I always appreciate a non-traditional opportunity to network. Typically at a seminar, there is an allotted amount of time for schmoozing at the beginning of the event and then the program starts. At a breakfast seminar I attended, we did the same: 30 minutes of schmoozing at the start and then sat down at tables to listen to the seminar. What they did next was a pleasant surprise.
After a quick introduction of the program and its sponsors, there was a five-minute networking opportunity with those you were seated with. At a table with seven other people, I introduced myself and my company to everyone, as did the rest of the folks, and we all exchanged business cards. It was a nice way to quickly meet those I was about to have breakfast with.
In a world of “it’s all about who you know”, these one-off networking opportunities never hurt.
