Innovation in business networking: Q&A with Sonia and Melissa English
FORTUNE Business Innovation blog
In this exclusive Q&A for the FORTUNE Business Innovation blog, the two co-founders of 5 Minute Networking, Melissa and Sonia English explain the inspiration for their innovative approach to business networking and outline various ways how this approach could spur cross-departmental cooperation during the innovation process.
Q: What was the creative spark that led to the development of the innovative “rapid networking” approach?
Melissa English: I was at a speed-dating event and found the event more beneficial for business networking than for dating! After meeting the 10th guy, I found it difficult to focus on the subtleties of attraction, but found that for the black and white of business connections, it was a highly effective way to see if there is a match. At the same time I was at the speed-dating event, Sonia was at a chamber of commerce networking mixer. As is often the case at networking mixers, individuals tend to talk to those they already know. (Not only is it difficult to introduce oneself, it is difficult to turn the conversation to business, and it is difficult to extricate oneself from one individual and move onto another!) The following day, when I came to the office with more leads for our website development company than Sonia did, we knew that something was amiss!
After holding a few 5 Minute Networking events, we realized that in order to optimize introductions at events, we needed technology. This led to the development of 5 Minute Networking’s Event Facilitation Software which we license to alumni associations, chambers of commerce and any other organizations looking to improve the level and quality of interaction among its members, employees or conference attendees. The software minimizes the work involved in planning and facilitating a rapid networking event, and provides optimal results for participants. With the software, new introductions are maximized, participants can select who they would prefer to meet, and limits can be set so an event doesn’t become inundated with a particular industry.
Q: Currently, companies are facing a lot of pressure to foster a creative, risk-taking environment that leads to business innovation. How might companies apply or adapt the “rapid networking” approach to creating this type of environment within the workplace?
Melissa English: 5 Minute Networking corporate team-building events are a fast and efficient way to increase employee interaction, name recognition, organizational productivity, and performance. Because the Event Facilitation Software keeps track of who has met who, 5 Minute Networking events are the ideal way to integrate employees in different departments or divisions. A 5 Minute Networking event with a topic such as “Ways departments can better work together” can results in a plethora of efficiency improvements and dramatically increased inter-departmental communication.
Q: What are your favorite resources for keeping up on the latest trends and developments within the networking/relationship building industry?
Sonia English: By far the best resource for keeping up with the latest trends in networking/relationship building is people. Staying well connected to the thoughts and ideas of our attendees has been instrumental in our success. In taking their suggestions and implementing technology, we are revolutionizing networking as we know it. Bottom line is that when it comes to networking, it is about the people and the relationships you build.
Q: How do you think the art and practice of networking will be different five years from now?
Sonia English: Five years from now I believe there will be many more online networking opportunities. The advancements in technology are definitely going to come into play. However, I don’t expect the value of in-person meetings will ever dissipate. There is nothing like a strong handshake while looking someone in the eye!
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