GlobalBX

If you’re anything like me, there are probably times when you’ve booked onto a networking event and then when the day arrives, you question whether or not to go to it. My reasons are usually around the stack of work I’ve got building up on my desk and I debate whether to stay in the office and plough through it or to make the effort to go to the event.

And I’m obviously not the only one who feels that way, judging by the amount of no-shows that an event usually gets. Nine times out of ten though, I do turn up, partly because once I book something in my diary I tend to stick to it and partly because very often when I do go, it’s worth my while.

Just the other day, I attended a networking event, that to be honest about half way through I was thinking “why did I bother”. But then, the 10-minute speaker stood up. He was excellent and gave me a couple of really good marketing tips that I hadn’t come across before. That in itself was worth my time to go to the event.

So, why is it then that people in generally don’t go to the event? Well, like my reason above, I think the number one reason is probably time – as in something they consider more important on the day has come up and the person has to stay and do that instead.

The second most common reason is probably the “can’t be bothered” excuse. I know I’ve certainly felt like that, or it could be that I’m not in the mood to socialise and be nice to other people.

Other excuses could be that the person is ill or an emergency has happened. I’m sure there are other reasons too. But, you see, that’s where there seems to be a bit of a conflict. I hear business owners say that they want to get more business and yet they will also say that they haven’t got time to go out there and get it – so it comes back to a choice of which one is more important to you.

Here are my top reasons why you should make the effort to go to a networking event when you’ve committed to it:

1. You’ve booked onto it. If you’re continuously booking onto events, but don’t go on a regular basis, it builds up a pattern of behaviour and opinions will form about you and your business. The organisers will get the impression as will the people who have made an effort to turn up. Same goes if you’re continually turning up late. And if you’re sat there thinking “well, I go to different networking events and not the same group, so it doesn’t matter”, think again. Don’t forget that many businesses go to various networking events and many will have come across your company at one of them.
2. It might actually be useful. If you’re focused, motivated and want to be at the event, your positive attitude will come across to the people you meet and as a result you’re more likely to be open to ideas and opportunities and find it useful to your business. You could well walk away with new customers or pick up some useful tips.
3. People get to know you. If you go to networking events on a regular basis, people will get to know you and your business. They may not use your product or service directly but they may be in a position to refer you to someone they know. And the more they get to know you the more likely they are to do this.

If you’ve booked onto a networking event, you obviously thought that it would be worthwhile going to it, so when the day comes make sure you make the effort to go. You never know, you might be pleasantly surprised.