Galway Independent Column - June 2nd 2010

‘To interact or engage in informal communication with others for mutual assistance or support’ is one of the definitions of the verb ‘to network’. It’s an example of a word that has become part of our lexicon without us even realizing it. While we twitter, facebook, poke, defriend, friendsource, rescue call, we’re networking, albeit by computer, but there’s still a lot to be said for the old fashioned face to face networking, the non-digital form of social networking which began circa the mid-70s, the earliest use of the phrase social network dates to 1976.
Like all good things face to face networking has evolved and grown and the latest incarnation is Speed Networking (not to be confused with Speed Dating where you don’t end up trying to have a relationship with everyone in the room!) If anyone remembers that good old wedding favourite the Paul Jones, then that’s what speed networking is all about…an inner and outer circle of people facing each other in pairs, one circle moving on each time a bell rings. It’s basically a number of short, scheduled meetings with new business contacts. You chat about your business for a couple of minutes and that of the other person, making notes about that new contact before moving onto your next meeting.
Meetings are structured and scheduled so you have time to see as many people as possible. As networkers themselves would say… successful people get ahead in the time that other people waste. Essentially you have 5 minutes to work out if the person sitting opposite you is a potential new client, supplier or business partner for your future. The advantage of speed networking over traditional forms of networking is the high turnover and the guarantee that you will to meet lots of like-minded individuals in a session. It is also a good opportunity for you to distill your unique selling point into a short, sharp message suitable to impress in a brief encounter.
Galway Chamber is pleased to bring our members and guests the opportunity to Speed Network on Tuesday June 15th at the biggest Speed Networking Event of the year in Galway. The event will begin at 6 pm and conclude at 8.30 pm in the Galway Bay Hotel, Salthill. The evening will be professionally facilitated by Tricia Murphy known as The Networking Queen. We’re very pleased that Tricia will be joining us as part of a successful Speed Networking event is an experienced facilitator.
This is Galway Chamber’s first Speed Networking event and it follows our very successful Business After Hours monthly networking events. We started our BAHs in 2004 based on a US model where Chamber members had the opportunity to host a networking event in their own premises for fellow Chamber members and guests. From our first BAH in Baron’s Self Storage in March 2004 to our most recent BAH on board the Corrib Princess with hosts Go West Event Management last week, the formula has proved successful. Our next BAH will be in the premises of RDJ Glynn Solicitors, Aengus House, Long Walk on Wednesday 23rd of June at 6 p.m.
For both the Speed Networking and Business After Hours please register with Elaine Murphy [emurphy@galwaychamber.com]. Fees for the Speed Networking event are €20 for members and €25 for non-members to include refreshments.