How to: Connect your Community

Connect Your Community
aka: how to organize a superb networking event
Presenter: Melanie SpringSisarina Inc | melanie@sisarina.com | @sisarina | sisarina.com

net-work-ing
noun (1967)
the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions; specifically : the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business
Merriam-Webster.com
How do you network?

places for networking
Tennis courts
Professional meetings
Bars
Shopping
On vacation
Waiting in line
Library
Bookstore
Coffee shop
Kids’ soccer games
Kickball leagues
Grocery store
Happy hour with friends
Any social gathering
Work
Barbeques with neighbors
Public swimming pools
At the gym
Tip: Meet your neighbors at home & at work.

social network
A social network is a social structure made of individuals (or organizations) called "nodes," which are tied (connected) by one or more specific types of interdependency, such as friendship, kinship, common interest, financial exchange, dislike, sexual relationships, or relationships of beliefs, knowledge or prestige.
Wikipedia.com
Did You Know: Social networks are more than just Twitter & Facebook

reading your resume
welcome to Washington DC
“I’m important because…”
“I went to an ivy league school…”
“I have a top position at a great firm…”
“It’s really all about me…”
“I’m nothing but a bore because I have no life.”
Did You Know: Normal people typically don’t like to talk about work.

instead of: what do you do?
ask: what do you like to do?
Tip: Come up with a list of other questions to ask when you first meet someone.

why the emphasis on introductions?
As the host, you will lead & make it more comfortable for everyone!
Tip: Your first impression will influence how that person will always interact with you.

how to: setup a superb networking event
10 easy steps
Did You Know: An event hinges on its host.

step 1: choose a theme
Think of some things you enjoy doing
Think of something your friends, colleagues, acquaintances would like
Create a theme based on your likes
Bounce your ideas off others
NEVER ask yourself: will this benefit my business? The answer is always yes.
Example: If you enjoy travel, setup a travel event.

step 2: find a venue
Ask your friends/family or even Twitter followers for suggestions
Hit the pavement & start asking venues if they can handle your event
Most venues won’t make you pay if you plan to bring a large group
Go local – supporting local businesses
Don’t forget to check Yelp.com for reviews!

step 3: confirm venue
Once you’ve chosen your venue, confirm it!
Ask about specials, happy hour or what they can do for your group
Make sure to have a designated point of contact (POC)
Confirm on the phone & via email prior to posting event
Check in numerous times before the event
Did You Know: A venue can make or break your event.

step 4: ask others to participate
Ask businesses or individuals to sponsor (gift certificates, help, etc)
Partner with people who have experience putting on events
Sponsor a charity (raise awareness or money)
Example: Many businesses will provide things for free if you promote them.

step 5: setup registration
Use tools like Eventbrite.com, Twitvite.com, Meetup.com
Make sure information is easy to understand quickly
Use Who, What, When, Where, How, Why & How Much
Emphasis the ‘why’ – give a reason
Tip: If people don’t understand the reason, they won’t attend.

step 6: promote it
Use social media (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn)
Send an email (MailChimp, Constant Contact)
Create ways for others to easily promote it
ASK people to promote it for you
Don’t forget to keep promoting it but not obnoxiously
Did You Know: If you ask people to help, they typically will.

step 8: be a connector
Setup your own internal list of rules
Create a calming atmosphere
Make unique nametags
Introduce people
Help the wallflowers
Break apart those who came together
Did You Know: People are social creatures. They like to meet new friends.

step 9: don’t sell
Everyone knows you’re the host
Take time to thank your sponsors & venue
No need to ‘sell’ yourself or your organization
Meet everyone & spend time in groups
Actually be a part of conversations
Did You Know: No one likes a sales pitch.

step 10: thank them
At the event, thank people for coming as they leave
Ask people if they enjoyed themselves
Be receptive to feedback
Send thank you notes (handwritten!) to sponsors & venue
Send out a recap with a thank you to all who attended
Publicly thank people via social media for attending/sponsoring
If the venue was helpful, let others know
Did You Know: Handwritten notes are so rare. Be different.

come see!
June 29 11am-2pm – CEOMKT: web & social media strategy for business ownershttp://ceomkt301.eventbrite.com
June 30 5:30pm-9pm – Social Media Day: celebrate social media at Science Club
http://socialmediaday2010.eventbrite.com
July 14 5-8pm – Tinis & Toes: girlie evening of pedicures, massage & martinis
http://tinistoes.eventbrite.com
Found at: http://sisarina.com/events
Did You Know: Not all networking events are equal. Dare yourself to try one!

thank you!
you’ve been so quiet,
time to interact!
questions?

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How to: Connect your Community

by Melanie Spring on Jun 22, 2010

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How to: Connect your Community — Presentation Transcript