Networking events are typically very dry and boring. Everyone gets up and says what they do... sometimes there's a speaker... sometimes a roundtable discussion. Sometimes the events are fun, but not by design. Last year a couple of people in my Thursday group got together and did a networking event at karaoke. While there was a lot of interest, it never really took off. As a big karaoke fan, I was disappointed to see it go away.
So I've decided to resuscitate the event myself! However, this time around I'm not going to let it fail. There are several keys to a successful networking group...
- The time and location must be consistent. If the event moves around too much, then people will never remember where to go and forget to find out. And if the date keeps changing, then people will flat out forget about it!
- The event must have at least a minor business focus. Business people are busy. We don't have a lot of time to waste. If we're going to a "business" event, then business must take place! The previous Networkaoke events were just about hanging out and singing. True... it was fun... but I have friends to have fun with (without having to keep my guard on since it's a business event!).
- It must be well organized. Without organization, the previous two items won't happen on a consistent basis and people will stop coming. I'm committed to making this thing happen!
I've got big plans for the event. It's going to be a very exciting networking group... one that I could see really taking off. The fact remains that people do business with people they know and like. Where better to get to know people and develop friendships than at karaoke!
UPDATE: Check out www.networkaoke.com