5 Minute Networking™, September 21, 2005
at Turfway Park, Florence, Kentucky
Define
Another thoroughbred horse race, the “sport of kings?” No, not yet. Actually, it was the start of OHMPI’s first-ever “5 Minute Networking™” event, appropriately hosted by Turfway Park in Florence, Kentucky, one of the foremost racetracks in the world.
Although the state-of-the-art race track, the sleek thoroughbreds, the luxurious facilities, and the awesome display of buffet items were certainly enticing, the real star of the show was Sonia English, co-founder of “5 Minute Networking™,” and the guest speaker and facilitator for OHMPI’s September educational event.
Based on the “speed dating” concept, 5 Minute Networking™ uses state-of-the-art technology and software to optimize business opportunities.
Attendees pre-registered with the 5 Minute Networking™ software program were asked to identify the business categories they wished to meet with during the scheduled five-minute sessions. This information was used to assign seating at the event, to ensure attendees received the best introductions possible.
The 5 Minute Networking™ software also keeps track of who met whom at events, to allow the maximum number of new introductions at each function. After an event, attendees are able to logon to the 5 Minute Networking™ website and review the contact details of those they met.
All registrants, including those who registered with 5 Minute Networking™ on site, were assigned to either a stationary or rotating seat, which meant the occupant either stayed at the same table throughout the event, or moved from table to table after each five-minute session.
Following Sonia’s informative and entertaining explanation of what 5 Minute Networking™ is all about, and how it works, the participants were off and “running,” armed with valuable “handicapping” tips on how to get the most out of the one-on-one meetings:
??Speak clearly and project your voice.
??State what you do professionally in a concise manner.
??You never know who the person sitting in front of you knows!
??Listen to what the other person has to say.
??Follow up with the people you meet.
Immediately, numerous lively conversations were underway throughout the room, as everyone sought to implement the networking tips, and maximize their business opportunities. When the bell rang, those with rotating assignments moved on to the next table, and the process was repeated for the next 90 minutes.
Well, let’s qualify that statement; ideally, most moved on when the bell rang. There were always a few who found it difficult to break away from their conversations, and that demonstrated one of the values of the 5 Minute Networking™ experience: it’s qualified, it’s intense, and the participants realized that not only was their time well spent, but the 5 Minute Networking™ concept offered a wide variety of viable applications for both planners and suppliers.
It was apparent that conventions and meetings of all sorts, hotels, corporate entities, institutions of higher learning, independent meeting planners and multiple association management companies could utilize 5 Minute Networking™.
Immediately after the 5 Minute Networking™ session, the participants enjoyed an hour-long reception, with an elaborate buffet table sponsored by Turfway Park.
Then, it was time for the “ponies;” thoroughbred racing at its finest, on a new, state-of-the-art, all-weather track. The beautiful, balmy weather made for idea race-watching conditions, and the eager, although less-than-expert, OHMPI race fans thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Several of the “philanthropist wannabes” took advantage of the opportunity to increase their net wealth, although there did not appear to be any major winners at the end of the evening!
Big “Thank You’s” to Sonia English, who left the surfing wonders of California to elucidate the OHMPI members on 5 Minute Networking™; and our hosts, Jack Gordon and his associates at Turfway Park. Truly, a memorable, informative and enjoyable OHMPI outing.
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