5 Reasons Why Networking at BizCamp Works
As a seasoned(!) networker of almost 5 years, and having experienced many different styles of events, I have a few things to say about the BizCamp format, most recently at BizCampBelfast. These are my suggestions on why networking at BizCamp works, and why you need to be at the next one! We’ll keep you informed.
It’s a bit like Speed Networking
I’ve always found speed networking to be entirely useless as a medium, as five minutes is insufficient to get any real sense of what your counterpart does; you only get a short time pre-determined by someone else) to spend chatting with each person. The difference at BizCamp is that you can choose the time length yourself. This may while rushing inbetween talks, to say a quick “hi”; it could be over a planned coffee; or, during a longer (planned) lunchbreak, or post-event coffee. It’s an opportunity to network with a multiple of people (320 by all accounts).
It’s a bit like Training
BizCamp is all about learning. There are multiple speakers and themes. And, as on training courses, you’ve all day to network casually, as you discuss the learning points, get into groups, argue, discuss, debate, ask, provoke… There’s plenty of scope for things to open and continue a conversation with, which makes it much easier for the introverted to engage.
It’s a bit like Dating
You can get into a real, intense, private conversation with someone should you wish, due to the relaxed nature of events. There is no requirement to attend talks all day.
You can meet all sorts there. Social media is a great method of carrying on the relationship in the virtual world, making it much easier to relate when you meet that person again.
It’s a bit like Schmoozing
Schmoozing’s a worthwhile activity, don’t knock it! You know the deal. We all schmooze a little. We befriend and hang out with the cool cats. Often the cool cats turn out to be cool people too, and just good to be around because of the energy, smiles, fun, insight, positivity, friendliness, life, noise or cupcakes they exude. And, business and referrals too. Thanks guys. :)
Oh, this wee app will now make Schmooozing easier. 
It’s a bit like Chilling with Your Mates
In all, networking at BizCamp is so unlike any other networking activity. Maybe it’s because there’s no unspoken dress code? Maybe it’s because there are no heavy expectations on you as an attendee. (If you want to volunteer to help you can. Future organisers will only be too glad to give you a job to do, I’m sure.)
In all, it’s about as far away from traditional, structured networking (which works too) as possible. You NEED to be at the next one!
Meantime, we’d love to hear your thoughts on the event. Who did you hear that really blew your mind, and inspired you to great things? What elements of the day worked well, or not? Are you a cupcake fan, an oreo fan, or a gingerbread man fan? Have you been inspired to speak at the next BizCamp? And, what about? Answers on a comment below please!
Some Links to the Presentations:
Kathryn Leech: http://www.slideshare.net/bzinetiis/social-media-for-business-5785544
Jordan McClements: http://www.ppcni.com/bizcamp.pdf
If you know of any others, add them to a comment, and we will add them in here.
Image credit: Neil Harrison Photography, the one-man energy machine, who leaped around all day taking excellent pics.
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Dawn what a fantastic post about the most exciting networking event of the year.
I am the ultimate Bizcamp groupie. I loved Bizcamp newry so much(run by the same lovely pair Nichola Bates and Chris McCabe) that I volunteered to be on the crew for the day at Bizcamp Belfast. I was so glad I did as it was a way to get to speak to nearly everyone there, even for just a moment. I brought along Kathryn who has worked off and on for I Love Mondays for over 5 years and volunteered her time to come and be part of the crew as well. She loved loved loved it!
I spoke this time too which made things so much more exciting for me as it allowed me to engage with people even more. Have to say I was high as a kite from the buzz of the day and I was still twitching with excitement as I fell asleep in bed!
At Bizcamp Newry I didn’t organise myself enough to speak or perhaps I didn’t have the nerve to get up and talk at the time. I always regretted it as I saw how much buzz was created by the speakers. I also saw how much excitement they felt themselves. There was no need to have any fear whatsoever as the laid back nature of Bizcamp makes you feel right at ease.
There’s something so refreshing about walking about a business networking event in your jeans and a t-shirt. It’s a great leveller.
You’re so right about how easy it was to have all sorts of conversations with people. I noticed people having those intimate one-to-one type chats in little nooks and crannies. I also witnessed much shaking of hands and agreements to hook up soon and sharing ideas.
The venue was awesome. Perfect to keep the creative juices flowing. I even liked the fact that you had to search for one of the rooms as it gave a sense of adventure and play to the whole thing.
I intend to never attend an event again without being armed with cupcakes made by Sarah from http://www.marshmallowgrove.com. I felt like Elvis with the people coming up to me to get a bite of a bun. It was a great way to break down barriers and have people come to me!!!
It’s great the way you picked up on all the different energy going on. Facebook and Twitter and Bizcamp have changed the way networking should happen. Everyone there experienced meeting faces that they’d only ever seen in a tiny thumbnail on Facebook but had perhaps spoken to on a regular basis before yesterday. It was all the things you said above Dawn and I can’t wait until the next one.
Class.
Brilliant account of yesterday’s BizCamp Belfast Dawn!!! Was lovely to meet you yesterday!!
The atmosphere was fantastic, the speakers even better! My only regeret, not going to Dean or Jonny’s seminars!!!!
(But I got to see them throughout the day and caught the last few minutes of Jonny’s seminar. So I’m HOPING that SOMEONE will have videos to post on the website!!!
Loved the enthusiasm from Tracy D, Dean, Jonny K and Eve Earley!!! Truly inspirational
BizCamp 2011?! I’ll BE THERE!
You’re missing out if you don’t go. FANTASTIC event guys!
Dean, you need to get your own blog post! Thanks for all your feedback and enthusiasm. I do indeed agree that you’re the ultimate BizCamp groupie! So glad that your first experience of speaking there was a positive one.
Totally agree with your comments on jeans.
Lisa, so glad you enjoyed yourself too. Sounds like you’ll be joining us groupies next time round too.
This sums it all up.
As one of the few public sector people at it – and before anyone complains, I took a day’s leave, rather than try and explain the concept to management – I learned a lot and think there’s a lot many of my compatriots could learn.
Venue superb, speakers great, good to catch up some and meet new people.
Only one wee thing to nitpick on your blog, Dawn – the dates I go on these days are never that interesting.
Ahem. :-/
Great post Dawn. I really like the Bizcamp concept and you’ve summed it up very well.
It was good to meet you yesterday and thanks for your Facebook insights.
Hi Dawn. Didn’t bump into you on the day – partly due to the fact I had to leave early afternoon – but a brilliant event highly recommended for anyone in business who can get a day off work! (Paul – tell your bosses I am highly upset that they did not give you a day’s pay for coming (and nice to meet you by the way on the day)).
The stand out speaker for me was Gareth Dunlop (Ion) – very funny, well prepared presentation (unlike mine).
I know it just looks like I am kissing ass now – but well done to the organisers – obviously a lot of time and effort went into it (and nice summary post Dawn)..
(OK that is enough brackets for now).
Paul, just keep chipping away at the compatriots.
Jordan, thanks for sharing your highlights. Sorry I missed Gareth. And, brackets are good.
Fran, thank-you. You too. The cut-outs are just fab. I’ve been wondering what other creative uses they can be put to – would love to get a minute with you to chat about who and what kind of business commissions them and what for.
Echo Echo Echo all of the above, great piece Dawn. The jeans or in my case jeggings made me feel right at ease – so much so I attended a speed Networking event the next day with a company logo emblazoned tshirt and jeans and to my horror everyone else was in powersuits and pinstripes but I was at ease myself and think the ‘stand out from the crowd element’ was a real conversation starter and created a lot of interest around what we do. I was amazed that a lot of people there hadn’t heard of BizCamp – where do these people live – so think for future events might be worth trying to get the message out to the ‘not yet converted to the wonders of social media’ types.
The sense of adventure, anticipation, buzz etc was palpable – Dean I can vouch for your excited twitching but i thought it was a sugar buzz from the oh so delicious cupcakes! There was so much going on, a veritable feast for the senses, the venue was a great choice. Only criticism (of myself)is that I didn’t get to do nearly enough networking, was afraid to miss out on any of the brilliant speakers.
I attended on my own as I thought to take a friend/colleague would mean i was less likely to ‘network’ but not so sure now, think having someone else to hover with while seeking out opportunites to network might take the edge off a little – what do others think, go it alone or bring a friend?
My take away thought and possible slogan for their new app is “If you don’t Schmooze you lose”
EXCELLENT post Dawn
and lots of lovely responses.
I enjoyed the day thoroughly – like Andrea I didn’t really network as much as I had thought with new people but I did enjoy building on existing relationships which is just as important!
Thanks for the delicious cupcake Dean
See you all again soon!
Elaine
Andrea, thanks. Love that you wore rad clothes to a trad networking event. It worked, didn’t it!? As for going it alone, yes, it’s a bit scary. But, I favour picking a few networking groups and sticking with them. That way you get to know people alot better than trying to spread your time thinly, and there’s always someone you know. Stick with the events/groups that you can refer business to and vie versa, and ditch the ones that aren’t working for you. A good mix of styles of networking is good too. On Monday, my wee bro came with me, but we all ended up losing each other all day, as we kept bumping into new and old friends and having a good yarn. S’what it’s all about.
Elaine, thanks, and yeh, people are just raving about the event! I’ve been spending the last few days reading Koch’s “The 80/20 Principle”, and have started to think that I probably need to pay more attention to the contacts, customers, networkers I DO know, than to new ones. A bit like the old adage that it takes less time and effort to upsell, cross-sell, and re-sell to existing customers, than to gain new ones. Talk soon.