Speed Networking

[Student Recruitment]

I've never done this. Is it worthwhile? £25 plus VAT but seems a good idea in theory.

Any experiences?

 

[iaynm]

It depends entirely on the kind of people who will be there - what type of businesses are represented at this networking event?
I paid £12 net for one like this and it was alright, I think I met about 15 people. None of them are even remotely close to needing a service like mine (nor me, theirs), but none the less it's a good way to tell a lot of people about you in a short space of time.

 

[Student Recruitment]

It is organised through the Derby & Nottingham Chamber of Commerce but it doesnt specify what businesses will be there so it is difficult so say.

 

[iaynm]

Well that might likely be larger businesses, perhaps. The one I went to, only about 10% of businesses there had more than one employee, and so are unlikely to outsource recruitment, perhaps. My business is small as well, and I know that for my next few employees I want to hand-pick them, likely from people I already know.

 

[Joe E]

That's lot of money for something essentially is ineffective! how can people know about you and what you can do in such a short space of time it is utter scatter gun at a fast pace, £10 tops if you are going to do it

 

[iaynm]

That's lot of money for something essentially is ineffective! how can people know about you and what you can do in such a short space of time it is utter scatter gun at a fast pace, £10 tops if you are going to do it

Ours had about an hour of normal networking time before the "speed" part, and then also afterwards. Anyone interesting you meet during the speed networking you can then go and talk to afterwards.

 

[Student Recruitment]

To be hoesnt it won't really take me long to tell people we offer cheap students for employment and generally have a bit of banter!

 

[yorkshirejames]

To be hoesnt it won't really take me long to tell people we offer cheap students for employment and generally have a bit of banter!

So when you say that, how many people turn round to you and request two 18 year old blondes?

 

[accountancyextra]

I've never seen how speed networking can work myself.

I've always been of the view that networking is about building relationships, which takes time. I know you've collected x number of business cards and can follow up, but honestly, even if I needed your service, why would I buy from you after 30 seconds?

 

[accountancyextra]

So when you say that, how many people turn round to you and request two 18 year old blondes?

And where was your mind at this afternoon James?

 

[quikshop]

I cant think of anything more gimmicky in business than speed networking

Say you are face to face with someone who can offer your business nothing and is utterly uninteresting or self-absorbed, do you stand there smiling for the rest of the 3 minutes until the buzzer goes

 

[Lorro2]

Wouldn't it be easier to arrange to meet in a pub or cafe and simply swap business cards. I'm afraid networking is done in the real world.

 

[yorkshirejames]

And where was your mind at this afternoon James?

Where it always is!!

I went speed dating once... I forget the girls name now but we did have a follow-up date. Actually it was Lucy.

 

[willitbe]

And where was your mind at this afternoon James?

The mind boggles after the revelation of a guinea pig, or someother vermin, on his lap whilst at work!..

 

[yorkshirejames]

The mind boggles after the revelation of a guinea pig, or someother vermin, on his lap whilst at work!..

Thats only when I'm working in my office at home.... and then only for 5/10 minutes or so.

 

[monthlylocal]

I've never seen how speed networking can work myself.

I've always been of the view that networking is about building relationships, which takes time. I know you've collected x number of business cards and can follow up, but honestly, even if I needed your service, why would I buy from you after 30 seconds?

Must say I agree with this. Speed networking is fine if you then take the time to follow up with people and build relationships, but simply spending 2 minutes with someone new is no good to anyone.

 

[Student Recruitment]

So is the general consensous that we should go for this?

I'll report back with my findings. I am positive you will all be waiting with baited breath..

 

[iaynm]

I've never seen how speed networking can work myself.

I've always been of the view that networking is about building relationships, which takes time. I know you've collected x number of business cards and can follow up, but honestly, even if I needed your service, why would I buy from you after 30 seconds?

You wouldn't. Like you say - you follow them up afterwards.

It's like saying that the first 2 minutes of meeting someone new are worthless, because you can't get anything done in those 2 minutes.. so why even bother? But without that first introduction, nothing else will happen.

All it does is introduce you quickly to a load of people in the room, and then you can talk to who you want to afterwards.

 

[eiscltd]

Agreed with iayn.
Might be a good first intro that you can follow up on through other events, other meetings.

You don't get much done in 3 minutes but at least you will have a feeling about the other person, and sometimes you will even be glad that it is just 3 minutes.

I did a few (they were free though) organised by Business Link or chambers. They are OK but don't expect a sale, but take it as building contacts for the future, helps with breaking the ice that might not happen when you attend presentation or normal networking around a buffet dinner.

Within the organisation I work in we actually organise speed networking, not so speedy. 30 mins per appointment and pre-arranged meetings with people who pre-registered to take part. Great for building contacts and not being stressed by the short time. If I may do some shameless self promotion, the next one is in Sweden between companies in the bio-energy sector. Details on our website www.contacts2contracts.eu