Internal Networking allows for employees to network within and across departments. This allows new synergies to evolve between staff members that wouldn’t be evident without internal networking. Internal networking can help a company’s team building, mentoring, and creative strategy efforts. It has been shown that companies who promote internal networking have higher retention rates because people feel more connected to each other and the company. Internal networking promotes better relationships and internal resources for your staff, which in turn increases your company’s productivity. New employees reach out to seasoned professionals more and the seasoned professionals help out more out of a sense of service to your company.
Have a Clear Purpose
Know the purpose of your internal networking event and let the staff know this purpose. Make sure to think of purposes from the angle of each of your staff members so they will all get something out of the event.
Set the Scope
Which people and/or departments will be invited? Do you want a sit down, structured type of networking event or a more freestyle networking with a larger group of staff? Maybe speed networking is in order for people to discover who they want to follow up with later. Is this going to be a regular monthly gathering or a one time gathering?
Give Staff Enough Notice so that Attendance Doesn’t Suffer
Send out save the date communications to give people notice and let them know that their attendance is expected.
Location, Location, Location
Make sure the location you pick will work with the goals and scope you have for your Internal Networking event. Don’t wait last minute to reserve the meeting area.
Plan Refreshments
Keep the refreshments light. If it requires a fork, it may be too much. Specialty Coffees and Smoothies are usually big hits and the areas around the coffee bar counter becomes great networking spaces.
Set the Agenda
Let everyone know what is expected of them and provide an agenda so things don’t get so loose that nothing gets done. Many events have a quick 15-20 minute meet and greet that flows into a 5 minute welcome, and then finally into the planned networking event itself.
Facilitate Mingling
Setup the room for easy mingling. Maybe have certain staff in in charge of making sure to introduce other staff members who may not know each other so well.
Solicit Feedback
Feedback is always a good thing. It’s how you use the feedback that will truly improve the next event.
Follow Up
Explain with follow-up messaging to the attendees that they should all follow up with any leads or connections they made during the event. Tell them to be specific about next steps with their new connections.
Remember Valet Coffee for your next Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky Internal Networking Event. Our mobile espresso and smoothie bar is always a hit!
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About Valet Coffee
Valet Coffee is a full service, mobile espresso and smoothie bar. It’s a unique way to impress customers, appreciate employees and kick up any special event to the next level. Our professional baristas will bring the taste and feel of an authentic European coffee house. We do all the work, all you have to do is entertain. Valet Coffee’s mobile espresso and smoothie bars are one of Greater Cincinnati’s best marketing tools.
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