To Network, Or Not To Network? That is the question: Attending Live Events.

Networking has been around since business began: associates helping associates, customers referring new clients, complete strangers helping out each by exchanging information or services.

At networking event there are three categories of business people: Novice, Moderate Professional, and Expert.

Reasons to go to an Event;

Novice

If you’ve never attended an event, it can be intimidating to enter a room where you don’t know anyone.  But the trick is to realize that the other people at the event are there to meet you. Networking events are a very nurturing environment.  The guests in attendance are not your competition. They are not there to criticize you.  It’s actually the opposite.  They are there to help you and get to know you.  Most novice business people assume that if they have an unsolved problem that it is a sign of weakness.  To take that step and get out among the rest of us you would find others are having the same difficulties.  Together we are combining forces to strengthen our businesses.  One argument among the novice is “: I don’t know anyone.” Going to an event is the perfect time to start meeting people.

It's very common to see the relief come over someone when they realize what a good decision it was to attend. Everyone has something to contribute.  As you get more events under your belt your self confidence will build.  You have valuable ideas to share.  This is also a great situation to practice interacting.  The more you socialize, the better you will be at it.

Moderate Professionals

This is an individual who has attended many events and is comfortable interacting.  Sometimes it’s important to give your networking events a face lift. Moderate professionals tend to be supportive of co workers or just feel obligated to attend a lot of events.  Be select.  If you’re attending too many activities, cut some out.  No one needs a burned out professional.  The events you do decide to go to will be more valuable to you.

Setting different goals for events can also make the experience more pleasant.  You don’t have to get three new contacts every time.  Listening to a topic you are interested in, or sharing your own growing expertise can be very rewarding.  By the way, some of you moderate professionals might already be experts without knowing it!

Experts

Thank you for helping the rest of us out.  The expert professional knows how to moderate the network events.  The experts are usually the guest speakers who have had years of training and are willing to share.  The experts are also in the leadership roles or volunteer positions because they understand the importance of being involved.

It’s contributing that adds to their expertise. In this society we are constantly evolving and an expert last year has to keep up with technology, economy and the pace of society to be an expert.  Most people admire the expert, but have no idea of the previous and present work involved in remaining an expert.  Thank you experts and keep sharing.