A New Way to Network

We all recognize that to be successful in our careers, we need to network with other professionals at every opportunity.

This rule applies not only to job seekers, but also to active professionals and entrepreneurs.

Our most valuable relationships are not managed via email, LinkedIn, or Twitter.  They are managed in person.  And yet, our typical events for networking (career fairs, conferences, and work the room receptions) are well, not a lot of fun.  Why?  Because this form of networking is stressful and ineffective for a lot of professionals (myself included).  How many professionals do we honestly meet at one of these events?  I do recognize there are some professional networkers who are absolutely wonderful at working the room, and we have a lot to learn from them.

So there I was delivering a speech at the local Marriott last month about interviewing strategies, and a familiar comment came from the crowd, "Ok Brent, we now know what to do when we get an interview, but one problem... we can't get interviews in this recession."

My response was as follows:

"You don't need a job opening to get an interview.  All you need is a connection.  Granted, when you do make arrangements to meet someone for coffee, treat it like an interview.  That is, prepare for the meeting by researching the person and his organization.  Ask smart questions and present yourself as a valuable resource.  You won't walk away with a job offer of course, but you never know who someone else knows."

I could see some heads nodding, but I needed to suggest something else to help make those connections (recognizing I'm certainly not an expert on networking).

Remembering a recent conversation I had with my friend Mike Ogilive about his new company Ignite Speed Networking and the rave reviews his program had received from participants at the Venture Forum, I had an idea...

"Who feels that job fairs and work the room events are often a waste of time?"

Every hand in the room went up.

"What if there was a speed networking event that was structured for you to meet other professionals in person?"

"Whoa. Like speed dating?"

"Exactly!  Well, actually better.  My friend Mike created this program (only one of its kind in the country) that enables group speed networking.  You will get a personal schedule when you arrive and everyone will rotate to a new group table every 10 minutes. 

The program guarantees that you meet new professionals at every table (if you try it yourself, you will likely be sitting with people you have already met by the third go round because people tend to migrate together).  The program is also smart enough to connect job seekers with recruiters and small businesses in each round.

Unlike one-on-one speed networking, you will present your 1-min pitch to the entire table and you will benefit from hearing everyone else's pitch too.

I also want to use this event to support organizations like Dress for Success that provide professional clothing for those in financial need to use in job interviews.  Right now, there are so many people who need our help."

"This event will rock!  When is it?"

I smiled and confessed, "I have no idea.  But if you want to make this happen, I need your help."

That was 5 weeks ago. 

Since that evening, the event planning team has grown to over 25 professionals including team members from California and Florida!

We have now reserved the brand new Meadow Event Park pavilions at the new State Fairgrounds in Doswell, VA (Kings Dominion exit).  The site is accessible to thousands of professionals in Central and Northern Virginia, and is one of the largest event facilities in Virginia.

Based on the positive response we are receiving from business and academic communities, we now realize this event could become one of the largest professional networking events in the country.  If not the biggest.

The event will demonstrate to the entire nation the character of Virginians to come together to help each other and drive out unemployment in Virginia.  It is for any professional in Virginia who still recognizes that relationships are best built in person and not behind a computer screen.

Our intention is to repeat this group speed networking model in other communities across the country because it is different (and different is good) and because we are faithful it will work.

This event is about the professionals who have volunteered their time tirelessly to make this happen on short notice.  It is about professionals who believe in helping others and paying it forward.

So Virginia...mark you calendar for Tuesday, October 27 at 4 pm.  Please make a difference now by spreading the word about what is about to happen.  Please make a difference by taking time away from your schedule on 10/27 to be part of an unprecedented networking event.  We are expecting a strong mix of professionals in attendance to help each other and change people's lives.

After the speed networking event itself, there will be a traditional reception where you will have the opportunity to follow up with other professionals with whom you have made a connection at one of the networking tables.  The great news is that the ice will have already been broken for you to have that conversation!

Informational tables will also be set up at the reception for you to learn more about the businesses that are helping to sponsor this event.

Please share your questions and feedback about the event here and online on our new Facebook and LinkedIn pages.  You are also welcome to post career opportunities, articles, etc.  We are also on Twitter.  It would be great to stay connected and network!

We are compiling a list of Frequently Asked Questions for the event, and we will also provide clear instructions for all participants (e.g. how to prepare a memorable 1-minute pitch, how many business cards to bring (at least 80), how to setup a LinkedIn public profile url (you'll need one), and what to wear (business attire but leave the tie at home).

Here are the latest details (registration will be available shortly):

Get Hired! Virginia

The Group Speed Networking Experience

"You Don't Work the Room.  The Room Works for You."

Tuesday, October 27 (4:00 – 7:30 pm)

Meadow Event Park (New State Fairgrounds), Doswell, VA

$20 advance registration required

*appetizers and beverages included*     *sponsorships available*

What if the concept of group speed networking could change the way you expand your career network and get LinkedIn to the right professionals?  

Have you ever experienced the serendipity effect?

Imagine a career networking event that actually works for you…

Interview Angel Inc. is proud to partner with Ignite Speed Networking to launch an unprecedented networking event that introduces Ignite’s revolutionary structured networking program to the job market!

Result:  Job seekers can expect to make 50 or more professional contacts in one evening (compared to 3 or 4 contacts at a traditional networking event).

Our Mission: Introduce job seekers to recruiters and entrepreneurs in a unique and productive networking environment.

Our Charity:  A portion of the proceeds from this large scale networking event will benefit the new Breakfast Club Program run by the Dress for Success organization (at their request, copies of the Interview Angel padfolio are being donated at our cost to help those in financial need regain employment). 

Our Purpose:  The purpose of the Get Hired! Virginia Group Speed Networking Experience is to drive out local unemployment and grow the regional economy.

Stay Connected: We have set up the following social networks to connect professionals involved in the Get Hired! Virginia event and for those professionals who would like to participate in these type of networking events in other locations across the country.  Please share any job postings, services, and suggestions you may have.  Thanks!

LinkedIn: Interview Angel Networking Group

Facebook: Interview Angel Page

Twitter: @InterviewAngel