I made a significant discovery in how to host an effective networking event years ago. This one change made my events much more impactful and well attended.  

I shared my discovery with a meeting planner friend recently, and as I did, the Universe sprang into action and freaked me out! We had been talking about the networking events I created, like Geek Breakfast and Nashcocktail. As I shared the big lesson I learned, another friend randomly sent me a text message with no words, only a photo. The image in question was of me, back in 2014, depicting exactly what I had described.

If you've attended networking events in the past, you'll note that the worst ones often lack a host or, at least, an active host directing attendees. Does this sound familiar? You sign in, get a name badge, and then walk around aimlessly, awkwardly making small talk while awaiting an announcement, instructions, or at least a welcome.

When the host doesn't do the above, it leaves attendees uncomfortable and perplexed. It's especially tough for newcomers who don't know anyone, as well as for shy or more introverted folks.

The photo Clark Buckner texted me out of the blue, with no explanation, is the one you see here: me standing on a chair, welcoming Nashcocktail attendees at Sam's in Hillsboro Village. Thanks, Clark. Your timing was impeccable!

Dave Delaney hosting Nashcocktail in 2014 at Sam’s in Nashville by Clark Buckner.

I always made it a point to welcome everyone, but one day I had an idea. I had everyone gather in a rough circle and asked each attendee to briefly share what brought them to the event. My spontaneous request changed everything. It allowed new Nashvillians, job seekers, founders hiring, entrepreneurs with solutions, and business types seeking solutions to find and connect.

When Bill said, “I’m a software developer, new to town, and looking for a job.” Mary, the HR Director of a SaaS company, knew to seek out Bill because she was hiring.

Giving everyone a minute to share what they were seeking and who they are briefly allows for better connections to be made. I encourage event organizers to try this method. It doesn’t have to be fancy or scripted. Welcome everyone, thank them for coming, then let them share the spotlight and see what magic emerges from the connections that follow.

If attendees leave your event confused and unsatisfied because of your lack of direction, you can bet they won’t return. Providing them with what they need to meet the people they most want to connect with will benefit everyone.

I advocate for being nice to everyone you encounter each day. Yes, it sometimes takes a bit of empathy to return a smile and keep your patience intact.

Leaders of organizations can measure the result of being nice. The best way to do this is to recognize each team member frequently enough to make them feel proud of the work they do. A compliment goes a long way.

I recommend leaders add this item to their daily to-do lists.

Today I recognized ____________________________________

A quick pat on the back and compliment will make a person’s day. Happier staff feel more positive and are less likely to find a job elsewhere. As I mentioned, do this to be nice first and foremost. Then consider the cost of replacing an unhappy employee.

The ROI of Nice

How much does it cost to replace an unhappy team member? 

Entry-level employees - 30-50% of their annual salary.

Mid-level employees - upwards of 150% of their annual salary.

High-level or highly specialized employees - 400% of their annual salary.

If you are a 150-person company with 11% annual turnover, and you spend $25,000 per-person on hiring, $10,000 each on turnover and development, and lose $50,000 of productivity opportunity cost on average when refilling a role, then your annual cost of turnover would be about $1.57 million. Reducing this by just 20%, for example, would immediately yield over $300,000 in value. And that says nothing of the emotional headache and cultural drain felt from losing great people*. - Source: https://blog.employerscouncil.org/2017/06/28/costs-of-turnover/

Do you want to improve how nice you are to yourself, your team, and your community? Recognize a team member each day of the week. I cover this and much more in The ROI of Nice presentation.

Photo by Lukas from Pexels.