Networking Events

[Estate]

Hey guys,
Not sure what section this could go in so putting it here.

Does anyone have any experience with Networking groups or Networking nights.
Around Boston at least they seem to be a very big thing among young professionals, the tech industry and other businesses.

I'm not quite sure what to expect or how to prepare? I've been told by some that it's a good way to meet new and interesting people but others have scared me off a little by telling me to be prepared with business cards and sales pitches.

Really I'm interested I the meeting people aspect. I seem to meet the same sort of people a lot and figure this can expand my horizons more. Thought I am not really looking to "do business" with anyone.

Any thoughts, comments or experiences?
Cheers guys.

 

[Richard]

I have little experience with these.

From what I've been to, though, it was a very small gathering of psychologist and it was mostly business and not so much making connections (which sucked). As a future therapist people were handing me business cards and most questions were like "Which company do you work for, how do you like it?" things like that - and the most recent findings in psych.

I'm not sure if this can be chalked up to just psychologists or science professions so if you happen to go to a networking event I'd love to hear about it to see if "business" is typical or if "social connections" is typical.

-Richard

 

[Whizzy]

It can honestly go either way, I've been to both. I've learned more from the business type conferences but the connection events are more fun. Thus far I've been to RA events, programming events, writing events, leadership/speech events and a few others. I live a little north of Boston, in Nashua NH, but the schools in Boston host professional events all of the time. Generally there are a few presentations going on, some light food and drinks in between, and plenty of interactive events that get the audiences involved. I've also been to some that are more or less just cold approaching everyone you see (along the lines of PAX east).

 

[Estate]

Whizzy,
I'm interested to hear that. I've gone to quite a lot of those tech presentations and so on because of my job. Usually they are decent because there is a topic or agenda and I'm really there to listen/learn.
Though a lot of recruiters do tend to show up.

I was thinking more about the type that are in bars and resteraunts. That sort of forces cold approach which I don't mind at all. It's just that I was thinking of them as being good for a social aspect but not really looking for the sales pitches. They seem to be gaining a lot of steam and the young professional networks, etc, around here.
With those I've shyed away. Mainly because I was thinking of them as a social outlet. I like the idea of making a few new friends or acquaintances who are in that "young professional" bubble but some folks have told me those are all about sales and selling yourself or a products which isn't what I'm looking for right now. Just