Hosting A Successful Corporate Event Networking Event

March 7, 2017 by In House Marketing

Corporate Networking Events are work events disguised as fun and interactive social event. The reality is that they can still feel like work and if you’re doing them wrong no one will want to come and no one will want to network. So, the primary number one absolute - rule to making your event a hit is to provide amazing service to every single one of your guests.

People Mingle At Corporate Networking Event

Put away your preconceived notions about who – out of your guests – you think you want as a new client or customer and treat everybody as though they are the most important guest/customer you’ve ever had. Why? Because each and every one of your guests is taking in the experience and the experience is speaking about your brand for you. If you have even a couple of unsatisfied guests, they are more likely to not want to do business with you or worse, jump online and voice their unhappiness. So, keep your staff on their toes (in a nice way, of course) and ensure that every person has a smile on their face and that any issues are addressed immediately. Giving your guest the full customer service experience is the best way to show off your brand while hosting a great corporate networking event.

Provide Amazing Service

There is one primary rule to making your event a hit and that is to provide amazing service to every single one of your guests. Put away your preconceived notions about who – out of your guests – you think you want as a new client or customer and treat everybody as though they are the most important customer you’ve ever had. Why? Because each and every one of your guests have the power to make or break your brand name. If you have even a couple of unsatisfied guests, they are more likely to jump online and voice their unhappiness than those who are happy with their treatment. So, keep your staff on their toes (in a nice way, of course) and ensure that every person has a smile on their face and that any issues are addressed immediately.

Samples Offered At Corporate Networking Events

Have A Product For Your Guests To Sample

If you have a product for your guests to sample, provide them with the best. Don’t offer up your cheapest wares to try to save money. By showcasing your crème de la crème, you will make an excellent first impression to anyone who hasn’t tried your product yet, and this is exactly what you want. Before you know it, you’ll realise that your investment has paid off tenfold. Similarly, if you are offering a product for use or sample, don’t ever get pushy about displaying it. This is not the time for a hard sell. The idea is to interest them in your product or service by giving them an example of just how wonderful it is, then giving them the motivation to come back later to purchase, as well as spread the word to their friends, family and colleagues.

Pro Tip:

Set The Tone And Speak To Your Guest With Professional Audio Equipment

Audio and Conference Equipment For Corporate Networking Events

Don't Forget To Mingle

While all of this is going on, you may forget to get out there and mingle yourself, but this is an important part of the process. You are the face of your business and people are so much more likely to purchase from – or recommend – a brand, if they have had a good experience with the people who are selling it. It’s also important to try to actually enjoy yourself, as your enthusiasm will be contagious and really, there’s nothing like a genuine smile to set people at ease and make them feel welcomed. And most importantly, this is a corporate networking event, so, network. Make new contacts, business partners, connections, and potential clients. Get out there and act in the way you want your guest to act. Be The guest as well as the host.

And Finally, Don’t Forget To Follow Up…

Don't forget the point of a corporate networking event is to make contacts. If you do not already have the contact details for all of your guests, it’s a good idea to have a sign-in book at the entrance of the venue to collect this information, for those willing to give it. That way, you can follow up after the event to make sure your guests enjoyed themselves, ask for feedback and generally re-engage them. Another idea is to have a newsletter signup form so that people can opt-in to receiving your business newsletter. Again, don’t be too pushy with this – make it completely optional and don’t overdo the follow-up contact. Thank your guests (and staff or other stakeholders) for attending and invite them to contact you again.

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