Creating a Networking Buzz

On Tuesday I had the privilege of speaking at an event on behalf of a client. Before my talk on networking there was a networking opportunity! There was a good buzz in the room and I started to reflect on what it was that created it.

Was it the experience of those present? They all seemed to be proficient networkers.
Was it the venue? The RAC Club was both formal and relaxed
Was it the wine? Juice and water were also being consumed

It could be a mixture of those factors, yet I think the special ingredient was the "meeter and greeter" as people arrived. Emma and the team made a special effort to meet everyone, greeted them personally (she had been involved in the organising of the event so knew who was coming, but had met very few face to face before), and had a bundle of energy in her voice. She was also aided by my client's other members of staff who took it upon themselves to circulate and introduce guests to each other.

Did they really need a talk on networking?

Well that was a challenge for me to address. Using humour, anecdotes and practical tips I covered Five Steps to Effective Networking. A further opportunity for networking came when the buffet was served... and I was pleased to hear several people discussing snippets from my talk.

So how do you create a buzz?

* Be energetic and enthusiastic
* Welcome people as they arrive
* Introduce guests to each other
* Help with orientation (loos, bar, function room, timings etc)

The buzz wont be there automatically, it's created by a spark. Are you bright and energetic enough to be the flint stone?