Networking & Running – daunting at the start…awesome at the finish!

One of the best things about Howden is how professionally sociable we are!

If there’s a more prolific Insurance Broker when it comes to face-to-face connection, I don’t know them. So we are never short of events, both as hosts and guests, bringing professionals, clients and prospects together.

I had an experience recently at a networking event, worth sharing. Hopefully doing so will help others…I will get into the habit of reading this before future events, to help me!

I was very close to a “crash and burn” moment. For someone who has spent many years attending all manner of events, this came as an unwelcome surprise and I still can’t pinpoint the reason. However I’m glad it happened, it got me thinking 🤔

I’m generally a confident networker. However I still have to put a LOT of effort into it. I’m not in that mode permanently, a button has to be pushed…and that morning, the button jammed! 😮

No different to anyone else, I’m not in top gear all the time. Some days, I don’t get there at all! I always get into “event mode” but that mode is a sliding scale and at this one, I started at the very bottom 😬

When I took this photo, I had been procrastinating for half an hour (after registering inside) and already convinced myself that coming to Hampden Park was a waste of time…

If totally honest, I wasn’t certain at this point I was going back in. I was hoping for some urgent calls or emails through my phone to rescue me…they never came!

Anyway I had to go in, a two hour round trip had to be justified. The first discussion I had was an effort, no specific reason, it just was…but the wheels were now turning. The second was less so, a very interesting and positive lady who got me thinking and talking loads, I was getting into a rhythm. Then through sheer good fortune, everyone I spoke to was very engaging and also relevant to our business and my Account Executive role. I was kept busy, there was ample justification and reward for me attending and before I knew it, the event was winding down⌚️

Back at my car I was feeling great and fully energised, I sat in the car park, wondering how I got from a tricky start to a very positive experience overall, actually one of the best events this year.

And this is when it came to me, a running analogy which resonated perfectly, as a keen runner at Parkrun and the occasional 10K:

“IT’S NOT HOW YOU FEEL AT THE START, IT’S HOW YOU FEEL AT THE END…”

At the start line of every Parkrun or race I’ve ever done, I have that feeling of dread. I’m keen…but not very good! So when I get to the end, I genuinely feel that endorphine spike, it’s a real thing.

From now on, I will accept I can be a slow starter (not usually Hampden slow! 🐢 ) but remind myself of the end goal…lots of positive connections made over the whole event. I will focus on a much better start..but if it’s not, it won’t affect the ultimate outcome.

I will become more effective from this experience. The topic of networking is something I have spoken about a lot since, more aware now that even the experienced can suffer a dip.

A few points below may help others on their journey:

* Don’t set firm expectations, there is a lot to be said for just taking things as they come. If you try to achieve specific objectives, especially in a busy room, it can lead to disappointment. The only certainty is you won’t know any less people at the end, I treat every new contact made as a bonus

* Quality over quantity works best for me. I prefer meaningful and memorable disussion with a small number to a quick chat with many. The latter rarely adds value…and is what “Speed Networking” was created for

* There is no such thing as a good or bad event – it’s totally subjective. I’ve had negative experiences at those regarded as good and had positive experiences at those regarded as bad. A lot will depend on how you feel on the day…and how those you meet feel too!

* The number of attendees has no bearing on your success. Personally I prefer a smaller number, however most prefer the higher odds of making new contacts at a larger gathering

* There are many events which have an entry fee and as many, if not more, which are free. Don’t be deterred by free, there is no correlation at all between cost and benefit. More often than not, the entry fee is paying for food and gift bag!

* Follow up with your new connections, whether by LinkedIn or a quick email. It’s impossible to have too many and it’s a positive and courteous thing to do. Even if you can’t see a likely route to help each other professionally, remember they have hundreds or thousands of connections. Everyone knows someone we’d like to bring into our own network

* A few new contacts in the past week or so have said to me they are new to networking and uncomfortable doing so – however they also projected in busy rooms as well as anyone. There is no scoring system, no medals to be won. When I was a novice, people looked after me, in the same way I support others now. Nobody in the room wants you to fail – do remember that. Also the room is all the better and fuller for you being there. Just do your best – you’re just talking to people who are there to talk. Finally, you won’t lose contacts, you will only gain.

In conclusion, it matters little how confident and experienced you are – a number of factors can impact on how you perform on the day.

That uncomfortable start was unusual for me, I don’t expect it to happen again. Quite the opposite, the start will be THE aspect I actively work on improving.  If it does happen though, I will just focus on that finish line 🏁

I’d be happy to hear from anyone with thoughts or ideas about networking. I still have a lot to learn, I’m sure I’m not alone!

Please feel free to connect through my social media channels, LinkedIn and Instagram where I’m most active 😊

Thanks

Mark