I switched from just showing up at events to actually setting goals for each one

For a year, I went to a lot of mixers but didn't get much from them. Then, at a Detroit Regional Chamber lunch, I heard someone say they aim to make two solid connections per event. I tried that at the next TechTown meetup and got a real lead for the first time. Anyone else set a small goal like that before walking in?

3 comments

3 Comments

terry_barnes2mo ago

Totally get that, I started doing the same thing. My goal is to leave with one person's contact info I actually want to follow up with. It makes the whole thing feel less random and way more worth the time.

the_henry2mo ago

Started trying this at my local networking breakfast and my first "goal" was just to not spill coffee on myself. Actually ended up talking to a guy who needed a bathroom renovation so hey maybe clumsy is a good strategy. Two solid connections sounds way smarter than my usual plan of just hoping someone nice talks to me.

bettywilson2mo ago

Honestly that Detroit Chamber lunch story hits home. Tbh I went to those for ages and never got a thing out of them. The idea of aiming for just two real connections is so simple but it changes everything. Makes you actually talk to people instead of just grabbing a plate and leaving early. Ngl I'm shocked it took me so long to figure that out.