Speed Networking

Networking can be hard work. Especially if you spend most of an event stuck talking to someone you know there is no reason to develop a relationship with. So how about a more efficient way of meeting people?

The Insurance Institute of Liverpool offered a speed networking evening in May which did exactly this. Attendees were from a range of roles across the professions including general insurance, financial services and legal, all of which commented on how refreshing the event was, compared to normal networking. Having less than five minutes to talk to each person, before being moved on to the next person, meant that attendees quickly explained their roles and figured out if they could develop a useful connection. Attendees were then encouraged to follow up connections as they would usually - with many staying on to continue talking together after the event finished.

Tracey Fisher MBE, ACII, Chartered Insurer, the local institute President, explained where the idea came from, "I had heard about speed networking and was sceptical until I went to an event with a lot of CEOs; I realised that, with them often being starved of time, the majority of them had perfected how to network with many people in a short space of time - they were doing their own speed networking! It's been great to see our members getting to know new people from the profession in a relaxed atmosphere and I hope we can run the event again."

Fancy something different for a Tuesday evening? Have you ever wondered what colleagues across the professional and surrounding services do? Try our exciting FREE speed networking event! An excellent opportunity to put your networking skills into practice and to meet new people in a relaxed atmosphere.

Who should attend? Everyone! Including those new to the profession who are keen to build relationships and those who want to build upon their knowledge and networking skills. Members and non-members are welcome to attend.

You have the opportunity to meet another attendee for 2 to 3 minutes, then one of you will change seats, moving along the line to meet and greet the next person. There will be help on hand, for any tongue-tied moments, in the form of pots of fun questions to dip into. We'll be timing the sessions and let you know when it is time to move on.

Don't forget to bring your business cards along with you, but don't worry if you don't have any, we'll have blank ones you can write your details on and hand out.

5.30pm - tea, coffee, bite to eat to relax everyone

6pm - Welcome

6.10pm - Start speed networking

7pm (approx. depending on number of attendees) - end of speed networking, thank you and attendees welcome to say and continue networking normally.