Presenter: Melanie SpringSisarina Inc | melanie@sisarina.com | @sisarina | sisarina.com

Connect Your Community

aka: how to organize a superb networking event

How do you network?

net-work-ingnoun (1967)

the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions; specifically : the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business

Merriam-Webster.com

Tip: Meet your neighbors at home & at work.

places for networking

• Kids’ soccer games• Kickball leagues• Grocery store• Happy hour with friends• Any social gathering• Work• Barbeques with neighbors• Public swimming pools• At the gym

• Tennis courts• Professional meetings• Bars• Shopping• On vacation • Waiting in line• Library• Bookstore• Coffee shop

Did You Know: Social networks are more than just Twitter & Facebook

social network

A social network is a social structure made of individuals (or organizations) called "nodes," which are tied (connected) by one or more specific types of interdependency, such as friendship, kinship, common interest, financial exchange, dislike, sexual relationships, or relationships of beliefs, knowledge or prestige.

Wikipedia.com

Did You Know: Normal people typically don’t like to talk about work.

reading your resumewelcome to Washington DC

“I’m important because…”“I went to an ivy league school…”“I have a top position at a great firm…”“It’s really all about me…”“I’m nothing but a bore because I have no life.”

Tip: Come up with a list of other questions to ask when you first meet someone.

instead of: what do you do?

ask: what do you like to do?

Tip: Your first impression will influence how that person will always interact with you.

why the emphasis on introductions?

As the host, you will lead & make it more comfortable for everyone!

Did You Know: An event hinges on its host.

how to: setup a superb networking event

10 easy steps

Example: If you enjoy travel, setup a travel event.

step 1: choose a theme

a. Think of some things you enjoy doingb. Think of something your friends, colleagues, acquaintances would likec. Create a theme based on your likes d. Bounce your ideas off otherse. NEVER ask yourself: will this benefit my business? The answer is always yes.

Don’t forget to check Yelp.com for reviews!

step 2: find a venue

a. Ask your friends/family or even Twitter followers for suggestionsb. Hit the pavement & start asking venues if they can handle your eventc. Most venues won’t make you pay if you plan to bring a large groupd. Go local – supporting local businesses

Did You Know: A venue can make or break your event.

step 3: confirm venue

a. Once you’ve chosen your venue, confirm it!b. Ask about specials, happy hour or what they can do for your groupc. Make sure to have a designated point of contact (POC)d. Confirm on the phone & via email prior to posting event e. Check in numerous times before the event

Example: Many businesses will provide things for free if you promote them.

step 4: ask others to participate

a. Ask businesses or individuals to sponsor (gift certificates, help, etc)b. Partner with people who have experience putting on eventsc. Sponsor a charity (raise awareness or money)

Tip: If people don’t understand the reason, they won’t attend.

step 5: setup registration

a. Use tools like Eventbrite.com, Twitvite.com, Meetup.comb. Make sure information is easy to understand quicklyc. Use Who, What, When, Where, How, Why & How Muchd. Emphasis the ‘why’ – give a reason

Did You Know: If you ask people to help, they typically will.

step 6: promote it

a. Use social media (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn)b. Send an email (MailChimp, Constant Contact)c. Create ways for others to easily promote itd. ASK people to promote it for youe. Don’t forget to keep promoting it but not obnoxiously

Did You Know: People are social creatures. They like to meet new friends.

step 8: be a connector

a. Setup your own internal list of rulesb. Create a calming atmospherec. Make unique nametagsd. Introduce peoplee. Help the wallflowersf. Break apart those who came together

Did You Know: No one likes a sales pitch.

step 9: don’t sell

a. Everyone knows you’re the hostb. Take time to thank your sponsors & venuec. No need to ‘sell’ yourself or your organizationd. Meet everyone & spend time in groupse. Actually be a part of conversations

Did You Know: Handwritten notes are so rare. Be different.

step 10: thank them

a. At the event, thank people for coming as they leaveb. Ask people if they enjoyed themselvesc. Be receptive to feedbackd. Send thank you notes (handwritten!) to sponsors & venuee. Send out a recap with a thank you to all who attendedf. Publicly thank people via social media for attending/sponsoringg. If the venue was helpful, let others know

Did You Know: Not all networking events are equal. Dare yourself to try one!

come see!June 29 11am-2pm – CEOMKT: web & social media strategy for business owners

http://ceomkt301.eventbrite.com

June 30 5:30pm-9pm – Social Media Day: celebrate social media at Science Clubhttp://socialmediaday2010.eventbrite.com

July 14 5-8pm – Tinis & Toes: girlie evening of pedicures, massage & martinishttp://tinistoes.eventbrite.com

Found at: http://sisarina.com/events

questions?

thank you!

you’ve been so quiet, time to interact!