I just read a post on Social Media Marketing with Warren Cass, and I thought that he had a terrific idea! He is in the process of organizing a networking/ski trip, “NetSki 2012.” As the post states, this type of trip is a superb way to get to know fellow business people because, “relationships build stronger and faster in [a ski vacation] type of environment than any other networking environment,” that he has seen.
I definitely agree with his assessment of networking outside the box. As I’ve mentioned in a previous post, some of my best networking opportunities have been on the non-traditional variety – I know contacts from running groups, church, etc. and I tend to forge a stronger bond with those people than with those I meet at traditional events.
Unfortunately, I cannot join Netski 2012 – jetting off to Geneva just isn’t in the cards for me at the end of the month. However, maybe I can come up with my own non-traditional marketing event beyond those that I’ve already mentioned? Something that allows potential business contacts to open up to one another more quickly than they might at a Chamber of Commerce breakfast? I wonder if anyone in the South Florida area would be interested in, say, a cooking class or an outing on a boat? If so, please let me know – maybe Gossett Marketing will add “networking event planning” to its list of services!
Click on this YouTube video – another reason why I will not be attending NetSki is because I look just about this good on the slopes!
Thanks for this, much appreciated.
The trip this year was fabulous and plenty of business done. Next years trip is already twice the size and already sold out which is fantastic.
Now in its 6th year it is proof that people bond quicker through shared experiences, where they are able to demonstrate shared values.
You’re welcome, Warren. I think a networking trip is a brilliant idea and I’m glad that it is catching on!