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Network and Happy Hours
Prior to Covid19, I wanted to start networking with people in person as I found myself out of a job due to the restructure of company.
I noticed that a lot of these networking opportunities took place during a happy hour and I have noticed that some networking events online state that a happy hour is involved.
As someone who does not drink at all, I do not think happy hour networking is a wise idea for a variety of reasons; people over drinking and not remembering you or the conversation, people who already know each other and tend to congregate as a group rather meeting and greeting new individuals who may show up, and/or people focusing on other conversations outside of networking. Personally, I have had instances where if I tell people that I do not drink, they tend to work themselves out of conversing with me, which I find odd.
I know that there are early morning ones, but many individuals are on there way to work in which everyone is short on time and can feel rushed.
I am sure that there are many people who cannot participate in happy hour due to sobriety, medical conditions, pregnancy, do not drink at all, and any reasons that I may be leaving out.
What is your take on happy hours and networking? Do you think that this is still a great way to network? What are some other options to be more inclusive to do those who do not drink?
Any ideas or thoughts would be amazing!
Chre M. Davis, M.S.Ed.Administrator | Educator | Intrapreneur
1.04k
05/08/20 at 8:16AM UTC
Lots of great discussion on this topic! I can't really add to it as I think it has been well covered but I want to chime in with my support as I also prefer to find different ways to network. I have used MeetUp in the past, joined Toastmasters and other professional organizations with local chapters, as well as connecting with my local alumni groups and finding volunteer opportunities with groups. Rarely is drinking involved!
DeLisa DawkinsReal Estate Professional, Marketing Expert
113
05/08/20 at 12:52AM UTC
Networking builds relationships! Drinking is optional. I have gained so much from attending regular networking events. As a extrovert by nature, this was critical in ever phase of my career path. Now with Covid-19 there are Zoom networking sessions! I am a real estate agent and have hosted zoom sessions with my "sister agents" to stay connected. Just food for thought.
Goodadvice19
38
05/04/20 at 7:51PM UTC
How about you try something different that actually works for you and allows you to actually network as you stated. Find five people that you will like to connect with and maybe do virtual coffee instead, 30 minutes coffee chat And come prepare with questions that actually will help you to get to know each individual better.
I actually Join a virtual career coffee chat a while ago and totally loved it; you get to actually learn and decide if this is an individual that can help you or maybe you have something to offer!
Either way you will have a new connection!
Lauren RiosOnline Higher Education | Education Management
478
05/04/20 at 11:32PM UTC
I actually texted a friend today about networking and she is working on doing this same exact thing! She is working on gathering a few individuals to discuss this option and join at a regular time during the week just to chat and connect!
Elizabeth Erwin
31
05/04/20 at 11:23AM UTC
I also don't drink at all, but have not found this to be an impediment; I attend happy hour networking events and circulate with a glass of water. I don't make a big deal about it, and few people ask what I'm drinking. I think these events are worthwhile because of the face to face interaction. I find that if I really hit it off with someone, it's easy to exchange contact information and meet up outside the networking setting.
Lauren RiosOnline Higher Education | Education Management
478
05/04/20 at 2:52PM UTC
Thank you Beth!
Leader136048
12
05/01/20 at 6:18PM UTC
Different networking styles and schedules is one of the reasons we mix up our local event times and venues. If you want to network at a different time, reach out and I can help you start your own - virtually! And, now that we're virtual, you can join in one of our local events to check them out - use code 'First' to see how they work if you like. hopnetworking.com
Lauren RiosOnline Higher Education | Education Management
478
05/04/20 at 2:53PM UTC
Thank you!!!
lisatolearn
33
05/01/20 at 3:41PM UTC
Yes, I'd just keep it brief and when asked just say, "Just a Sprite for me tonight. I've got a long drive home." or "Just fizzy water since I've got a long night of work to do when I get home." or "Drinking on an empty stomach gets me too sleepy." It's best to just keep it short and sweet, because if you say (when asked) that you don't drink, people's imaginations will run wild to either - you're pregnant, in recovery for alcohol, or of a religion that doesn't drink (but that looks down on those who do). So if it comes up, and you don't breezily state some neutral reason, they will assume the worst. Plus, after any response about my drink, I would quickly ask them what they are drinking. Then whatever they say, respond with a smile, "That was my roommate's favorite drink in college/grad school, etc." Then hopefully they'll start talking about their roommates, their college, etc. Putting the focus back on them is the key to good networking.
Lauren RiosOnline Higher Education | Education Management
478
05/04/20 at 2:51PM UTC
Thank you Lisa!
Anonymous
05/01/20 at 1:42PM UTC
I've never found happy hour networking to be particularly useful. For me the best networking has involved leveraging the good connections I already had, not the flimsy ones you can make at those events.
Judy HutchinsonInternational Education Specialist.
140
05/01/20 at 1:17PM UTC (Edited)
Hi there. You bring up a lot of good points. My thought on the networking happy hour is that it's just one way of networking, and it works for some, and not for others. I agree with others that it's nobody's business whether you opt to drink alcohol or non-alcohol, or nothing at all. You don't need to justify yourself to anyone by telling them you don't drink alcohol.
What I like about the HH is that it is, by definition, an opportunity to be relaxed and less formal. I have met some very interesting people during these events, because those who are good at interacting like this come up and just start talking to you, or expect you to do the same with them, as it's the reason you are there in the first place.
What I don't like is exactly what you stated--people cling together in groups, or over-imbibe and act like idiots. When that happens, I just depart. I'm usually the lone person in these events--meaning that I almost always go by myself and don't know others, and if I'm there for a half hour and don't like the vibe, or am finding it hard to engage, I just leave. Remember, there are many ways to network--and even those without alcohol aren't always helpful. If networking is key to your career, I say give everything a shot, and if it's clear it's not helpful, don't waste any more time there.
Good luck!
Paulla FetzekTeacher, Lighting Expert, & Office Professional
1.73k
05/01/20 at 12:47PM UTC
Hi Lauren,
While I do drink it's very rare. And I generally don't like to do so at company or networking events. I find being even a tad tipsy to be extremely unprofessional. Interestingly enough, within the industry I work... most people don't have a problem with it. Or even with being outright being plastered - providing the person can still carry himself/herself reasonably well!
I do understand why companies use this time. As others have said it can make the atmosphere seem less formal or stifling. It's also usually outside of the office hours.
However, I feel it doesn't have to be a "Happy Hour" event. With the industry I work in, networking also happens at charity events, BBQs, lunches and dinners. All of which I really enjoy.
As for me personally being at a Happy Hour event... I have noticed a few people over the years who drift off when they find I'm not drinking. I just shrug to myself and go on. Only once in the 18 years I've been with my current company did someone actually say to me (in what I found to be a very unpleasant tone), "Why don't you want to drink?"
Quietly, but kindly I replied, "My brother was a raging alcoholic. In the last year of his life he'd drink over 30 beers and at least a bottle of vodka. Per day. He passed away unexpectedly at just 40. That's why I'm not drinking."
The person was completely flabbergasted, and I admit - that was my purpose as I didn't appreciate the person's tone. I don't judge those who enjoy the drinks during Happy Hour. Please don't judge me if I'm not one of them!
As for me, if I have to mingle during an event (and I am EXTREMELY shy - another reason I dislike these events, even if I'm among friendly coworkers)... I have a standard set of questions I'll ask people. Not all are work/profession related. But I ask just to be polite and hope to spark conversation. If I don't get feedback, or much of it, I move on.
All the best...
User deleted comment on 04/30/20 at 5:44PM UTC
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