Is that Event really Worth Attending?

Christen
Dec 6, 2017
5 min read

As an aspiring entrepreneur and business owner, networking events are a big part of your success and are a great way to meet new people in your industry. You never know who you may meet that could be a potential client or even a connection that could refer you to a new client.

But how do you know if that networking event is worth your time and sometimes even your money?

I recently attended an event that seemed as if it was the perfect opportunity to express my styling expertise and network with some amazing designers. But, I was very disappointed when I arrived.

The flyer stated that the event was set to start at 5pm but when I arrived at 4:30pm, nothing was set up. The women who reached out to me to participate in the event wasn't even there. At this point, I was completely turned off. I had traveled for almost a hour and was "late". Thank God I didn't come on time.

These types of events are the ones you want to avoid. The crowd isn't necessarily your target market and it screams unprofessional. If you're anything like me, continue reading to determine whether that upcoming networking event is worth attending.

The initial email should have the proper contact information

If the person reaching out to you doesn't even have a signature with his/her name in it with a contact number to call, then that's a sign. There should be a link to a site, an email, phone number or anything to relate back to if you have a question about the event that may have gone unanswered. The email I received said "Sent from iPhone" down at the bottom left hand corner. That was a sure red flag for me to know that this person wasn't even serious enough to send an email from their computer, let alone deleting the "sent from iPhone" text before sending it.

A proper signature is key for business owners. All their information should be available for anyone to reach out to them.

Ask about previous events and the amount of attendees

This is a big one! If this is a first time event, you may want to second guess yourself depending on the type of event. Don't get me wrong, first time events can be a great turnout but it's not good business etiquette to promote a "First annual" anything. No one should know that this is the first time you're hosting or have planned an event. Especially if you plan to charge an entry fee.

This particular event had history. The women who I spoke with mentioned that the company hosting the event was well-rounded in the fashion and entertainment industry. She even sent a link to their website which looked great, so I for sure thought I was in good hands. But I was clearly wrong. Besides the vendors, the crowd seemed a little young. Most of them just stood around with the people they came with while scrolling through their phones. I initiated most of the conversations I had that night. It was great practice for me though.

Research their social media handles

Businesses that are reaching out to you specifically should attach their social media handles to their signature or the initial email. Most businesses would want you to follow them and see what they've done or who they've worked with, right?

I didn't find the events IG profile until the day of and noticed that they had less followers than me. Now, followers don't equate to influence, but if you're a company that has hosted multiple events and are as well-known as you said you were, then your social media profile should speak for itself. This was not a good sign. I also didn't find the coordinators IG page until the night of, after following all of the designers and vendors who were in attendance. And all I saw on her page were videos of her dancing around and smoking. Definitely not a good sign. Anyone coordinating an event should be promoting themselves in a professional manner. A strong personal brand is a big part of running a business.

Check out "The Power of Personal Branding".

The initial email should have a proper greeting + be personable

As a business reaching out to another business, you have to do you research! If you're interested in someone being a part of your event, you should want them to feel special and that you took some time out to actually learn more about them and what they do. Even if you didn't, you have to "FAKE IT TILL YOU MAKE IT".

For the first initial reach out, the email should be addressed to the person you're reaching out to. Most of the time, you can easily find someone's name on their website if it isn't listed on their social media profile. If you've done some digging and still can not find it, I would suggest addressing them as the name of their business. It's perfectly fine to copy and paste a pre-typed email, but please make sure you personalize it for each business you reach out to.

You can even go as far as relating back to something that they've done that has caused you to reach out to them in the first place. For example:'

"Greeting's Jeannie,

My name is Christen Johnson and I am the founder of SophisticatedChic Brand, LLC; a wardrobe styling service and fashion blogging brand! I will be hosting a fashion show on "xxx" and would love for you to be a part as a featured designer.

I came across your website and LOVE what you do. I saw the dress you designed for one of your most recent clients and it was beautiful. The red color went perfectly with her shoes.

I would be honored to have you and some of your designs participate in my fashion show. I know you'd do an amazing job."

This is the perfect example of how to reach out to a business for the first time on a more personal level. Making them feel as if you've done your research and would be honored to have them at your event is key.

Professionalism is a big part of running a business. You should want to treat anyone who you collaborate with, with the utmost respect. People talk. If you make a bad impression, there is no doubt that other businesses will know about you and your quality of work, but not in a good way.

What type of situations have you been in with other businesses that didn't end well? Was their initial reach out as professional as you thought? Would you refer any other business or clients to them?