If you haven’t gotten along to a speed networking evening yet, then plan to give one a go. You get to formally meet and follow up with 20 to 30 people and have fun at the same time. What more could you ask for?

Here’s how speed networking works:

The participants are split into 2 even groups. The groups are then put into 2 circles with one inside the other (or lined up in 2 straight rows) so each person has someone opposite them. This person is your first partner. You spend 5 minutes with each partner (2 minutes each plus 1 minute for questions) before the inside circle moves along to the next person.

Once the speed part is over, there’s an hour or so at the end for people to reconnect with those partners they wanted to talk to in more detail.

It’s organised chaos – loud, energising, and exhausting.

Here’s how to make your speed networking night a success:

Take 50 or more business cards – sounds basic but you wouldn’t believe the number of people who run out before the night is over, or don’t think to bring them along.

Refine your message – 2 minutes isn’t long, so forget about listing all the services you provide. Pick a couple of key things and find an engaging way to describe them. Believe me, by the time you are opposite your 20th partner, you will be desperate for them to describe what they do in an interesting way. And they are praying for the same from you!

Always be more interested in them – I had one partner who spent the entire 5 minutes talking about his business without even bothering to ask me a single question. I threw his card away. People remember those who show a genuine interest in what they do, which is true of all kinds of networking.

Use humour – the challenge with speed networking is being remembered once it’s all over. It’s easier to remember the last 3 people we met than the first 3. Use humour to stand out and your partners will make a point of remembering you.

Throw in a success story – find a way of sharing one of your successes. It will help clarify what you do more effectively, and allows people to make connections between what you have done and people they know who may be in similar situations.

Follow up the next day – this golden rule of networking applies equally to speed networking. Visit their websites beforehand, and send each partner an email saying pleasure to meet you etc. Offer to meet up if you think it would be worthwhile.

It’s easy to pick people who come unprepared to speed networking events. They don’t clearly describe what they do, their delivery is lacklustre and uninspiring and they run our of cards. Don’t let this be you!