Ever thought about hosting your
own networking event and promoting your business at the same
time? Ah ha, what a wonderful idea – you could invite
non-competing business associates, other entrepreneurs, etc.,
and tell them to bring a friend.
I’m an introvert. Is it really that simple? It could be, but
if you are too bashful to take the lead, ask an outgoing,
non-competing business acquaintance to joint sponsor the
event. Share the work and share the reward.
Action
Items:
Preliminary Planning
-
Set a date.
-
Select and reserve a facility. It could be a local
restaurant, club, meeting room, library, community room,
etc.
-
Ensure the area has adequate parking.
-
Develop a preliminary guest list. Tell your guests to
bring a friend.
-
Determine your budget based on estimated costs of food,
mailings (if applicable), etc.
-
Determine if the event will be "free" or if you will
charge a "minimal: fee to cover expenses.
-
Finalize menu.
-
Decide if you will have a
speaker, or allow brief presentations by participants.
Naturally, plan to take a few moments to introduce yourself
and your business.
-
Make a site visit and meet with your sales
representative about room setup, A/V needs, etc. (if
applicable).
-
Plan a "datesaver" letter, postcard or appropriate email
communiqué.
-
Invite your guests.
|
1 Week Before the Event
- Print appropriate quantities of your
company materials. Remember, the purpose is to promote
your business.
- Stuff registration packets (if any).
- Print name tags and double-check
spelling of all names.
- Notify caterer of counts and if they
are significantly lower or higher than initially
expected (if applicable).
|
Event Day
- Arrive early, making sure
all arrangements are in place and station yourself at the
front door.
- Meet and greet your guests.
- Provide a sign-in sheet or
method to capture contact information, i.e., prize drawings,
raffle, etc. Don't forget to request that all-important
email address, so you can have an inexpensive means to
communicate later.
- Relax and smile.
- Never tell "war stories" to
your guests or intimate that things might be less than
perfect. Chances are no one but you will notice any
mistakes.
- Mingle and enjoy the event.
|
After the Event
- Close the books - pay all
bills.
- Send thank-you notes to all
the attendees. (Great time to implement the
Keep
Clients Program).
- Compile and review
evaluation results, if applicable.
This event is your
opportunity to make new business acquaintances and influence
people. Now that it's all planned, enjoy the networking and
meet your ideal client.
Sharon Williams
©Sharon Williams. All Rights
Reserved.
About the Author
Sharon Williams, MVA, PREVA, is president of
The 24 Hour Secretary
and provides
administrative, secretarial, marketing and
internet-based virtual support for successful but sometimes
overwhelmed executives and entrepreneurs. Subscribe to Smart Business =
Success, the free monthly ezine stocked with business
tips for the busy professional. Contact Sharon by email at
info@the24hoursecretary.com.
You have permission to reprint this article electronically or
in
print, as long as the text
and byline remain unedited. A courtesy
copy of your publication
would be appreciated.
Link to Getting the Most Bank from a Networking Event - Part 1
How to Plan and Conduct a
Networking Event
If you feel this article has been helpful to
you and that it may also be beneficial to others, please
consider adding it as a resource link on your website, Ezine,
or blog!
Getting the Most Bang from a Networking Event -
Ever thought about hosting your
own networking event and promoting your business at the same
time? Part 1 of this series describes the nuts and bolts of
planning a networking event.
http://www.the24hoursecretary.com/networking1.htm |
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