By Linda Lisi Juergens, National Association of Mothers’ Centers (NAMC)
Picture yourself at the beginning of a long and winding road, looking out as far as your eye can see. There are many smaller side roads along the way, but you keep your eye on the spot where the road eventually meets the horizon.
What's at your horizon? Are you aiming for a new sale? A new long-term customer? A colleague to partner with on an upcoming project? A mentor who can help you learn the ropes of a new business venture? A bigger network to increase your PR reach? The Long Island Center's Speed Networking can get you onto the road that will help you reach any and all of those things, and many others. Whether you're that seasoned networker or that "nervous Nelly" - whether you're an old pro or a "newbie" - this event is very structured, and very time limited.
More traditional networking strategies have you giving out cards as if you were sowing seeds in a garden, hoping one of them takes root. Introductory conversation sets the stage for sharing more concrete information, but there usually isn't enough time to get to the nitty-gritty of what it is you came out to find.
In Speed Networking, you refine the message you send out so that the leads you take home are much more likely to be valuable and appropriate. Networking is turned on its head as you approach this event from the perspective of responding to the expressed needs of other attendees. They will in turn do the same for you. Results at Speed Networking are measured in REAL LEADS gathered, rather than in volume. The Long Island Center has been doing this event most successfully for several years. It works! It could work for you! Give it a try.
Check the Events calendar for the next Speed Networking. Registration information will be available on the LI Center website, in our newsletter, at our monthly meetings, or through the LI Center office. Early registration is recommended since spaces are limited to one person from each area of specialty. Sponsorships are available at $150 for one session; $250 for 2 sessions; $350 for all 3 sessions.