The No-Stress Way To Plan Local Networking Events To Grow Your Business

You might assume planning and hosting a networking event is challenging, complicated, and time-consuming.

And before I hosted several of my own, I thought the same! 

I worried my ADHD brain (and the fact that I run two businesses while mom-ing 3 kids) would make event planning too much trouble. 

But I also know that in-person events are a gold mine for small business owners, so I decided to put aside my anxieties and host my own event. 

And guess what! It wasn’t as complicated as I thought it’d be. 

So keep reading to learn my 3-step, no-stress way to plan a local, in-person networking event.

An image of Emily Schwalbach throwing confetti with the text: "The No Stress Way to Plan Local Networking Events"

Why Networking Events?

In my last blog post, I shared that, according to Zippia, “networking is responsible for the success of 78% of startups.”

I can attest that in-person events have been a game-changer for my business. There’s just something about meeting face-to-face and connecting with fellow entrepreneurs!

What Are Networking Events?

A networking event allows you and fellow business owners to connect and discuss potential collaborations, partnerships, and more. 

These events can be quick, hour-long coffee chats or more involved, formal affairs. (I prefer casual events!)

As a host, you’re responsible for securing the venue, food and beverages, and promoting the event.

And to get the most out of it, your guests should come prepared to discuss their businesses and form relationships with other entrepreneurs. 

Keep reading to learn about the 3-step process I use to plan and execute my in-person networking events.

Step 1: Find a Venue

Aside from your guests, the venue is the most essential part of any networking event. 

I always collaborate with brick-and-mortar business owners. They’ll likely want the foot traffic and offer their space for free.

In the past, I’ve hosted events at boutiques (thank, Maple Layne Market!) and a locally owned restaurant (stop by Slapfish Indiana for the BEST fish tacos).

Be sure to consider the size and occupancy of the space as well as these factors:

  • Where will you serve the food and drinks? Can the venue provide a serving table?

  • Do you want your guests to stand the whole time? Does the venue have seating/tables? 

  • Does the venue have a sound system if you're going to provide music? If not, can you bring a portable speaker?

Tying up these loose ends will be important as you move to step 2.

Step #2: Make a Plan

Once you’ve got a venue and have scheduled the event (I prefer weekdays for mine), it’s time to get organized.

Having a formal activity is not necessary, but it’s a nice way to structure the event.

For example, for my first networking event at Maple Layne, I asked a Scout and Cellar distributor to host a wine tasting, which allowed her to promote her business and provided guests with a fun activity.

Once you have a general idea of the order of events, make a list of what you’ll need on hand. Here’s one to get you started:

  • Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)

  • Hors d'oeuvres 

  • Disposable plates, cups, and flatware

  • Ice

  • Music/media (portable speaker; Spotify playlist)

  • Tables and chairs (if not provided by the venue)

  • Printed name tags OR Blank ones they can write their names on (these are especially helpful for your introverted. Don’t forget their business names and IG handles!) 

Step 3: Promote The Event

Now that you have the event logistics settled, it’s time to promote it.

When I host my networking nights, I always have a specific business owner in mind: introverted female entrepreneurs.

To that end, any messaging for the event has that target audience in mind.

And while there’s not one way to promote an event, here’s what I recommend:

  1. About 3 weeks before the big night, create buzz on Instagram. Use Canva to create feed post graphics; talk about the event in Stories; make polls; and have followers RSVP in the DMs. Once they RSVP, ask for their email addresses. (Here’s the template I used! Feel free to swipe it!)

  2. About a week before the event, email anyone who expressed interest in the event. Include details such as the date/time, location, itinerary, parking information, and attire. (People love it when I give them ideas on what to wear because it gives them one less thing to think about!)

  3. The morning of the event, send a quick reminder.

  4. After the event, send an email with each guest’s Instagram handle and email. 

A fancy email platform isn’t required to promote your business; a simple note from Gmail will work! 

And while I haven’t done this (yet), creating a Facebook group for each event will make it easier for your guests to stay connected.

Let’s Wrap This Up!

Hosting an in-person networking event doesn’t require much time, energy, money, or brain power. I spent about $75 on my first event and 3-4 hours planning it using these 3 steps:

  • Find a Venue

  • Make a Plan

  • Promote It

I’ve helped dozens of business owners leverage their networks and grow their businesses! If you’re interested in my 1:1 marketing strategy sessions, reach out! 

And don’t forget about the Social Squad Society’s next in-person event on October 9 in Raleigh, North Carolina!

Emily Schwalbach