Alternative Activities To Enhance Networking Events

We all love networking events to expand our business connections and find new opportunities, but does the format of these events leave something to be desired? Wouldn't it sometimes be good to go to an event where the format has been shaken up a bit?

Instead of the usual introductory presentation, rounds of introductions and then various, sometimes random, conversations, perhaps there are alternative formats that could make the events just that bit more interesting and, hopefully, even more productive. A recent conversation with a national events organiser got me thinking of alternative ideas that could boost uptake by providing some entertainment for everyone along with the potential business opportunities.

Here are just a few of those ideas”¦

Problem-solving challenges

One way to get people to know each other better, and understand each others' businesses, is to give them a problem to solve as a team. This could be as simple as building the tallest tower out of an assortment of items (marshmallows and spaghetti anyone?). Fun challenges like this can help create a relaxed atmosphere more conducive to discussing wider business interests.

Quick trivia quiz

Pitting teams against each other for a quick quiz can help generate conversations beyond the usual networking topics. You could even try industry-specific questions if the networking event is itself industry-specific. The key here is to ensure teams are a good mix of people so that new connections can be forged while having fun. And if you're stuck for question ideas just take a look at the Radio Times website for ideas (https://www.radiotimes.com/quizzes/) or any of the other multitude of online quiz sites.

Outdoor walking events

Walking together as a networking group or “netwalking” can encourage different sorts of conversations than those in a formal indoor setting. The informality of talking while walking can be a good way to encourage people new to networking to come along. Make sure the walk is fairly easy so it's inclusive for every level of fitness. And make sure there's the opportunity for a coffee or even lunch at the end.  

Hackathon

Business owners are increasingly aware that good businesses need to care about their surroundings and have a responsibility to their community. So why not use a networking event to find solutions to a local community or environmental issue. You may not solve the issue but can put forward some potential solutions or, at the very least, raise awareness.

Interactive workshops

Short, practical workshops on topics important for every type of business can be a good way to share common business challenges and discover some tips to overcome them. While also, of course, having good conversations with other businesses. A great example I've experienced myself is a workshop to improve social media profiles - something many small businesses struggle with unless they have an in-house resource dedicated to social media. But a workshop could equally be about how to create a business continuity plan or tools to manage time more effectively. The possibilities are endless.

My thanks to the MD of Axion Now Events for a recent conversation that spurred me to think about alternative networking ideas. I have already taken part in a “netwalking” event and can highly recommend it! And these ideas could equally be applied to team-building events within your own business.

I'd love to hear more ideas from the community here so please feel free to let me know your personal favourite “alternative” activity at networking events.