The Stealth Networker Blog

Ask Liz: What Do You Want to Know About Networking Successfully at Big Events?

Networking at conferences can be very powerful. Not only because of the range and number of people you can meet in one place at one time, but also because of the spirit of collaboration and openness which surrounds the event.  Barriers are lowered, conversations flow, ideas percolate.

More than 27 million people attend conferences, trade shows, and conventions each year, spending nearly $30 billion.  Why are they so popular?  Well, in a finite amount of time, you can accomplish so much that can help you move forward on your most important professional and personal goals. 

Do you attend conferences and other big events?  What's your biggest question about how to work them effectively?  I'd love to hear from you.  Click on the comments link just below this posting to leave your question and read what others are asking.

© 2007, Liz Lynch
Liz Lynch is founder and executive director of the Center for Networking Excellence which develops products and programs to help professionals learn how to build profitable relationships. If you're ready to start networking smarter, get your free networking tips now at www.NetworkingExcellence.com .

Ask Liz: What Do You Want to Know About Starting and Running a Networking Group?

Just as it’s always easier to start a diet than to keep one going, the same holds true for starting a networking group.  I know from first-hand experience.  In the fall of 2001, I started a networking group for independent consultants with my friend Lisa Sulgit.  We partnered with a local association who helped us find meeting space and market our monthly events through their channels.  At our first meeting, more than 100 people showed up.  At our last meeting two years later, 7 people attended.

It was hard to keep the energy going on all sides – the association had cutbacks and didn’t have the resources to keep helping us, so we had to find our own meeting space every month which was time-consuming.  They also started charging higher fees for our events, thereby depressing attendance.  And as Lisa and I got busier with our businesses, we had limited time to devote to making the group better.

I’ve also seen the ebbs and flows as a participant.  My first meeting as a guest at a BNI chapter was full of promise with 24+ professionals in the room exchanging leads, and I joined practically on the spot.  However, six months later, there were a scant 14 members. 

I’ve accumulated a lot of knowledge and insight into what makes groups work and what doesn’t, and would love to share it.  But I want to hear your burning questions.  What do you want to know about starting and running a networking group?  Click on the comments link just below this posting to leave your question and read what others are asking.

© 2006, Liz Lynch
Liz Lynch is founder and executive director of the Center for Networking Excellence which develops products and programs to help professionals learn how to build profitable relationships. If you're ready to start networking smarter, get your free networking tips now at www.NetworkingExcellence.com .

Ask Liz: What's Your Single Biggest Question About Introducing Yourself in Networking Situations?

I'm gathering research on a potential product and need your help.  What's the single biggest question you have about introducing yourself to others -- in a group or individually -- when networking?  For example, maybe you're not sure how much to say or when it's okay to hand out your business card.  Whatever it is, I want to know. Click on the comments link just below this posting to leave your question and read what others are asking.  Don't be shy!  I want to hear from you. 

© 2005, Liz Lynch
Liz Lynch is founder and executive director of the Center for Networking Excellence which develops products and programs to help professionals learn how to build profitable relationships. If you're ready to start networking smarter, get your free networking tips now at www.NetworkingExcellence.com .