For a long time, large conferences have been the centre of networking. With impressive speakers and drinks receptions, business leaders have flocked to conferences in search of exposure, connections and the chance to make deals. But, things are changing. A growing number of professionals are embracing a different kind of networking with the intimate dinners.
These smaller, curated, private dining events are becoming the ‘go to’ for meaningful networking and deal-making.
The Benefits of Networking at Private Dining Events
With so many benefits that come with networking at private dining events, you’ll soon be turning your back on large, corporate events and RSVPing to your next intimate dinner invite.
Immerse Yourself in a Curated Room
One of the biggest downsides of a large conference is the random selection of people that tend to attend. There’s no knowing who will show up, who you’ll end up talking to and how valuable those interactions will be. You could end up spending days, or even weeks, trying to find a promising lead following a conference, for it to go nowhere. But, at private dining events, the guest list is intentionally curated.
Guests are chosen because of shared interests, similar industries, aligned values or relevant strategic goals. Everyone in the room has a reason to be there. This instantly aligns everyone’s values and goals. The people you meet at a private dining event are likely to be worth knowing and beneficial to your business ventures, and conversations naturally start from a place of relevance.
Have Real Conversations, Not Pitches
Large events tend to encourage surface-level interactions, and it’s not uncommon to hear polished pitch after polished pitch. People are often guarded and speaking in prepared sound bites, even scanning the room for their next networking opportunity while you talk. You’re networking, but you’re not really connecting.
Things are different at private dining events, as conversations go much deeper. You can talk about your product or service, but also your family, upcoming travel plans, investments, fundraising and business goals. You’re not just selling something, you’re building strong professional relationships. You build rapport and connect, rather than having passing interactions that are quickly forgotten about.
Stronger Follow-Up Possibilities
At large conferences, following up can be challenging. People meet dozens, sometimes hundreds of people in a short amount of time and unless your interaction was really memorable, you’re likely going to be forgotten about. But, the intimacy of a dinner makes each conversation more meaningful and easier to remember. When you follow up after a dinner, you’re not one of many doing the same, you’re one of a select few. There’s context, shared moments and a clear conversation thread to pick up.
No Awkward Introductions or Ice-Breakers
Networking can be socially exhausting, especially if it doesn’t come naturally to you. Large events can leave you feeling like you’re forcing conversations, bouncing between awkward small talk and listening to aimless pitches. You spend more energy trying to get into the right conversation than actually having a meaningful one.
At a private dining event, there’s a lot less pressure. Introductions are made by the host and the context is already established. You know who’s in the room, why they’re there and how you might relate. This helps conversations to happen naturally.
Make Fewer, But Better Connections
Most people leave conferences with a stack of business cards or a list of LinkedIn connections, most of which they’ll never follow up with. Connection quantity is easy to achieve, but depth doesn’t come quite as easily. At an intimate dinner, you have the chance to form a real connection with everyone at the table. There’s time to listen, share, respond and even spark collaboration on the spot.
You can build mutually beneficial partnerships by starting a conversation, sharing insights or making a personal recommendation. There might be fewer people, but you’ll have more time to speak to each one individually.
Comfortable Environments Build Better Relationships
Conferences can often feel cold and transactional. But, we’re social creatures and our best interactions happen when we feel relaxed. That’s why dinner matters. Sharing a meal is one of the most universal ways people bond. It’s relaxed, communal and evens the playing field. There’s storytelling, laughing and interesting topics discussed, making everyone feel at ease.
In a setting where people feel comfortable, they’re more likely to open up, be candid and see others as people, not just business contacts.
More Effective Use of Time, Energy and Resources
There’s a fair number of costs related to attending conferences. Registration, travel, hotels and time away from work all add up, and it might only lead to ineffective networking that doesn’t pay off. But, at a private dining event, your ROI is likely to be better. These events are closer to home, easier to attend and a lot less time-consuming. You have direct access to high-value people, more time to build rapport and immediate relationship-building opportunities, with very little expense.
The Future of Networking is at a Private Dining Table
Gone are the days of business leaders wanting to be centre stage at a large conference, ready to network with as many people as possible. Now, a growing number of leaders, founders and entrepreneurs are focusing on private dining events and intimate dinners. Business is all about relationships, and relationships aren’t built in formal conference rooms or awkward networking mixers. They’re built over time, over dinner.
By networking at an intimate dinner, you can get more out of your networking efforts, and this is where The Directors Box comes in.
