How to make networking more fun
I really dislike client networking at events and conferences! Do you? Although, I do really like getting to know new people. Sounds odd I know. I’d like to share an idea I think could make your networking event more memorable and fun.
The back story — awkard networker
I’m the guy awkwardly standing in the corner at an events reception, possibly sweating a little and frantically trying to spot someone that I know for fear of having to say hello to a total stranger — with the possibility that we don’t connect and it gets awkward. Then, what do you do? It’s a little awkward to leave the person on their own then, isn’t it? ‘Need the bathroom’, then you come back and it’s round 2 of the same! Argh.
After the main part of the event is over (e.g. a talk or panel), I’m the dude that will sheepishly leave. Making the travel over and back a bit of a waste of time as the purpose of a networking event is to connect with others and meet some new, interesting people — with a little bit of learning from the talk / panel. I do add people on Linkedin after though, ha!
This was part of the reason my arts and crafts studio, M.Y.O, was set up, as a social alternative. So much networking is solely based around drinks or food in a big room where you don’t know who anyone is or what they do — brilliant for extroverts, but not so good for introverts like me. There is also rarely a structure around the networking.
Enter creativity
It just so happens being creative together is a great connector and can get rid of the awkwardness, as you have something in common (the creative activity) to help each other on and it can make you more relaxed enough to chat. It also feels by the end that you have achieved something together, which is ideal. You don’t have to talk shop, you can just be helpful and encouraging to others, which really helps you get to know them — which is lovely eh? It feels a lot easier to exhange contact details them too.
I highly recommend doing some intros at the start. Who they are, what their role is. Half way through, you could get everyone to swap seats so they get to chat to other too. Having some drinks and nibbles, especially if an after work networking event, is a good idea too. You could do creative things like lino printing, pastel art, calligraphy, macrame or embroidery together.
What can M.Y.O do to help?
Since setting up M.Y.O in London, we’ve hosted over 14,000 guests from people that book onto public creative classes, to companies that come for some team building / to de-stress (think Monzo, Expedia, The FT and many more), to groups for celebrations (hen parties, birthdays, stag dos, family reunions, all sorts!). We’ve also hosted creative stations in big retailers, festivals and events. In short, we’ve seen 1,000s connect and get to know strangers whilst being creative together, so decided to set up an event called Creative Lates! The best thing is, everyone is creative, so don’t you worry on that front either.
What is Creative Lates?
It’s our spin on creating and connecting, a new type of networking and client development, where you can invite potential or current clients or members of your company down, do some intros so everyone knows who everyone is, have some drinks & nibbles, learn to create something memorable, but ultimately connect, chat and bond with others in a fun and relaxing way. You can bring your own group of 8–20 guests for a private session or book onto a public class up to 8 guests and we can reserve a table for you or you can do virtual networking with us. It could be themed to a particular topic also, like growth marketing, in the case of the first Creative Lates we hosted.
I’m happy to be able to provide a service that brings some fun, colour and less awkwardness into networking and connecting with clients!
Drop us an e-mail on Hello@MYO.Place if you’d like to find out more.
Sam
I’m co-creater (with Diana) of Creative Jungle Company, which brings creativity to life and business. For a start, we have a Creative Jungle Podcast, Creative Kits so you and your team can get creative at home / virtually and thoughts on creative thinking, like this. Lots more to come to help people better harness their creative superpower.
I’m also co-creator M.Y.O, a creative studio for adults in London, where you can make things, have fun and enjoy the mindfulness benefits of being creative through arts and crafts. Think of it like a place to stretch those creative muscles of yours! If you’re interested to find out more about M.Y.O and our journey, be sure to follow me on Linkedin / Medium, subscribe to the M.Y.O newsletter here and / or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
