The Value of Speed Networking vs. Business Networking
When looking at a business proposal it is important to find value. It is no different when considering whether to take part in a speed / business networking session. Why should you take part? Is it worth it in terms of time as well as money?
In regular business networking events value is quite difficult to measure. Many people who network regularly will find that once they have been around the block, they end up seeing the same familiar faces. Sometimes, this can be of benefit and it is at a 2nd or 3rd meeting where a deal can be struck or a meeting arranged. Like a well known brand, the more you are aware of a person, the more you trust them. The same is true of people. On many occasions however, they find that they end up simply exchanging pleasantries.
It seems obvious, but businesses attend networking events because they want to do more business. So why do they end up standing around discussing the weather? We believe the answer lies in the system.
When Contact25 arrange a speed networking event, we have a system which records every meeting which takes place between attendees. This information is then used to produce the table plan for subsequent events. This means that at every event you attend, the seating plan generates the maximum number of new meetings possible within the group.
The need for this system has arisen for two reasons. Firstly, many attendees of networking events are frustrated by meeting the same people. Secondly, it gives us an opportunity to provide long term value for our customers. By consistently delivering fresh contacts, it increases the chances of attendees finding ways to do business with each other.
This is all well and good, but what is the result? Well, we have found that at every speed networking event we organise, attendees generate an average of £500 worth of new business each. This isn't bad, considering that the investment is £25 + 2hrs.
We believe that compared to traditional business networking events, speed networking really delivers. The reason for this is simple: If you put two people together for 5 minutes with a specific task (to work out whether they can do business); they get on and do it.
In regular business networking events value is quite difficult to measure. Many people who network regularly will find that once they have been around the block, they end up seeing the same familiar faces. Sometimes, this can be of benefit and it is at a 2nd or 3rd meeting where a deal can be struck or a meeting arranged. Like a well known brand, the more you are aware of a person, the more you trust them. The same is true of people. On many occasions however, they find that they end up simply exchanging pleasantries.
It seems obvious, but businesses attend networking events because they want to do more business. So why do they end up standing around discussing the weather? We believe the answer lies in the system.
When Contact25 arrange a speed networking event, we have a system which records every meeting which takes place between attendees. This information is then used to produce the table plan for subsequent events. This means that at every event you attend, the seating plan generates the maximum number of new meetings possible within the group.
The need for this system has arisen for two reasons. Firstly, many attendees of networking events are frustrated by meeting the same people. Secondly, it gives us an opportunity to provide long term value for our customers. By consistently delivering fresh contacts, it increases the chances of attendees finding ways to do business with each other.
This is all well and good, but what is the result? Well, we have found that at every speed networking event we organise, attendees generate an average of £500 worth of new business each. This isn't bad, considering that the investment is £25 + 2hrs.
We believe that compared to traditional business networking events, speed networking really delivers. The reason for this is simple: If you put two people together for 5 minutes with a specific task (to work out whether they can do business); they get on and do it.