I recently joined a local small business association and attended a speed networking event (actually 2). I love the format. It is like speed dating. You spend 3 minutes talking to a person and then one side of the conversation rotates. They give you 90 seconds to talk about your business and 90 seconds to your partner. A lot of times you could ask questions and see how their business could help you or your clients. I met a lot of people who had clients that needed a VA, but didn't know such people really existed or how to find them.

If you get a chance to go to a speed networking event, I highly recommend it.

What a great idea. It allows you to get your name out there without worrying about if you're being to pushy or not or feeling weird about talking about yourself. It also sounds like it would be a great way to practice your "elevator speech" over and over again.

__________________
Stephanie
New VA in the research phase :daisy:

I actually did this about a month ago.

I found it a wonderful experience and a blast. I loved "meeting" people, although I'm really not sure I found anyone that could use me, but maybe next time.

__________________
Kathy Harmacek, Your Virtual Aide
http://www.your-virtual-aide.com

There were a couple of people who were also there for two days in a row with me. It was nice to be able to sit and chat and just get to know each other better - instead of pitching the business. We got to strengthen the connection we made before. You can never tell who they know. They recommended someone who could help with a personal need, so hopefully they'll think of me when another contact needs my services.

I wish we had stuff like that here. Although, after just having a baby I have no clothes that fit me that would be proper for something like this. I'm sticking to online networking until I can get back into my clothes.

__________________
Administrative Support Group
Jenifer D

Maybe later in the year I'll plan and advertise something myself.....

Jenifer said...thinking outloud

__________________
Administrative Support Group
Jenifer D

There's a speed networking group not far from me. I haven't gone yet but now you've got me thinking!

__________________
Shari Sultana
Online Business Manager (marketing for retail ecommerce)

I had never even heard of it. I will have to look into it.

__________________
Tamika R. Johnson, MBA, Principal
administrative partners, llc
www.administrativepartners.net | http://adminpartners.blogspot.com

Yes, I have been to two. They are a good way of getting contacts and meeting new people. The down side is that you always come away with a sore and dry throat so always bring a bottle of water with you.

I have been to other networking events since and have met some of the speed networking participants and it has always come up again in conversation as not alone is it a business event it is also fun.

__________________
Vicky
www.c-vas.eu

This is a great concept but not something we have around here, as far as I know. But now I'm thinking I might approach setting one up myself via our Chamber of Commerce early next year...could be fun!

__________________