Community Day 10: How many networking events should I attend?
Ooo…. We just went double digit on the 30 days. Go us!
Today’s question is pretty simple, what are your thoughts on how many networking events someone should attend?
I know for me, I have set the number at somewhere around 2-3 a week. But I know of some people that do as many as one every business day. I think that this is pretty heavily tied into yesterday’s question of how many people should you plan to meet at a networking event? Because it all comes down to the numbers. If you know that you need to meet X number of people in order to make enough money then you will need to attend Y number of events where you speak with Z number of people.
Simple algebra. Course, I never was a math guy.
Thoughts? Hit us up in the comments below. How many events do you attend?
Join the Revolution!
-Coach Kolansky
I, too, have become overwhelmed with too many networking events. I have matched my attendance of events to my goals.
I meet my BNI group once a week. I attend 4 chamber events per month. I schedule at least one but no more than 2 BNI visits per month.
I am an active member of the Prince William County GREATER Manassas Chamber of Commerce Education Committee which meets once a month, too.
I think it really depends on the nature of your business and what resources are available to spare in terms of time. money and energy.
It is my belief, that it is not the number of events you attend but the quality of the people you come across, and if together you can create a win/win situation.
Realistically, 2 – 3 events per week is good enough given you have found the right networking groups.
You might have to attend 3 to 5 per week at the start to find what group best shares your interests.
I generally try to attend two networking events per week. I go to my BNI weekly meetings, and filter in chamber meetings and other groups that I belong to. In addition, I try to do two one on one meetings with those that I have met at these networking events to talk about how we might refer one another better and to develop a closer relationship. I agree with Hugo about quality-you have to turn some numbers to get to know the people, but you have to grow the relationships as well.
Wow — these are awesome responses. I am now looking at this question from a completely new perspective!
I especially like how Kathy tied in one to ones. That is very much a “networking event”. I need to start tracking how long 1-1s take and the results I get from them. That will give me a better idea of how many I should be doing per week. Like Hugo stated, it is about the relationship building.
Looking forward to see what others have to say.
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God Bless,
-Dan
I have BNI weekly, the Loudoun Chamber monthly, many 1-1s/month. I attend women’s networking events sporadically. I’d love to do more, but the $ part gets sort of overwhelming when I’m not bringing in as much $ that’s going out. I know it takes $ to make $, but how far is that supposed to go? So many decisions!