The Loss of a Bet at a Networking Event

Inevitably in business, one must attend a networking event. Tradeshow dinners, regional trade organization events, corporate holiday parties, company outings, they all tell us that the "booze and schmooze" tradition is still very strong. And as much as we may dread the awkward conversation, the time away from family and home, the uncomfortable suits or heels — for business development and making deals - it works again and again.

Last evening, Nils and I attended the Boston Business Journal Gala networking event to celebrate their annual Book of Lists. We had the usual reservations, so to help motivate each other we crafted a bet. The terms were: Whoever hands out the most business cards receives dinner from the loser for them and significant other, whoever collects the most business cards gets wine for the dinner from the loser. I also conceded a 2 card handicap to Nils since he convinced me that being an attractive woman gave me an advantage starting conversation. But after two hours in a ballroom filled with 1500 people from Boston's top businesses, I’ll soon be buying wine and making dinner.

The event was fun and the bet helped us to initiate good conversation about business with other attendees. There was honesty in it because everyone is there to market their business; and it’s genuinely interesting to learn about people – what they do and where they are from. We both met several smart, fun people, who may really benefit from iMarc services and vice versa. And thanks to the exchange of those 2 x 3.5 cards, business that otherwise would not, may happen.