In my previous blog, Business Networking: When to Move On, I wrote about how Business Network groups may not produce the business leads expected and how to know when is it time to Move On.

Lets take a look at Social Networking and how they work for business networking.

Most of the business people I speak with daily are entrenched, at different levels, into some type of offline social networking.  The statements I generally hear them say are:

• The social networking gathering offer me time to relax and make friends.
• At the very least, the social network gatherings I attend give me an opportunity to work on my social skills

As you can see, there is more of a cross section of opinions people have on what to expect in a social network gathering than at a business networking event.

If a networking function is set up as a Social Network gathering then by all means, the more people at the gather the merrier.

Social Networking for business leads works a little differently and requires more patience.  However, the social networking does get more productive the more times the gatherings are attended.

Business networks that use a Social Network format generally function better with large numbers.  However, the same 10 people max connecting in a two hour time frame stays the same.

The reality is in the expectations are a little lower for attending a social networking gathering verses a business networking event.  Most people do not have very high hopes in finding any business at the first social network gathering they attend where as the expectation for attending a business networking event is to connect to someone interested in doing business with the first business card passed.

Those who I work with who are into the social networking groups I still suggest they look for a group that is of moderate size since sometimes the larger gatherings turn into a loud noisy shouting match or a meat market for the singles in the group.

Nonetheless, if your purpose is to find business immediately and the gatherings you are attending are not generating business, it probably is time to move on to a new group.  However, the trend of social networking for business is growing since the casual atmosphere offers a great opportunity to get to know the people who attend the gathering better.

The social networking gatherings can offer up greater opportunities to see the real person you are talking to since the atmosphere is more social than ridged business format.

Whether function is a social gathering or a business networking event, make sure to follow business etiquettes at all time.  You will never know.  The person you have having a drink with could be your next client or boss.

Let me know how I can help.