Networking Event

[Michael Ferreras]

Okay...I just got an email invite from the coordinator of a Wedding Guide Networking group inviting me to an upcoming Networking event they're hosting. I guess it couldn't hurt to attend (the cost is only $5 and is catered and comes with wine and all the niceties). However, I have never been to one of these types of networking gatherings, so I have no idea what to wear, what to bring, etc. If any of you out there has participated in this type of thing before, please take a few minutes to share your advice/input over the next few days. TIA!  ;DBe well,Jen

 

[Kathy C]

Networking Event

As with any party / social gathering, it's always better to overdress than to underdress. If you're the best dressed, people will usually come talk to you, because they think for some reason you had something to do with setting it up. If they ask WHY you're so dressed up, you can always say you have somewhere else to go, another party, after the event.Never be the first one there, because that makes it your responsibility to go up to everyone and engage in conversation. It's called being fashionably late. When you enter, don't be last either. That makes it to where you don't HAVE to bring anything, whether you're supposed to or not, and nobody will notice. At networking events, out of the ones I've been to, nobody is expected to bring anything. Just business cards! And brochures at bay.I've only been to a couple of networking events, but have been to PLENTY of parties, and that's always just a rule of thumb for parties.

 

[AJ crab rrg |=(]

Networking Event

While I've never gone to a networking event such as the one you're talking about, I would think that you would want to dress business casual, bring some cards to pass out and maybe a coupon for 10% off a first visit or something.

 

[jesaguy]

Jeff has hit it pretty square, again.  How did a young guy from Texas get so smart?  I say wear nice comfortable clothing (with a pocket so you can be purseless if possible), shoes that don't hurt you, a smile and take plenty of cards.  Brochures and coupons kind of get to be too much to handle.  Have fun!mick

 

[PC ANTAGONIST]

Networking Event

I've been attending a large number of mixers/networking meetings lately. For the more business minded crowd, I wear a long skirt and flowy blouse. Something that looks professional with a little bit of flare instead of the straight lined business look. I like a bit of bright color because I want to stand out. When it's more along the lines of the holistic minded gatherings, I tend to dress more casual with a nice linen top and linen pants. I recently attended a mixer with 400+ people and wore a nice shimmery baby blue sweater and black slacks. When I started attending these events regularly I went out and bought a new purse so I could have my phone, palm pilot and business cards within quick reach. (I can't fit much more than that in my purse-so I switch out if I'm going somewhere for fun.)Since changing my look a bit, I've managed to get in the spotlight at my day job where they are featuring me as a success story, they are now paying for me to go to mixers and have had a number of media opportunities. So my simple answer would be - dress similar but do something to stand out whether it's kicking it up a notch, throwing on a bright color or carrying the perfect purse, people DO notice when they are shopping for services. Let us know how it goes!

 

[jlde2001]

Networking Event

Jeff has hit it pretty square, again.  How did a young guy from Texas get so smart?

;D Thanks!

 

[thecoolnessest]

Hey Jen,Yes, dress to impress but first you should ask yourself if the wedding market is something you want to get into.  For $5 you should go anyway.I'm a massage therapist and I sell butterflies for release at weddings so I have done a few of these.  Most people who go to wedding networking events are not looking for massage services, it is usually an after thought.  My advice to you is do not depend on your business cards doing the trick.  Get their names and numbers so  you control the follow up routine and not wait for them to call you.Look for other networking gigs.John