5 easy ways to fix your bad networking event

First of all, if you call it a networking event, I'm probably not going to go.

I already know that there will be cheese cubes, crappy wine, and music playing too loud for actual networking.

If you're going to call it a networking event, here's few ways to help people network:

💡 Start with the name badge: First name only and in large font is all you need.

💡 You don't need a band. Bring in a DJ who understands that this is a networking event, not a dance party. Or just play house sound. People aren't there for the music if you've told them it's a networking event.

💡 Have multiple activities for people to participate in if they are uncomfortable breaking into conversation circles.

💡 Invite participants to share what challenges they are trying to solve by adding a sticky note to the "wall of woes," then ask them to write their name by any sticky notes they see that they can help with.

💡 Have event wingmen as part of the staff. If someone looks like they're struggling to find a conversation to break into, go talk to them or help them get into a group.

Networking events don't have to suck.

We can fix them.