Business Networking That Doesn't Suck
Biznik nature hike in PortlandAt one time or another, if you run a small business, you've probably attended some kind of local business networking event, or joined a civic group to help get business leads. There are a variety of shapes and sizes. Business After Hours Mixers, Morning Breakfast Clubs, Lunch and Learns. Blah blah blah. Some networking groups are tightly controlled, restricting membership to one person from a particular business type. Their sole purpose is to get and give leads. Others are affinity-based, like a college alumni network. Some groups have a mission to educate and inform while others build future leaders. And then there is "old school" networking -- fraternal organizations (The International Order of This-or-That) and service organizations (Friend of Fill-in-The-Blank). Some people love this stuff. They just seem to thrive in a networking or club environment. And many groups are effective, fun, and make a difference in the world. But for the rest of us (me) these things suck. Business networking is kind of like getting your teeth cleaned at the dentist's office. It's a hassle and makes you feel uncomfortable, but you go through with it anyway because you know it'll be good for you in the long run. Ugh.
Recently I was invited to attend an introductory biznik event in Austin. The website's tagline drew me in, "Business Networking That Doesn't Suck." Cool! I went to my first event feeling a bit skepical. But it was true. It actually didn't suck. Biznik is an up-and-comer in the social networking world. It began in Seattle.
According to co-founder Dan McComb in his online profile, "In 2005, Lara Eve Feltin and I cofounded Biznik with a simple premise: business networking shouldn't suck. Today Biznik is an award-winning community that connects more than 21,000 forward-thinking business people in 120 countries. And we always have room for one more, no matter what profession you represent (as long as it's legal!). Members connect using Biznik's social network and strengthen relationships at more than 100 member-hosted events every month."
Those local, in-person events are what sets biznik apart from Facebook and LinkedIn. And the friendly, laid back meeting formats are what sets biznik apart from a typical networking group. Our facilitator at the meeting was business consultant Karrie Kohlhass from Seattle. She is a biznik (that's what members call themselves) and was energetic and laid back at the same time. Biznik members create their own groups, and set the tone and meeting format. In Seattle, where the biznik community is 10,000 strong, Karrie invented "Walk & Talks." Members get together and do just that. Walk and talk. How cool (and maybe a bit soggy in Seattle), but so un-network.
I think there's a good chance that Austin bizniks will quickly outpace the huge Seattle community. It feels like the perfect fit for Austin. Walk & Talks around Lady Bird Lake? People will swear we invented them here. So, I guess I'm a biznik (Hmm, shades of beatnik -- even more weirdly appropriate for Austin.) I'll be looking for you soon at a meeting, and it probably won't suck.
Rick
After I posted this article I took Karrie Kohlhass' challenge to set up my own biznik event. Please join me for the first Austin Music Monday Mixer at Kick Butt Coffee. Register in advance at biznik.com
Rick
My first biznik event was a success. Relaxed casual evening of meeting new people. Join me on May 14 for a biznik "Tear 'n Share" event at Progress Coffee. Our topic: Twitter and social media marketing for small business.
Monday, April 13, 2009 at 5:56AM tagged Networking, Social Media, Social Media Marketing 
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Reader Comments (4)
Hi Rick,
That's a great short history of business networking! I agree with you: the problem with business networking in general is that it's just too associated with sales, leads referrals, whatever you want to call it. We built Biznik on the idea that marketing should be about attracting people to you, rather than pushing them. Referrals will take care of themselves if you have created a space where genuine relationships are happening.
I'm a big fan of Seth Godin, who posted recently that hallways are where the real business takes place in organizations, not in meeting rooms. Our goal with Biznik has been to create hallways - opportunities such as the ones you pointed out where you can walk and talk or drink a beer with someone. We believe that collaborating with someone on a real project is a much better way to spark a profitable business relationship than perfectly rehearsed 30-second elevator pitch. And it sounds like you do, too. Welcome to Biznik! We always have room for people who think like you do.
Thanks, Dan. Glad to be involved.
Online networking can be just as beneficial, plus you can utilize special tools and applications to be more efficient at it. Plus it's a cheap form of online advertising that you can do in your pajamas without dishing out airfare and hotel expenses.
sorry i disagree, there expensive, £600 PA !!! PLUS AWFUL HOTEL BREAKFAST!! cant stand them nor online business forums.