There are mixed reviews on networking events. While half of the people swear by them, the other half say that they aren’t worthwhile. The reality is that some networking events are worth your time investment and others are a waste of time. Continue reading to learn how to tell the difference.
Start by Finding Out Who Is Organizing the Event
The association that organizes the event will dictate how it is run as well as who comes to it. If an event is run by a professional organization, you are more likely to find that people you want to network with will attend. The key is to make sure that the organization putting on the event has the ability to attract the right people. If you go to an event that is disappointing, make sure to remember who organized it.
Find Out How Many People Will Be There
The number of people attending the event will give you an idea of whether or not it is worthwhile. If there are too many people, you may have trouble finding the people you want to meet. If there aren’t enough people there, it can be uncomfortable. Ideally, you want the number to lie somewhere in the middle. If you check their webpage, you may find a list of how many people will be there. You can also ask someone who has attended the event in the past.
Find Out What Type of People Will Be There
The type of people who will attend the event is another factor in whether it will be worth your time. You need to know what type of people you are looking to meet and make sure that that type will be there. Some people want to meet others in their field, while others want to meet people in a different field that they are interested in learning about. You need to understand your goals and make sure that the type of people who will help you meet them will attend.