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Networking Events. Should I Stay Or Should I Go?
I go through this little dance in my head sometimes. And I’m not a very good dancer.
The dance involves my re-thinking a prior decision. I am, like many of you, busier than ever these days. More careful about the decisions I make. Wanting to be sure that I am placing myself in the right places and situations to get the most out of life.
This particular dance has to do with networking events. Both in terms of the decision to go to and when to leave the event.
Now why, you might ask, would I ever hesitate? Well, frst as I mentioned above, we all get busy. We can’t network every night of the week without sacrifcing time at home with family, exercise, etc. Sometimes you just need a night at home, right?
There’s also the issue of effciency. Some networking events are better than others. Some are more structured giving the attendee a guaranteed chance to meet others in their industry or even a chance to meet with recruiters or hiring managers. Others, unfortunately, are so unstructured that it takes a highly proactive and outgoing person to get around the room effectively.
So, if you find yourself asking the question:
Should I stay or should I go?
Here’s my take on both…
A. Should I go?
Obviously this is an individual decision that you make based on your week, your situation, the needs of your family and the perceived value of the event.
But I’ll tell you that on the nights I question if I should go… and did… I am always surprised at how much value I receive. I either met a great new contact or I picked up a critical new lead or perspective.
It makes me wonder about all the events I decided to skip. What did I miss those nights? Did that decision delay my arrival at a new job? Did my decision limit my access to a great opportunity?
But I also have been to a lot of them and only by going to a wide variety was I able to decide for myself which ones to continue attending. And those that were miserable.
B. Should I stay?
So, once you get there, how do you decide when to leave? Afiter all, it’s not like a wedding reception where you can leave the second the knife cuts through the cake.
Some of the criteria I use include:
Who’s there? If everyone looks familiar, you may want to head out afiter a quick walk around the room. Also, if all the attendees are fellow job seekers, recognize that while it is helpful to know, network with and help other job seekers, you need to be at events where working folks also hang out. After all, they are the ones who know about many of those hidden jobs, right? Also, are they at or above your level or are they all a lot younger? If a lot younger, can they help you?
How are they dressed? If too casual, this crowd may be getting too comfortable in their transition. Remember I’ve suggested that you take advantage of this time in your life. But do not let yourself get too lazy or too social. Go to these events with a specifc purpose - not to build a social life.
Are they drinking? While there are some great events that include wine, be wary of events at or near bars. If you get there and find people heading back to the bar, you may want to find another event or head home early.
Is there structured networking? Usually structured networking makes an event better. It guarantees some sort of result for you. A new contact, a lead or a new insight as to what others are trying and what works. If no structure, consider looking for an exit unless you feel a compelling reason to stay.
Is there a speaker? If yes, it suggests a good organizer and someone who cares. Of course, there are many good events that do not have speakers, but a speaker guarantees you will get something for attending.
But frst, do this. Before you actually do leave, make sure you’ve given the event a chance. At the point you think you should leave, give it one last try.
Because sometimes, just when you think you’re done…
You meet someone who changes your situation for the better.
And that’s worth going - and staying - for.