AFP March 2022 Session: Speed Networking

4301 West 65th Street,Little Rock AR 72209

17 March, 2022

Description

Our goal is for you to network with your peers and start establishing relationships that will last for many years to come! 8:30am: Check-in & refreshments 9:00am: Speed Networking Parking and location of Meeting Space: There is plenty of parking in the front parking lot. When you arrive, you will enter through the front doors and take a left into the volunteer center. Once in the volunteer breakroom, you will take another left into the conference room. There will be someone at the front to direct everyone. Covid: All visitors are required to wear a mask. The foodbank building is equipped with temperature monitoring. There are cameras when you enter the building that will take your temperature and if anyone is running a temp of 100 or above, it will notify AF Staff. NOTE: There is an entrance to the conference room before you arrive at the front door, HOWEVER, you MUST go through the front doors to have your temperature checked. There are face masks and hand sanitizer in the front lobby. Below are some preparation tips for the event. Practice a 60-second statement that includes your name, title and non-profit name, and ask a question regarding information you are looking to obtain (a list of questions will also be provided for you). Some people like speed networking because you get right to the point and there is no time for small talk. Make sure you have a supply of business cards ready. Bring at least 20 Bring a pen, notepad, and your appointment calendar with you. Attire: business or business casual. Remember that you have a few seconds to gain information from the other professional. During the Event First of all, have fun. The fast pace of this kind of event contributes to a high level of energy in the room Usually 2-5 minutes are allowed for each round; the leader will inform the group about the time frame once the number of attendees are determined. As you meet each person, shake hands and exchange names and business cards. Read each card as you accept it. A good system to keep the cards organized: keep your business cards in one jacket or notebook pocket, and the business cards given to you in another jacket or notebook pocket. The first person introduces themselves and their purpose, and a very brief conversation takes place. Be extremely aware of the time factor so the second person doesn’t get their time cut short. Talking too long in a situation like this is highly insensitive and damages your first impression. Take notes on the back of your partner’s business card. This may include notes on how they look or what they are wearing to help you remember them. Suggest a next step, if appropriate. You will not have time to schedule a phone call or meeting, so follow up the next day if you would like to visit with them more. Above all, respect the process. At the signal, end your conversation immediately and move, or allow the other person to move, to next person. You can always continue conversations later. After the speed networking event, review the business cards of the individuals you met and scan or enter the information into the contact database software you may use. Send an email within 24-48 hours to each person you want to follow up with. Better yet, make a phone call to continue the conversation or book a meeting or lunch to move the relationship along.