How to grow your professional network by hosting events
Making connections in the business world doesn’t need to be difficult. Networking events are an engaging way for professionals to share knowledge, showcase industry developments, and make lasting connections.
Paperless Post is a great place to start when learning how to grow a professional network. With an array of sleek business event invitations and our helpful guide on how to host a networking event, your organization will be the talk of the town—and your professional community.
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The best events for professional networking
The most successful networking events are well-planned, organized, and memorable. Choose from a variety of events designed to help you build professional networks and gain new clients and referrals.
Professional cocktail party
A corporate cocktail party is a classic way for colleagues and business owners to mingle and make connections. With a business formal dress code and flowing drinks, a professional cocktail party will make a sophisticated impression on your guests.
- Invitation: Let everyone know what’s on the agenda with “Dashing.”
- Time to host: Host your cocktail party on a weeknight, preferably around 7 p.m.
- Refreshments: Keep the bar open and pass around hors d’oeuvres to allow guests to spend time socializing.
- Networking opportunity: Have board members or the CEO available for face time with other industry leaders.
Industry workshop
Allow professionals to share insights into their successes and methodologies with a workshop. Have someone in your organization present on breakthroughs in your industry, and invite attendees to ask questions and network amongst themselves.
- Invitation: Invite guests to your event with a professional invitation like “Golden Edge.”
- Time to host: For longer workshops, begin toward the end of a work day. Shorter workshops can take place on a weekend or a weekday morning.
- Refreshments: Host a buffet meal for guests to enjoy during a break in the workshop.
- Networking opportunity: Have guests sit at large tables so they have more opportunities to work together and engage in discussion.
Launch party
Is your company launching a new product or service? Invite business owners and other professionals in your community to a launch party. They’ll remember you going forward—especially if they get a sneak peek or sample of the next big thing.
- Invitation: Set a fun—yet professional—tone with an invitation like “Wiggly Squiggle.”
- Time to host: Host your launch party on a weekend afternoon if you’re inviting families, or a Saturday night if it’s an adult-only affair.
- Refreshments: Hire a food truck or partner with a local restaurant to cater your event.
- Networking opportunity: Have company representatives available to show off your new product or service and hold a raffle for guests to win free samples.
Charity fundraiser
Let potential partners in your industry know where your priorities lie with a charity fundraiser. Whether it’s funds for a new school playground in town or contributions to a worthy cause overseas, a charity fundraiser tells guests that your company cares.
- Invitation: Upload your logo onto an invitation like “Levant,” and add a Sponsors Block to recognize and thank event partners.
- Time to host: Host on a weekend afternoon or evening so guests can attend without missing work.
- Refreshments: Sell food and drinks, and add the funds to your total money raised.
- Networking opportunity: Have guests play “Business Card Bingo,” in which they collect as many business cards from other guests as possible (and win prizes if they have the winning combination).
Expert seminar
Invite an expert in their field to present at your next networking event. An impressive presentation positions you as an expert by association—and one with great connections.
- Invitation: Step up your invitation with “Seersucker Stripe” by kate spade new york, and include a Speakers Block to provide more information about your event’s presenter.
- Time to host: Host during a weekday or weeknight so guests can come straight from work and enjoy the seminar.
- Refreshments: Provide light appetizers and drinks at a reception following the presentation.
- Networking opportunity: Invite your speaker to sign books or answer questions during the reception.
Networking tips and strategies for hosts
Planning a successful networking event can be a manageable task, even if you don’t have previous experience planning corporate events. Follow our tips to make your event memorable and special for everyone invited.
Include event details in the invitation
Your invitation is the perfect place to let guests know what type of event you’re hosting. With Paperless Pro, you can brand your invitations and emails with your company’s logo. Send a shareable link to anyone on your guest list (you can opt for a Custom URL for added polish!) or post the link on a professional channel. Include additional details like dress code or parking information in a Details Block, and list a schedule of events in a Schedule Block so guests know what to expect. Add a Photo Gallery Block to send along company photos from past events, or images previewing a new product.
Once RSVPs begin to roll in, you can create custom tags for guests on your Tracking page, allowing you to organize attendees by categories like “VIP” or “Donor.” Using Advanced Analytics, you can also track your invitation’s opens, responses, and event page views with helpful graphs for at-a-glance guest management.
Start with introductions
As your event begins, find a way for guests to introduce themselves so they can get right to networking without a hassle. You might consider:
- Providing name tags with business names and contact information
- Introducing companies and individuals in front of the larger group
- Setting up stations or tables for guests to meet and greet company representatives
- Displaying flyers or posters advertising the organizations that are attending the event
Prepare discussion topics
Mingling can be harder than it looks for some people. Encourage conversations to begin with discussion topics prepared ahead of time. You can project these topics on a screen in front of the room or hand out paper programs with different topics to discuss. Consider enabling Guest Questions on your invitation and ask guests to suggest discussion topics when they RSVP.
Schedule networking time
The good news about networking events is that they need less planned programming than other professional events. Save time for networking and free conversation alongside your professional development or presentations, and encourage guests to bring an abundance of business cards (or be prepared to share their contact information).
Keep everyone fed
The key to a successful networking event? Food (and drinks). Popular refreshment options vary based on the type of event, but they may include:
- Plated meals
- Buffet meals
- Passed appetizers
- Light appetizer tables
- Dessert tables
When it comes to drinks, the bar’s menu is up to you. Hosting an open bar may make a positive impression on your guests, but no one will blanch at drink tickets or wine-and-beer-only events.
Make it worthwhile—and fun
In order for guests to attend—and enjoy—your networking event, they shouldn’t feel like they’re at a business meeting. Make your event worth their time with valuable industry tips or once-in-a-quarter professional opportunities, and add opportunities for fun with socialization and games.
Above all, a networking event is about connections. Guests who leave your event with a list of new clients and contacts will remember your organization—and will likely stay in touch.
Plan your next professional event with Paperless Post
If you’re looking to get better at networking, planning a professional event is a great start. The connections you make at one cocktail party or seminar may result in years of strategic partnership, secure your place as an industry leader, and build a positive reputation for you in the professional world.
Use Paperless Post to maintain those crucial connections and make your next gathering truly memorable. Learn how to increase attendance at your event or choose the right wording for your business event invitation. Whether the next step is a lavish client appreciation gala or an office happy hour, we’ve got the tools you need to make it a success.
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