Why networking gamification? Do you dread networking events? Is it difficult for you to make connections in forced situations especially with strangers? Or are you an outgoing, never met a stranger type of person but you never seem to meet the right people at networking events? Well, here’s your answer, networking gamification, a scavenger hunt.
The networking gamification scavenger hunt can be completed by any individual, a team, or be part of an event. Its purpose is to force you out of the shadows, off of your phone or device, to meet new people, and then follow a plan of activities to get the most out of any networking opportunity.
All you have to do is copy and paste the networking scavenger hunt sheet below, or download it, and take it to your next event, and then have fun.
A Networking Gamification Scavenger Hunt
- Introduce yourself to someone you’ve never met. Ask what brought them to the event.
- Talk to someone in your industry. If applicable offer to mentee them or ask if they’d mentor you.
- Identify a vendor or provider for the products or services you offer. Ask how you might help each other.
- Find someone in your target audience. Ask how you could help them.
- Connect two people who might be able to help each other.
- Ask three different open-ended questions with three different people, why, what, and how.
- Tell a joke.
- Share a story.
- Ask someone what business, industry, or person they’d like to meet.
- Share your card with a personal note on it with someone.
- Carry a small notepad and write down contact information and how you connected with three people.
Add up Your Points
You have a chance at 11 points, but that’s not the point. The point is the networking gamification scavenger hunt will pull you away from the corner where you talk with friends the entire event, as well as focus your energy on making worthwhile connections. And you can have a little fun while you’re doing it. I challenge you to make a few copies of the networking scavenger hunt, take them to your next networking event, and pass them out to friends. It’s a networking game that has no losers and everyone can win.
Are You a Good Networker?
I’d always considered myself an effective networker. I’m friendly, easy to talk to, and I’ve never met a stranger. However, none of that makes me a good networker – it makes me outgoing. If I wanted to be the most effective networker I could be, I needed a plan. That’s how my networking workbook, Help Networking started.
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