SPEED NETWORKING GOES TO WORK

You’ve probably heard the term speed networking and assumed that it’s similar to speed dating.

Well, it is. And it isn’t.

First, the similarities: Like speed dating, speed networking follows the round-robin approach to connecting with others. In both cases, people gather in a large meeting area (maybe a restaurant, conference hall or catering facility) and have an opportunity for brief, informative exchanges, meeting with a dozen or more individuals during the course of a single event.

Now, the differences (and they are dramatic!): The goal of speed dating is to connect with just one, perfectly suited individual. Participants quickly whittle down the group of potential suitors with the intent of honing in on the one, mutually-attracted match.

Speed networking, on the other hand, is all about improving the quality and quantity of your connections. The object is to meet and connect with as many, varied speed networkers as possible. Unlike speed dating, attendees are not there to eliminate new contacts, they are there to cast a wide net and develop relationships with a variety of people. This formula works so well for a number of reasons.

The event’s structure provides a brief platform for each person to speak and then there is a clean break-away point that requires you to move on to the next match-up. Proven to be more effective than traditional networking methods, speed networkers can develop more contacts in one event than most business people do in five months. It’s a uniquely structured, targeted, low pressure form of networking.  The entire process is facilitated for ease and efficiency.

The organized time structure of speed networking also allows participants to sharpen networking skills, and practice and perfect their “elevator pitch”. Ultimately, speed networking makes it possible for participants to soak up information and ideas to help find new jobs, build sales, boost word-of-mouth and enhance lives.

Speed networking is also FUN! The atmosphere at these events is not tense or stuffy, but exciting and adrenaline-fueled. The enthusiasm at at a typical speed networking function becomes contagious and even the most reserved or uncomfortable networkers are buoyed but the tone, informality and shared goal of all attendees. That is, to meet — and help — each other!

General speed networking events attract a variety of professionals from many different industries and disciplines. However, speed networking events can also be customized for many specialized, group networking opportunities.

LOOKING FOR A WAY TO BUILD EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT?

CONSIDER SPEED NETWORKING

Inter-office speed networking is a growing trend that allows co-workers to meet each other and gain a fuller understanding of what they do in relation to others. These in-house mixers also allow for more open communication which helps groups interact more harmoniously. As an experienced speed networking event planner, I have seen many corporate groups benefit from implementing this dynamic, morale-boosting, productivity-enhancing tool!

Getting to know colleagues at every level of an organization — from the mail room to the boardroom —  and understanding the complex interplay between departments provides employees with a sense of working toward a larger purpose, a corporate culture of transparency and sincerity, and an enhanced feeling of camaraderie.

Here’s how inter-office speed networking works: Participating employees meet in a series of quick, one-on-one introductions, where they:

* succinctly exchange their professional information

* discuss job responsibilities

* share professional goals

* explain important initiatives. 

In my opinion, there’s no better way of building teams or connecting associates with senior staff members. Has your team tried inter-departmental speed networking? Do you have any other winning ideas for building employee engagement? Please join in on the conversation!