As an experienced business networker, I can explain why people often dislike networking, here I will cite ten common reasons:
Repetitive Elevator Pitches
People dislike networking when they're forced to listen to the same elevator pitches week after week. It becomes redundant when members already know what others do for a living, and it flat out a wasted opportunity for more meaningful connections.
Recruitment Overkill
Weekly meetings that primarily focus on guest instead of providing value to existing paying members can be frustrating. Members want tangible benefits, not just constant recruitment pressure.
Annual Leadership Changes
When volunteer leadership changes every year, it can create uncertainty and disrupt the group's dynamics. You may not know what the next leader's style or vision will be, leading to a lack of continuity and stability. Often groups splinter into little cliques making it hard for others to get their foot in the door.
Forced Friend Recruitment
Most networking groups require members to recruit friends, even when it doesn't align with their business goals or target audience. This can feel like an imposition and detracts from the primary purpose of business networking.
Outdated Technology
In today's digital age, a lack of real technology or online tools can hinder networking efforts. Members expect efficient communication, event management, and collaboration tools to enhance their experience.
Lead Quotas
Being expected to pass a lead every week, whether you have a relevant one or not, can create stress and artificial interactions. Qualityreferrals should be prioritized over quantity.
Excessive Volunteering
Many networking groups suggest or require members to volunteer a significant amount of their time, which can be burdensome, especially for busy professionals who are primarily looking to grow their businesses.
Inefficient Meetings
Lengthy, disorganized meetings without a clear agenda can frustrate members. People want structured, productive gatherings that maximize their time and opportunities, but they do not want redundant leadership reports that detract from the actual networking experience.
Lack of Diversity
Networking groups that lack diversity in terms of industries or backgrounds can limit the potential for valuable connections. Members may feel like they're stuck in an echo chamber. If members are not dragging their friends the group does not grow. If they are they are taking time away from recruiting their own new customers!
Hidden Costs
Some networking groups may have hidden costs, such as expensive weekly meal charges, or hospitality fees for room rental, which can catch members off guard and lead to resentment.
In summary, people often hate networking when it feels like a repetitive and unproductive process, with a focus on recruitment and a lack of technology and diversity. To enhance the networking experience, it's important for groups to prioritize member value, technology integration, and transparent communication. Let’s face it the industry has not changed much since it’s inception and is long overdue for a major overhaul!
