Stop Speed Networking
Please stop speed networking! It's not that I don't like meeting new people or the adrenaline rush of trying to do the impossible quickly. I love meeting new people and getting to know their story, their interests, and their hopeful destinations. I also enjoy experiences where I'm challenged to do difficult things in unusual ways. However, networking is not the time to be speedy.
I'm not sure how it started where someone thought to themselves:
“ You know what would be an immense waste of everyone's time? If we gathered together and only spent two to three minutes apiece pitching at each other rather than actually having meaningful conversations. And while we’re at it, let's do it in a dark, crowded, and noisy environment and occasionally mix in some alcohol. What could go wrong?”
Well, everything! When networking is reduced to simply handing out as many business cards as you can in the shortest amount of time as possible, you're missing the whole point.
Now if you’re thinking, “But Sara, it’s all different now with Zoom (and other platforms)…” No it’s not! If anything it’s even harder to break off and have more intentional conversations outside of the rotation. I appreciate Zoom for many things however timed breakout rooms with barely enough time to get introductions across through connectivity challenges is somehow even worse.
On behalf of everyone who has suffered from speed networking, I'd like to propose Slow Networking. Dedicated time with one or two other people where you get to know the other person. I feel that half of the fun of network development is not knowing how or when things might work out. I'm not proposing that one should spend elongated sessions with strangers without purpose, however, there is a better way to make connections.
If you're like me, you get a steady stream of unsolicited connection requests on LinkedIn from someone who says they've looked at your profile, were very impressed, and would love to connect with like-minded people. I challenge these individuals to take networking seriously for a change. Give me 15 minutes of your time so I can get to know you as a person. What is your story? What do you care about? Heck, what do you sound like? If you expect me to do business with you or refer someone to you, I’d like to know something!
It is disappointing to witness professionals devalue their network development to merely mass connecting frenzies. We should demand more from one another. I'd like you to join me in some Slow Networking where pitches aren't permitted and we take our time getting to know each other. Who knows, you might end up making the connection you never knew you needed.
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