My biggest challenge with attending networking events is timing so I like to focus on 1:1 meetings that can be more flexible. That brings its own challenges, such as trying to weed out the people who just want to sell you something as opposed to  those who want to establish a networking relationship. I've made some great connections meeting people via Zoom or for a latte, I'm open to meeting with anyone in this community who would like to connect!

Every networking event I’ve  ever gone to everyone is trying to sell themselves to the other person. That’s not what networking is about or at least the should be. When I  am networking I want to know what others do, how they help others and who they want to work with. That Doesn’t mean I want to know how they can help ME since I may not be their ideal clients or I may not be looking for those services but I may know people who need them. Just as I want to let people know what I do and how I help others so that if they know Anybody They will like me enough to refer me to them. But if I constantly feel like I’m being sold to that’s a turn off and that makes me not even want to refer them. 

It’s hard to admit that fear is the biggest factor, but as an introvert fear definitely keeps me from attending networking events more frequently. Once I’m actually at a networking event I realize we’re all just people trying our best and it’s a joy to share my offerings and hear about other’s businesses. 

I find a lot of people waste my time because they don't know who their target market is so when they approach me it's to recruit me or sell me something I'm not interested in. It's hard to find people to network with and those that are in a similar field feel that we are competitors instead of allies. We can work together without competing. Everyone is not a transaction. 

Not entirely sure I understand the concept of networking, I know it helps your business sometime, I'm also not good at starting conversations with strangers in the business world, occasionally feel inadequate, anyone else if your being honest.

Most events are either 8am or 4:30pm. I understand that people have to work during the day, but I would be much more apt to attend an event between 11am and 3pm. Committing to an early time or after business hours is difficult.  

I love talking to people, but am turned off by business owners trying to sell me their products instead of getting to each other. I stop them by asking “What is our purpose in this moment?” Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. It depends on the individual and their intention.

Its been timing for me. I prefer the midday luncheons or the evening meetings. As a mom with a business and the kids at home timing is everything. Also with online meetings people tend to forget to that you need to build the relationship prior to selling the product.  

Marketing doesn't really cause me fear anymore, it just causes drain. Drain in finances, drain in energy, drain in confidence, drain in family time, drain in free time. I find networking absolutely a necessary evil. It's like eating all your vegetables.

I have found that, in my profession at least, referrals work best. These would be via colleagues I've worked with through the years, or clients who have found me helpful.  "Networking Events" are something I would not consider very helpful for work that is such a multi-layered and very personal experience for each individual.