Has Networking Gotten Too Complicated?
Event fees, paid memberships, leads requirements - sometimes there are just too many restrictions to meet other professionals and find ways to do business. There are certainly times when these restrictions improve the prospect pool, but there are at least as many instances when they merely add to the hassle factor. And you just meet the same groups of people.
I recently became acquainted with LinkAnnapolis and LinkColumbia, two groups that don't place limitations on event attendance other than to register online. When targeting businesses by location, and even in certain vertical markets, it makes great sense.
LinkColumbia is the next one on April 25th at Victoria Gastro Pub, 8201 Snowden River Parkway in Columbia. Nearly 100 business owners and executives are registered, and the cost is free.
Organizers at Exclamation Communications! and Sentinel IT Solutions say attendees have noted their preference for the gathering’s casual atmosphere and limited structure. What has your networking experience been like?
Leslie Hunt
10:08 pm on Friday, April 20, 2012
You make a good point about meeting the same people at some of the networking events/clubs, broadening ones horizons is never a bad thing. I may check-out LinkAnnapolis, are these new groups?
Jeff Cochran
8:39 am on Monday, April 23, 2012
Hi Leslie, LinkAnnapolis just celebrated its 2 year anniversary last week. Over 2,500 have engaged with LinkAnnapolis since its inception in April 2010. Information can be found at LinkAnnapolis.com. LinkColumbia held its first events in March, a luncheon, followed by the larger happy hour. It too has a website, LinkColumbia.com. Both organizations have LinkedIn groups.
Leslie Hunt
9:21 am on Monday, April 23, 2012
Thanks Jeff- I'm going to share this information with our Annapolis Patch- this could be a good networking biz story.