Shanghai Networking News - When it comes to networking, bigger isn't always better

When it comes to networking, bigger isn't always better

When it comes to networking events, which do you find are worth your time, effort and money? I've found that bigger doesn't always mean better. Usually, the smaller events, like NextStep, Oriented.com and various chambers reap much greater rewards that the larger, jointly-organised events. So, what's wrong with the bigger events?

1. Too much publicity - Great for events themselves, but not so great when you bump into all your competition. There may also be lots of people you already know, meaning more time catching up than mingling. (Not to say catching up is bad, but it can be easy to get bogged down)

2. A less "networky" crowd - Many hear about one of these events through friends, and are unclear on the event's purpose. They may not "get" networking at all. Plus, when their friends arrive they'll likely spend most of the evening talking to them.

3. Too many people - I find the fewer people the better (within limits) - that way you can get to know people instead of feeling the need to mingle all the time. Also, many people won't know anyone else there -- meaning they'll be more open to talking to a stranger. More people means more familiar faces, and less mingling and more catching up with friends.

4. Limited venue choice - Shanghai has loads of smaller venues that are great for more intimate events. But when it comes to the big boys there's much less on offer. You can use one of the big clubs, which may have an unsuitable layout and be pumping music, or a hotel ballroom, which invariably ends up in the middle of nowhere (the Sofitel Jinjiang for example). Smaller events have more suitable venues and less trouble getting a drink.

5. People there because their boss said so - Especially the case with the interchambers. People who've never networked get ordered to go to the event of the season, and is it any surprise they don't know how to network when they get there? I get bombarded by useless cards that I don't want every time I go to one of the big events.

6. More people you don't want to talk to - In any event there are people who aren't relevant to your line of work, but this is more extreme in the big events. What's more, there may be more people there you actually want to avoid...

So, which kind of event is right for you? Well, everyone has different needs and target audiences, but I'd universally recommend sticking to smaller events (both the ones you've been to, and trying a few new ones) instead of getting lost in the sea of people in a large event. At the end of the day, bigger events just mean more trouble, less networking and fewer results.

Comments

Add New

RSS