Building Community With In Person Events
While technology has revolutionized how we connect, there's still immense value in face-to-face interactions - from building deeper connections to creating memorable experiences that can propel your business forward.
In this episode, our host Kristina, along with her business partner Maria Tassi, explore the power of in-person networking in our increasingly digital world. Kristina and Maria reflect on how prioritizing in-person connections and events post-COVID has amplified their ability to build a growing community.
Why In-Person Events Stand Out
People are becoming more aware of the fact that in-person relationships are so crucial to business growth. In-person ultimately takes what can be fostered in a digital environment - like a coffee chat or a group zoom call - to the next level. We are excited that accessible spaces where people can network, connect and grow their businesses are gradually being created.
In-person events stand out because they allow you to truly get a sense of an individual by learning more about them in an immersive environment. Although you can achieve this online, it is easier to establish immediate connection with people IRL. Trying to forge these connections digitally is more challenging. Sometimes it can feel forced or too direct. It also can take longer to form such instantaneous and firm connections with people.
If you’re feeling nervous about attending an event, consider going with a friend. This can help if you're feeling left out of a conversation or you feel like you need a little pep talk.
Where To Find These Events
The hard part about networking is that we often think it has to be a formal or grandiose thing. Meeting others doesn't always need to be via a mastermind or roundtable. Your local chamber of commerce or events in your local community can be excellent places to start - or you can go ahead and create the space you wish existed! Ultimately, look at who is hosting these events. You can often determine what type of environment it will likely be based on their values and/or personality.
Attending In-Person Events
Online, it's nearly impossible to pull someone aside to have a one-on-one or to form smaller groups. In person, it feels more organic and natural to do this. In every room there are going to be people you gravitate towards more than others. Being in a physical space allows you to bounce around the room and speak more intimately with groups of people.
After the event, remember to follow up with the people you met over email or connect with them on LinkedIn.
Hosting An In-Person Event
The people who are seeing success right now are the people who are able to rally people in person. Hosting builds your authority, establishes communities and creates impact. Amazing conversations and relationships can be forged at these events!
You don't need your event to be a huge, 800-people-in-a-room type of scenario. Don’t let someone’s excellence stop you from showing up as your current version of excellence. You don't get to where others are without doing the smaller steps first. Don’t compare - start somewhere and build.
All this to say - your event doesn’t have to be complicated: get the space, find the awesome people and bring them together. It’s the magic of people meeting one another, lifting each other up, and helping solve problems that is at the core of these events.
Tips for your first event:
Find an aligned partnership that you love to collaborate with and want to provide reciprocated support to. (For example, Kristina and Maria hosted their first event at a restaurant who also happened to be their client.)
Co-host with someone who already has an engaged community or has good connections in your area.
If you know who you would like to see at your event, send them a private invite.
If you can't name ten people who are going to come to your event, perhaps rethink running an in-person event. Instead, spend your time and resources networking and building connections.
Don't be worried about making money the first time you host - just make sure that your general expenses are covered. It doesn't have to be a highly profitable endeavor right from the start. Focus on building relationships. You have no idea what will come profit-wise from hosting events like this.
Join The Social Snippet In Person!
If you're in the GTA or Kitchener area, make sure to send us a DM so we can get you on the waitlist for our next in-person event!