How to Host a Simple Networking Event

We have spent most of this week talking about using networking as a business tool. I would like to wrap the week up with my favorite topic hosting a party. There are many events, shows and conferences that we can attend to meet new business contacts, but what about hosting an event yourself? Hosting an event can be a great way to get your message across and educate clients about what you do.

The below top tips are primarily suitable for an event that;

- has between 10 and 40 guests
- is free to attend

-is a few hours long
-is about building relationships and not selling your product

1. Set Goals: 

Be sure to set clear goals. What is it that you want to achieve with the event? I always suggest starting with a simple goal building new  or re-vitalise existing relationships. Then you need to decide how many people should attend? Remember setting clear goals will give the event a focus.

2. Planning: 

Start planning 10 weeks before the event you’ll have time to market it.

3. Location: 

Pick a location that fits with your company or even better host the event at your business if and when possible. My biggest tip here make sure the room is not too small; usually you would want to go for a room that fits your desired amount of people without making them feel claustrophobic.

4. Content or Theme: 

Come up with a “fun” title, and feel free to join in with current hypes. It’s okay to have fun at a networking event.

5. Invites: 

Besides inviting your contacts via e-mail or good old fashion mail. Here at Crafty we highly recommend building anticipation using google ads, LinkedIn events, LinkedIn groups, twitter, Facebook, online event calendars and advertorials in online newsletters.

6. Intro: 

Don’t forget to tell the guests about your products or services. As long as the event is not overly commercial or a giant sales pitch your guests will be happy to hear about your organization and its products or services.

7. Follow-up: 

I can’t stress how important a role follow-up plays in good relationships. Be sure to send thank you cards or a simple follow-up email to all the guests who attend your event.

Happy networking!

-Erin