Bricks need mortar: The importance of networking events for your team
Not all managers, team leaders or directors realise quite how beneficial - and essential - networking events and conferences are to the health of their staff and team. In particular, the younger, less experienced members of staff - engineers, designers, marketing rookies - are kept in the office, rarely allowed to mingle at public events.
Ironically, they’re the ones who would benefit the most. They’re young, creative, passionate to learn and generally have less responsibilities forcing them to ring the office while they’re away, which gives them the ability to fully immerse themselves in the event they’re attending. Networking events are the mortar to the bricks that make up your team and your business, so make sure there’s plenty to go around.
So what are the benefits in sending your staff out to relevant events every so often?
1. Industry refresher
We all leave eduction with bucketloads of theory and skills, but this knowledge goes stale fast in today’s fast moving world. Events, conferences and even networking shindigs can provide a fast-track way to hear about the latest changes in your industry. It’s also a great way to pick up on new trends, products and
2. Meet new people
Existing acquaintances are like old slippers; comfortable and predictable. But the risk of turning your circle into an echo chamber.
New like-minded people can become a sounding board for ideas, future business partners and mentors. Meanwhile, those who disagree with you might have a point of view you’d never considered before. Or they might be downright idiots, reminding you of “the one you never want to become”.
Allow yourself to rank your skillset, ideas and knowledge against others’ and be honest when reviewing where you fit in. If there are areas where you’re sorely behind, it’s an open door to learn from those you meet.
3. Internal glue
When you can afford to, send a few teammates together who may not know each other so well. Between the train journey or flight to their destination, breakfast at the hotel and those dead times between conference panels, they’ll get to know each other, having conversations they may not have had between the office walls where everyone is so focused on deadlines and KPI’s.
You’ll - hopefully - have more complicity in the team when everyone returns, alongside a few funny pictures of Ben with his tie on his head doing the Macarena and a couple of hangovers.
4. A change of scenery
You know how you get the best ideas when you’re doing the dishes (or going to the bathroom)? Sometimes, all it takes is a change of scenery to get those synapses firing in new ways. A conference is a different environment, spending a few days hearing different perspectives. The most important attitude here? Openness. By no means should you be gullible and believe everyone’s marketing tripe hype, but be open to ideas that crop up and challenge your worldview.
5. Recognition
No one can deny that there’s some real fun involved in going to conferences, whether it’s in meeting old friends over dinner, going to that sponsored party or treating yourself to a couple of hours walking around a new city armed with your camera. It’s the gold star sticker on your report card, the day pass from the asylum, the recognition you’ve been longing for. (Admit it, you wish you could still get gold stars for your good work)
As the boss, if your staff doesn’t travel often, let them splash out a little - they’ll remember it for a long time. It’s motivating to be respected and allowed to
6. Getting out of your comfort zone
Personal growth comes from jumping in the deep end and doing things where we might fail. For some, it might just be plucking up the courage to stand up and ask a question at the public mic at the end of the panel, or it might be standing up on stage as one of the speakers.
Whatever the next step is for you, take one more at every conference you attend.
Conclusion
If this is self-evident to you and you keep your machine well oiled with fresh ideas, then great. You’re leaps ahead. If you’re the boss who’s been keeping his team chained to their desk for the past few months, why not take them off the leash and let them smell the daisies? You might be surprised by the passion unveiled on their return.
Don’t want to feel empty handed when you arrive at conferences?
Here are some recommended readings:
- Chris Brogan’s 10 Ways to Make Your Next Conference Better
- Seth Godin on Setting the Standard for Meetings and Conferences
- Business Pundit’s Five Offline Strategies That Work Online
- Looking for events to attend? Upcoming.org, Carsonified, e-consultancy might inspire you.
Tags: events, motivation, networking, passion, personal growth, teamwork