Maximize Your Networking Events: 5 Essential Planning Tips for Success
People get really nervous about networking. Approaching strangers to start a conversation in hopes of making a connection, securing a job or beginning a mutually beneficial partnership is nerve racking.
When planning an event, help your guests out and make it easier for them to take that first step. Here are some tips to help break the ice.
1
Have color coordinated badges, pins, or ribbons to help people identify common interests.
Have different colors/categories for attendee commonalities:
Common interests (pet lovers, cycling, beer making)
Locations
Industries
Alma maters
Bonus tip: Capture this information during the registration process. Then order the customized badges. Plus, this gets people excited or at least curious about what’s to come at the event during the registration process.
Recommendation: Try these badges from Amazon
Custom Badge Ribbons - by Ribbons Galore2
Coordinate matchmaking ahead of time
Use networking solution systems like Braindate or Contract Connections so people can meet attendees with common interests and skip the awkward, “Hey, would you maybe, I mean, if you’re available, want to grab coffee with me?” speech.
Work the meetup time into your event schedule, like during lunch, or the afternoon so people can meet, get to know each other, and connect without missing too much of the event content.
3
Designate a gathering space for people to meet
During check-in, have people sign up for the networking sessions via a sign-up sheet or app. Host certain topics during dedicated times or have the space open for people to join selectively.
4
Make it into a game
Have a sheet or board with different challenges for people to accomplish (e.g., talk to 3 people who attended your alma mater). Advertise a prize for those who complete the challenges as an incentive. Include icebreaker questions or fun facts in the instructions to help break the ice.
Don’t be afraid to be silly. You be the silly one so guests feel less awkward and have a common token to poke fun at.
5
Have discussion topics on tables
Take the guess work out of starting conversations. Print cards with discussion topics or fun facts and place them on the tables. Guests will share laughs while getting to know each other and spend less time in their heads trying to figure out what to say next.
Recommendation: Try these conversation starter napkins from Amazon
Cotier Brand Convokins Cocktail Conversation Starter NapkinsNetworking does not have to be an anxiety-inducing sweat-fest. Help alleviate some of awkward pressure from your guests and make networking more approachable with these tips.
Share: Have you tried any of these options? What is your go-to trick to make networking less awkward.
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