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Running a successful networking event: 6 things to consider

Advice on running a successful networking event

Networking events are a great way for entrepreneurs and start-ups to make connections that could prove invaluable and get their business off the ground. Hosting a networking event can have similar rewards. As Ivan Misner, founder and chair of BNI writes, hosting a networking event is a great way to get people to come to “your cave” to learn about your services and products.

The benefits of hosting a networking event might speak for themselves, but how do you host a successful event designed for networking.

Leeds-based co-working and meeting room centre Carrwood Park explains how to run a successful networking meeting.

Consider the time of your meeting

Timing is crucial when it comes to running a networking meeting as it is important the event doesn’t affect the working hours of attendees. Though as Oliver Corrigan, Manager of Carrwood Park advises, the event should ideally not eat into people’s evening time. Oliver therefore recommends the event being scheduled from between 4.30pm and 7pm.

How many guests?

Then there’s the question of numbers. Naturally you don’t want the meeting room to be sparse and empty but by the same token an overcrowded event would not be conducive with neither productivity nor professionalism.

A general rule of thumb is that if the forthcoming event is your first network meeting aim to gather approximately 40 guests, including your own team. Though remember, successfully getting 40 people to attend the event can be easier said than done and you should be looking at inviting around 160 people in order to reach the golden 40 mark.

Hand out name badges

It might sound a bit corny but giving people name badges at the event will encourage people to talk to one another and become acquainted. As Julie Hall of Women Unlimited says:

“Name badges are a handy reminder and will help people connect and converse.”

Putting a more fun, contemporary and trendy twist on the somewhat antiquated practice of name badges can be effective, such as encouraging guests to write their Twitter profile name instead of their actual name.

So you’ve now got all the ammunition in place to successful host a networking event but how do you actually launch one?

‘Heads up’

Firstly you will need to get a venue and date confirmed. Once confirmed send out the invites fairly promptly to give people a ‘heads up’ to save the event in their calendar. By the same token don’t send the invitations too far in advance as people may not know what their calendar looks like six months down the line.

Plan refreshments

Once you’re aware of how many people will be attending you can begin to work on the finer details of the event, including the refreshments. It is important to remember that although networking events are social they are not an excuse to pig out! Keep refreshments light and simple.

Set the agenda

Setting an agenda will not only help your event run more smoothly but it will inform guests of what they can expect during the meeting.

Once your networking event has successfully been and gone, it is important to promptly send follow up emails to say thank-you and to get some feedback that may prove invaluable for your next networking event.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Carrwood Park .