How to Host an Outstanding Networking Event

Do you have what it takes to host an outstanding networking event?

Arming yourself with the right planning tools will help you organize an extraordinary gathering that people will definitely want to attend.

Just as you prepare to go to one, you must set and follow a strategy for developing and executing one. Not all get-togethers focused around networking are necessarily the same – and it’s how you maximize your time during it that matters. Creating an event that individuals will benefit from and results in helping them build their connections will increase your own social capital…and present you as a networking leader among your peers.

 What should you consider to be sure your gathering is successful? Here are some pointers on how to host an outstanding networking event...so you can throw a party like a super-connector.

Outline Your Goals

Of course, your overall objective is to bring like-minded people together in one room to build relationships and learn from each other. After all, this is about networking! But you need to get even more specific. Whether you’re presenting a new product to your peers or looking to raise awareness for a specific cause, defining your goals from the start will help you plan effectively.

 Determine Your Budget

Where will you hold it, and what will that cost? What kind of food and beverage will you serve? How much do you plan to spend on marketing the event? You need to consider all of these factors – and they all cost money. And it’s usually more than you budget for! Developing and following a financial plan is important. Will you charge to attend? This can help off-set some costs…and doing so sometimes places more value on it for people. If individuals pay membership fees for your organization, consider free admission to your networking events as an added-value.

 Appeal to Your Audience

Entice your attendees with a special guest speaker or make it a party with a specific theme. Plan a surprise giveaway or hold it at a unique venue they wouldn’t think to go to on their own. Even a fun type of entertainment will appeal to your audience. Overall you want to create a feeling of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out): if they choose NOT to attend, they’re losing out on being part of something fantastic!

Set the Tone

Be a connector! Make appropriate introductions between those who will benefit from each other. Remember that YOU set the tone for your event. You need to create a comfortable atmosphere and establish a good vibe for people to want to socialize with each other. Use the right kind of lighting, decorations, and play appropriate music for your guests.

You must be present in the moment! This is your party – and many have come to see you. Make sure you're in good spirits and have a good time. If you’re happily mingling and smiling among the attendees, others will follow in your footsteps. However, if you’re running around like a madman and cleaning up tables, or dealing with last-minute logistics, you may bring on unwanted stress – which makes people feel uncomfortable. Facilitate the fun! This helps individuals enjoy themselves more…and entices them to want to come back for your future events.

 Follow Up and Follow Through

Show your gratitude and send a thank you note to those who helped put the event together. Especially say thanks to all of your guests for being there! And follow through on any promises you made to your attendees. If you said you were going to connect them with another individual afterwards, then do it. Make sure you promptly make payments for any fees that are due. While doing this, ensure you’re updating your budget as well. This will help you track real costs for the event, which will assist you in effectively planning your upcoming parties.

Attend Other Networking Events

Going to gatherings organized by others and learning how to make best use of your time at them is a great way to educate yourself on what you should – or should not – do during your own events. If you noticed the music was way too loud, or everyone was complaining about how bad the food tasted, or how difficult it was to get to the venue, be sure you don’t make the same mistakes with yours.

 Download This Guide

You can’t just send out a bunch of invitations and hope people will come to your party; it has to be organized and enticing and worth their time. To help you dive even deeper into executing a superior event, I’ve put together a step-by-step Guide to Hosting an Outstanding Networking Eventthat I know will be a great resource for you to use when planning yours. And it’s free to download! Just click here for even more details on throwing a party like a super-connector – and learn how to organize a successful networking event that people won’t want to miss.

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NetWorkWise Top Tip: CLICK HERE and download our FREE Guide to Hosting an Outstanding Networking Event to help you plan and execute a successful one!

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