Networking Insight

10 Reasons to Host Your Own Events

A great way to build your network is host your own events. Get people to come to you. You should be proactive with your network. It is one of your most valuable personal assets.

Below are 10 reasons that you should consider when deciding to host your own events:

1. Meet new people
2. Continue to build existing relationships (i.e. invite clients or those in your network)
3. Brand yourself as an expert
4. People will want you in their network
5. Form new partnerships (i.e. sponsors, venues, speakers, etc.)
6. Leverage your network
7. Test out your marketing skills
8. Test out your public speaking abilities
9. Provide exposure to others (i.e. speakers)
10. It is fun interacting with people

What other reasons should you consider?

What Motivates You to Build Business Relationships?

With every business decision, we generally have a motivation as to why we take certain actions. Relationship building also requires certain motivations as well. So, what motivates you to build business relationships? Why do you spend the time to get to know other people? What drives you?

We all have different reasons for why we do things. For some of us, it is to get ahead in life and business, For others, it is to make a positive contribution to society. Whatever your reasons, make sure that they are for the right reasons.

Below are some reasons that may motivate you to build business relationships:

• Finding prospects / clients
• Finding partners
• Finding capital
• Finding employees
• Making new friends
• Making new business contacts
• Building your personal brand
• Diversifying your network
• Finding sponsors
• Finding speaking opportunities
• Advancing your career
• Finding a new job

You may have more than one motivation, which is okay. Make sure that you build relationships that are mutually beneficial for both parties. If you are just one sided, then it will be difficult to build a meaningful and long lasting relationship.

By focusing on the reasons that you want to build relationships, you will be strategic about who you want to meet, when, and where.  By planning ahead of time, you will be more efficient and effective and save yourself time.