You want to improve your business networking events. How can you get feedback that helps you grow?

1 Choose the right method

There are different ways to collect feedback from your attendees, such as surveys, polls, interviews, or testimonials. Each method has its pros and cons, depending on your goals, audience, and resources. For example, surveys are easy to distribute and analyze, but they may not capture the nuances of the attendees' experience. Interviews are more personal and in-depth, but they require more time and effort. Polls are quick and interactive, but they may not provide enough details. Testimonials are powerful and authentic, but they may not be representative of the whole group. Choose the method that suits your needs and preferences, and make sure to communicate the purpose and benefits of giving feedback to your attendees.

2 Ask the right questions

The quality of your feedback depends largely on the questions you ask. You want to ask questions that are relevant, specific, and actionable. Avoid questions that are too vague, broad, or leading. For example, instead of asking "Did you enjoy the event?", ask "What did you like most about the event?" or "What was the most valuable takeaway from the event?". Instead of asking "How can we improve the event?", ask "What was one thing that could have been better about the event?" or "What would you like to see more of in future events?". Use open-ended questions that encourage honest and constructive feedback, and avoid yes/no questions that limit the responses.

3 Analyze and act on the feedback

Once you have collected the feedback, you need to analyze it and act on it. Look for patterns, themes, and insights that emerge from the feedback. Identify the strengths and weaknesses of your event, and the opportunities and threats for improvement. Prioritize the feedback that is most relevant, important, and feasible to implement. Create a plan of action that outlines the changes you will make, the resources you will need, and the timeline you will follow. Communicate the feedback and the action plan to your team, your attendees, and your stakeholders. Show them that you value their feedback and that you are committed to improving your events.

4 Follow up and thank your attendees

Finally, don't forget to follow up and thank your attendees for their feedback. Send them a personalized email or message that expresses your appreciation and gratitude. Share with them the results of the feedback, the action plan, and the next steps. Invite them to join your network, your community, or your mailing list. Ask them to refer or recommend your events to others. Keep in touch with them until the next event, and update them on your progress. By following up and thanking your attendees, you will build trust, loyalty, and rapport with them, and increase the chances of them attending your future events.