Networking meetings

Measurably
effective
networking
meetings

Guest list

Guest list of people who are interested in each other

A good guest list is the basis of a good networking meeting. This is a list that has not only been drawn up for self-interest, but includes invitees who are also interested in each other. The main reason for people to attend a networking meeting is to see who else is coming.

Most organisations only invite existing relations (or customers), but from a networking perspective it would be good to bring the entire network together. That looks like this: current relationships, potential relationships, beautiful people.

Beautiful people are people who can increase the recruiting power of the guest list, like opinion leaders or other relevant stakeholders.

Programme

Programme that makes it possible to meet each other

People go to a networking meeting to meet other people, but many networking events do not provide enough opportunity to meet each other. An ideal programme offers sufficient space to speak to each other during the reception, during breaks, at the table and after the official programme.

Invitation

Invitation aimed at the desired high turnout

The purpose of the invitation to a networking event is to achieve the desired high turnout. The invitation should be as attractive as possible and, from a networking perspective, should include at least the following elements:

Who else is coming? Am I going to meet interesting people? It is unusual to send a guest list with the invitation, but it is advisable to indicate for which network the invitation is intended.

Is this a personal invitation or not? Invitations that start with ‘dear customer’ are less attractive than an invitation with a personal salutation.

How much time will it take me? People are busy and extensive programmes are a reason not to come.

Invite on time. Inviting people on time varies per country, culture and situation, but in some cases it is advisable to ensure that the event is on everyone’s agenda.

Completeness of the invitation. An attractive invitation is also a complete invitation and contains all the necessary information.

Networkers

Supporting the networkers

Networkers are those who are present at the networking meeting as hosts or co-hosts. The networking event has been organised for them, so that they are given the opportunity to strengthen relationships with certain stakeholders.

These networkers need certain support:

Be informed/involved – Networkers are informed about the network meetings, but ideally the involvement starts much earlier. Networkers are preferably involved in the development of the network goals and in mapping and analysing the stakeholders.

Sharing information – It should be made as easy as possible for networkers to share the information they have acquired during networking activities. This usually happens via a CRM database and during network team meetings.

Networking skills – Some people are naturally good at networking, other people will have more difficulty learning it, but most people will go a long way by following one or more networking training courses. An important part of supporting networkers is a programme that enables the development of networking skills.

Networking activities – Networkers are involved by the manager of the network in compiling and/or supplementing the invite list for an event, as discussed above; who is still missing from this list and should still be invited, but also who is on the list but is no longer in office? Networkers should also be informed about the logistics of the event; how and when am I going to meet my relations?

Organising meetings between people

There are different ways to direct meetings at events. A few examples are: Guiding the guests upon arrival to one of the networkers. Distributing the guests upon arrival across several smaller reception rooms. Placing invitees (seating). Introducing guests.

Measurably
effective
networking
meetings