Networking doesn’t bring business. Networks do.
While I’ll certainly admit that some events prove a complete waste of time, most offer opportunities to meet interesting people. The job seeker he’s dismissing might just end up working at a place where you want to do business. That room full of vendors (hey, we’re all selling something) might yield your next partner or your next lead.
It’s very rare that you walk into a room of strangers and walk out with new business. But the connections you make today may just fill your pipeline over time.
Has this happened to you?
Photo by Matti Mattila (Flickr).
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Such a great point. It’s the same for networking offline and online. You never know when the person you are talking to, may lead you to your next client or opportunity.
@Beth: Of course, the people who don’t get the relationship piece are likely the same ones who are scanning the room while they talk to you. At least they’re easy to identify so WE don’t waste our time.
Daria: This says it all – it’s that simple. Bill
Daria, you’re so right. Going to a networking event expecting to walk out with new business puts you in the mindset of seeing everyone as a wallet. Much better to go in expecting to meet some interesting people and grow your network, which may or may not end up resulting in work somewhere down the road. And if that fellow wasn’t meeting the people he wanted to meet, maybe he should be looking at the type of networking group he joined. There are all kinds of them out there, and some of those “lead generation” style groups might be more up his alley.
@Sue: Terrific point about selecting the right type of network. I didn’t think about that, and the fact that perhaps he should be joining a BNI group or something similar. Of course, there too, you have to give to get.
@Bill: High praise, when coming from the master of networking!