Speed networking: business at the double

Free speed networking at the Business Startup show, NEC 23-24 February. Register now to secure your place on this fast track to business opportunities.

When the music stops … everyone still has a chair. To the novice speed networker, the first few minutes can feel reminiscent of a party game, but it quickly becomes clear that there is very serious business going on here.

That’s not to say that it can’t be fun – laughter has its part to play in networking as it does in most other communal gatherings – but this is arguably one of the best opportunities you will get to make 39 excellent contacts within an hour, and it merits your full attention. What’s more the speed networking event – and indeed the whole show - is free to attend.

So, what can you expect from this speed networking event?

At any one session, 40 people in a similar position to you will gather together in a discrete area of the Business Startup exhibition halls. The compere for the event will then give a short ice-breaking introduction, explaining how it will work and exactly what you need to do. A few moments later, you will be seated at one of two tables (there are two groups of 20), in a row, facing your first partner.

You have two minutes in which to exchange information. It is usual to introduce yourself and your business, with a brief explanation as to what kind of custom or introductions you are seeking or can offer.

You need to listen carefully to what your partner has to say, and consider – straight away, or at some point after the conversation – how or through whom you might be able to help them. You may be lucky enough to meet someone you can immediately do business with, but remember that, just like each other person in the room, you have a network of business contacts and so you may actually be seeking to establish a third-party connection.

After a minute a whistle is blown, and you move along the line to your next partner. This is repeated until everyone has met everyone else - and you have a fistful of business cards and a brain buzzing with ideas!

It is entirely natural to feel apprehensive before a networking event, particularly if it is your first time, but a few nerves can actually help. Reminding yourself that everyone feels the same is important.

If you’re serious about making new contacts and expanding your support network, you should register now as places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Some tips for successful speed networking

1. “As you sow, so shall you reap” is a good mantra for your approach. If you bulldoze in with only your own sales hat on you will not be a valuable networker.

1. Listen with both ears: you need to concentrate fully, not only to give confidence and respect to your one-minute partner, but also because, particularly when networking is conducted at speed, you cannot afford to have your mind elsewhere, even for a few seconds.

1. Treat each partner as an equal, no matter how advanced they are in their entrepreneurial venture.

1. Take plenty of business cards. If your business idea is still forming and you don’t have cards, print off your contact details onto quality paper.

1. Get scribbling. As soon as your session is over, make notes on the backs of cards or on paper you will not mislay, to remind yourself of what was discussed. Prompt yourself to think more about people’s offerings as well as notes on possible business opportunities for you.

1. …and, action! Schedule in time in your diary to follow up on agreed calls, emails and visits, or it will all have been for nought and you will have wasted not only your own time, but also that of others.