Applying Idea of Speed Dating to Networking
Program puts businesspeople together one-on-one for five-minute increments.
The Signal
The sisters are the chief executive officer and chief operating officer duo behind 5 Minute Networking, an Orange County-based business that applies the concept of speed dating to business networking.
One popular speed dating company boasts that in one evening an individual will have eight one-on-one dates that last eight minutes each. If both parties are interested in meeting again, the company provides contact information so they can set up another date. It’s like an online dating service, but in person.
While not exactly the same, 5 Minute Networking follows a similar concept. Businessmen and women are given the opportunity to meet one-on-one in five-minute increments with the goal of maximum exposure and minimum time commitment.
Most entrepreneurs can tell within a few minutes if a business relationship is going to be profitable, said John Yang of Silver State Mortgage, who hosted Santa Clarita’s first 5 Minute Networking event in Valencia on Tuesday.
“I’ve been networking through business organizations for a long time and the biggest frustration for me, is that you end up hanging out with the people you came in with,” he said. “You never really get a chance to introduce yourself to someone new. Introducing yourself to 10 new people is unheard of.”
The 5 Minute Networking model is very calculated, Yang said. Computer software limits each business category and designs the layout of the room so each person is positioned to meet the maximum number of people.
And for Yang, a networking event should be primarily about allowing him to meet the highest number of people possible.
“Usually you can tell within about five minutes if you would want to sit down with the person (you’ve just met) further,” he said. “It’s all about creating more opportunities for people to network.”
The event, which was hosted at the Tournament Players Club of Valencia, drew about 14 local businessmen and women, and the response has been positive, Yang said.
“One person said they met more people in this one night than in two months,” he said. “(Everyone) said they can’t wait for it to get larger.”
Indeed, Yang’s goal is to have twice as many people at the next event, which is set for sometime in August.
Yang described Tuesday as somewhat of a trial run.
“I put this together in less than 30 days, and we’ve received a lot of feed back,” he said. “Hopefully we’ll have twice as many people at the next one in August.”
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