How to Host an Outstanding Networking Event with Your Small Business
Networking events are the perfect opportunity to meet new people, connect with potential clients, and learn about what’s going on in your industry. But, if you’re not sure how to go about hosting one, it can be difficult.
No need to fear, however! Small Hits is here to save the day with these eight easy steps for hosting a fantastic event.
Steps for Hosting a Networking Event
Networking events are a great way to get your business in front of new prospects. But, if you want them to be effective, you need to make sure you’re following a few key steps:
Choose a goal
Pick the event type
Set your budget
Choose a venue
Spread the word
Give your guests the info they need to prepare
Keep people excited
Follow up after the event
Choose a Goal
When first planning your networking event, you need to determine your goal. For example, maybe you want to set up a group for women entrepreneurs to meet and share ideas in your area? Or perhaps you want to meet new people and build relationships in your community? Whatever you choose, make sure it aligns with and benefits your business.
Your goals will help you determine which type of event to hold. Depending on what you what to achieve, some events might be better than others.
Pick the Event Type
As we said above, your goals will help you determine which event to throw. If you’re trying to learn or teach, a workshop might be better suited for you. Whereas if you’re trying to make connections and build others’ relationships, a happy hour or luncheon might be a better event for you.
The Different Types of Networking Events
Networking events are a great way to get to know new people and help your business grow. There are various types of networking events that you can host, to fit the needs of your business and your networking goals.
Some of the most popular types of networking events include:
Speed Networking
Happy Hour Meetups
Luncheons
Workshops
Virtual Events
No matter what you choose, it’s essential to pick the right type of event to attract the right people.
Set Your Budget
throwing a networking event won’t be free, and you will have to put some money into it. That’s why it’s so essential to create a budget and stick to it. From there, you can determine if you are able to throw this event or if you’ll need some outside help to do so.
Don’t be afraid to require a ticket to get in. Most people will be willing to spend some money to be surrounded by other like-minded people, especially if you include food or drinks in the ticket price. This money can help pay for the event, so you don’t have to spend as much.
It’s still important to set a budget and stick to it so you don’t go too overboard with it all. Let the guests shine and make them the center of attention.
Choose a Venue
Okay, so! We’ve got….
Goals: ✔️
Event Type: ✔️
Budget: ✔️
Now it’s time to find where you’re actually going to host all of this! Make sure the place you choose aligns with your event type. For example, if you’re having a luncheon, it might be best to choose a restaurant. Check out local restaurants around you and see if you can help support another small business (a bit of pre-networking, networking).
What venue do you think would be best for each of these networking events?
The restaurant with a bar would be best for the happy hour event since it's a great place to get drinks and appetizers, while the local brunch place might be a great option for a luncheon. The workshop can be held anywhere but a conference room can be a great place to start.
Spread the Word
Throwing a networking event is great, but in order to make it successful, you need people to come. So how do you spread the word about your event?
Social media is a great place to start. Post and create events on sites like Facebook, Alignable, and LinkedIn to get noticed but other businesses in your area.
Emails work great for people already in your network. Letting them know you have an event coming up soon gives them a chance to get in before the others. Plus, they can support your business in turn by promoting your event.
You can also post it to event sites like Eventbrite for others to find. These can charge an extra fee for your guests, so just be aware of that. Maybe mention it at your next event so others can help spread the word to purchase directly through you.
Give Your Guest the Info They Need to Prepare
When posting your event online, include some information for your guests to prepare. If there is anything they should bring or any other fees, let them know ahead of time to prepare accordingly.
It’s also a great time to remind your guests to bring business cards. They are vital at networking events and very often the thing that gets forgotten the most. So giving them this small reminder could help them be even more ready.
Keep People Excited
There are many ways to keep your guests excited and interested at your networking event, including:
Door prizes
50/50 raffle
Speeches
Testimonials
Door prizes are one of my favorite things at networking events. When guests sign up for your event, mention to bring a small gift. As the host, you will hand out these gifts to the other attendees. Everyone gets something to take home, and who doesn’t love gifts? Let them know to attach a business card with the gift so the person who received it can find your business.
Try out a combination of these or all of them if you want and see which works best. Also, remember your budget and make sure you stay within that number.
Follow Up After the Event
After your event is over, it’s essential to thank your guests for coming and let them know that you appreciated their time. Send them an email thanking them and giving them more information on other events. Even though your event is over, you can still build relationships with the people from your event.
Excited to Host a Networking Event Yet?
Throwing a networking event can be tons of fun and a great experience. It’ll get your name out there and let people know who you are. There are many benefits to throwing a networking event, so why not try it out today?
