Why Some Business Networking Events Suck!

First off, why do you attend business networking events? 1) Does your job force you to go? 2) Does your job “highly recommend” you attend? 3) Does your job feel it would be beneficial to someone like yourself to create new relationships?

If you have answered yes to any one of those questions, you can exit this article now. I didn’t write this for you.

Why? Because you are an employee. You are fulfilling the need for your company to be represented at the event. Personally, you could care less.

You are NOT a small business person. Like myself. And you do not have the same real objectives I do.

You may be in Real Estate, Banking, or Insurance too. If so, the likelihood of your “type” not being in attendance is highly unlikely! We expect you guys to be at EVERY event.

If you didn’t go to the business networking to create new relations, develop new partnerships, and demonstrate a genuine interest in what resources are available to you, what is the point of BOTH of us being there? For you, maybe it’s just a social event to get away from the spouse for a few hours. You’ll make a quick appearance to let everyone know that you were there… then slip out the back door after you’ve eaten up all the appetizers.

I’m going to share with why I attend these events and what I hope to gain from them. I think it’s important that you get an idea of what I’m looking for and what I’m hoping to accomplish as a new, small business.

There’s a small percentage of people like myself who are actually looking for other individuals that are also driven, have ideas that can be implemented into business opportunities, are resourceful, energetic, and ambitious too… well beyond merely running a blog, I might add. (Sorry bloggers)

Let me explain…

A Business Networking Event: What?

Most business networking events come with a hidden agenda: DUES!

Those that sponsor/organize the event want you to pay a yearly fee to take part in these events. Even after you have paid, nothing is really free… just discounted.

What’s in it for you? I hate to say it… but not really much. It’s the same 75 – 150 people you’ll meet all at different times of the year, depending on the event.

So, walking in the door, there is already pull from the event staff’s end a push from yours. Anyway… so, you have your Cherry Coke and a (very) small plate of random appetizers… and are slowly mingling through the crowd. If you’re a new face, everyone is sizing you up and looking at your name badge and the company you represent.

Suddenly, someone jumps in front of you to say “”Hey!”… At this point, the filling from the appetizer is all over your thumb that is holding the plate steady and your mouth is full. But… at least this person appears friendly. Oh, guess who it is… It’s the Community Liaison Officer for the bank. Hmm… big surprise, huh?

A Business Networking Event: Who?

After a few minutes, you are surrounded by the one who regularly rejects business loan applications and alludes to how conservative and prudent the bank is, oops I mean the Community Liason Officer, the local Real Estate guy, and the Aflac Agent. As a small business owner who put everything he had into legitimizing his business and removing it from the dark, dank reality that was the home-office in his basement (yes, I’m talking about myself in the 3rd. person for some reason), these guys do not really have a lot to offer… and vice versa.

The more I look around, the more I realize that there are not very many independent, new small businesses like myself. To make matters worse, there also appears to be a lot of customer service, accounting clerks, and a rogue Admin in the crowd. (Yikes!)

A Business Networking Event: Why?

Even if I was not looking for another independent, small business owner, like myself, who was there… at least let me “rub elbows” with people who can make decisions for their corporation! That guy, over there, is 24 years old and is also a PT bank teller. Why is he here? For the food?

The reason I am so harsh, is because in order to be successful in my line of work: Business Consulting / Business Services you better have the  drive, perseverance, motivation, and true entrepreneurial ability. All elements that W-4, salaried professionals DO NOT possess and will never possess.

See, the difference is, a large corporation pays you just for showing up. I only get paid when I “hustle” my way into a consulting contract, or am fortunate for a business to “outsource” a service or company function to me… or in most cases, when I sell something… leading to a commission opportunity.

In Closing

Where a lot of businesses are created. The Home Office in the basement!

What I seek… like many others like me… is simply to target potential resources and to leverage resources that may lead to a real opportunity. Trying to derive income in the business world to keep your L(imited) L(iability) C(ompany) afloat is no easy matter.

Sometimes we don’t always know where we’re going, but if we network our way into the right crowd of people, it will benefit us in the long run.

As we may benefit them, when they need us.

Questions

Be honest. Have you had the opportunity to business networking events or be part of a professional organization?

What were some of the immediate or long-term benefits to you and your business? Was it a waste of time?

How do small business people find each other in the community?