Unfortunately many networking groups really aren't worth the time and energy. They are dominated by what I call 'Card Dealers' - those people that shove cards at you without really caring if you want to know them or not, and they are not structured to cater to those that may be shy or inexperienced in the art of networking.

That's why I recently asked this exact question (What frustrates you most about networking groups and networking events?) on Linked In, one of the social networking sites that I use to network.

Here are just some of the responses my contacts gave me. You'll start to see a theme! in the frustrations.

I've left their responses raw and unedited. And beneath the posts you'll see my suggestions on what you can do to make the most of networking opportunities.

What frustrates you most about networking groups and networking events?

Sue Henry, Networking Expert, Author & Speaker
Small Business Accelerator
www.suehenry.biz

I had to think on this one and I have been to a couple of recent weeks up here. The one I went to last week had a format of games and I did not enjoy that. I think what I dislike most though is that most people are there to give their pitch and often I dont seem to really connect in the way I like to.

Sue Price
Professional Wealth Solutions
www.professionalwealthsolutions.com.au

What frustrates me most is when I attend not feeling confident. Feeling that others are more qualified/have a better offer even though clients give me the opposite feedback. When I go to events feeling this way, I don't get achieve much. When I am confident, set my a goal, and practise my elevator pitch, and make sure my mindset is positive, then I have a great time and the outcome is rewarding for both me and the people I meet.

Maria Anderson
Director, Sustainable Marketing Services Australia
www.sustainablemarketingservices.com.au

This is a two part question...and my response may seem exhaustive. But here goes:

Networking Groups: I have been courted on many occassions to join "networking groups" that are looking for individuals split across various sectors with the spiel being this framework provides all leads to you within your business sector. This is akin to blind dating with having to purchase the dinner before meeting your date. Most of these expect the $$$ up front without me even knowing who is in the 'group' and whether they will be a good fit for you as a person... not just as a business. The Frustration: Money Invested in a completely unknown group who you may not fit into at a personal level, which results in you dropping out of the group and loosing the money and time invested.

Networking Events: Run in so many interesting ways but ultimately it comes down to how brusque you can be to move onto another potential opportunity. The Frustration: This is often an 'expectant' contact, where attendees want your details and if you are not what they are looking for at that particular time - brush you aside like a chattel; not a person.

Conclusion:
I guess that being in a service oriented business it is imperative that I can connect with potential and existing clients at a personal level AND a professional level. People can 'buy' our service in many places but the 'happily pay' for the relationship they have with my business as a whole package.

So I tend to steer clear of anything tagged as a 'networking' opportunity or event these days and focus my energies on building great relationships with existing clients and whenever I'm 'out and about' I take the opportunity to share information about my business in a non expectant/non threatening way.

Groups like the Australian Businesswomen's Network, Chambers of Commerce etc. are excellent ways to attend meetings (except the Webinars!) where you can build relationships that florish into opportunities.

Well, there's my 2c worth. Have an excellent week.

Karina Santolin
Skeda Integrated solutions for your business
Karina.Santolin@skeda.com.au

Hi Suzi,

You hit the nail on the head, that is exactly the thing that frustrates me, most people only really care about giving out their card and not exploring what we can do to help each other.
Best wishes
Anne

Anne Bain
Creator Experience Seekers Travel Club
www.ExperienceSeekersTravelClub.com

Hi Suzi
How are you? I have to say that you have asked a fantastic question. Networking events are frustrating because of the following:

1. I probably lack the experience to effectively network
2. People do tend to network in "cliques"
3. Networking is only effective if referrals or business relationships can be established.

Hence, a casual structure of networking may not work as well as a formal structure. It would probably be a good idea to network like "speed dating" where everyone can meet everyone else.

Hope this helps :)
Cheers
Jessie

Jessie Goh
Shine Music
www.shinemusic.com.au

For me it is follow up. The difference between a good event and bad event is not quantity but doing something with the information that I gather. That brings up a good point, I shouldn't go to an event to collect more paper!

I am really bad at following up, like this weekend I went to the Mark Victor Hansen mega speaking event and meet a volume of people many of which shared ideas about things that would be helpful for my business.

If the past is any indication, I would probably just put the cards in a to follow up pile, then not get to it and then after a few months forget what they are from and go into a 'card' file... a collection of paper.

Today I am going to do something different.

Phillip Lechter
President - Pay Your Family First, LLC (YOUTHpreneur.com)
Igniting the entrepreneurs of tomorrow, today!
phil@youthpreneur.com
Blog: www.philliplechter.com

Hi Suzi,
This is something that Alan & I have been seriously looking into the New Zealand market about... people want to build quality, trusted networks but keep going to the same formatted events, only to come away further disappointed and resigned about this. What you may not realise about me (I do so keep what I do quiet around my 'high flying' friends PJ & Suzi...laughing), is that I am a fab connector, a bit of a maven (if you've read Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell you'll know what I mean) and have designed a format for a potential market here in NZ (not launched this idea yet).

If this is something you are investigating, do you want to potentially work collaboratively on something? We have a lot of ideas & suggestions for how to bring a new level of value to people's experience around networking that we (Alan & I) would love to throw around with you.
Thoughts?
Janine

Janine Barr
Genratec
www.genratec.com/jbarr

NOTE FROM SUZI: Janine and I are in communication about this. Will let you know as things evolve.

So, now that we know the frustrations, what can we do?

As far as events, the Australian Businesswomen's Network runs structured networking events (both online and LIVE) throughout the year. These events are free for members and details can be found on our website.

Not a member? What if you had a one-stop-shop that would help you to:

• expand your network of valuable contacts - network without the hype and falseness you find at most event
• improve your business skills and access business experts who have answers to your questions
• surround yourself with inspiring, forward-moving people who want to help you achieve your goals
• promote your business and raise your profile
• feel more confident in yourself and raise your self-esteem?

Warm wishes,
Suzi