Speednetwork the Globe

As one of the official activities of Global Entrepreneurship Week, join countries across the world and run a speednetwork to unleash energy, share ideas and make connections – fast.

Across the globe, there will be speednetworks in landmark locations. Think Brazil’s Copacabanna beach, London’s Trafalgar Square and Paris’ Eiffel Tower.

How does it work?

Speednetworking is a very simple format but always results in a really buzzing atmosphere – it’s great as an icebreaker or energizer or as a whole event in itself. The best Speednetworking events are those that bring together different groups of people, e.g. creatives and business people, aspiring entrepreneurs and business angels, recruiters and graduates.

Speednetworking is a very simple format – anyone can run it and it costs nothing. All you need is a room, a whistle and at least 20 people.

When you blow the whistle, everyone has to find someone to talk to. Blow the whistle every 5 minutes and everyone has to talk to someone new. Keep it simple or take advantage of today’s technology by speednetworking online with people in different parts of the world via webcams and Skype.

Start by reading out the Three Golden Rules:

Rule 1) You must speednetwork with people you don’t know well or have never met before. No sticking with the person you arrived with or your best buddy!

Rule 2) Speednetworking is all about sharing ideas and meeting new people. You don’t have to just talk about work. Ask each other ‘what are your hobbies? ‘Your passions’? ‘Your wildest dreams?’ Talk about anything you like, but the best ones give the speednetwork a theme or a purpose, e.g. social enterprise, global, come up with ideas to solve climate change!

Rule 3) No Double Dating. When the whistle blows, you MUST change partners. No clinging to the person you’re talking to - keep on moving…..

The benefits of Speednetworking

If you’re hosting an event during Global Entrepreneurship Week and want to get people talking, Speednetworking is the perfect ten minute ice breaker.

• If you’re looking to expand your network’s size
• If you’re seeking global connections
• If you’re looking for the solution to a problem and want lots of people to brainstorm ideas
• If you know lots of people who don’t know each other and want to get them connected
• If you would like to raise your profile – if you run a really special Speednetwork the Globe event there is a potential for great media coverage
• If you’re looking for a good way to meet mentors and gain or share quick advice
• If you’re looking to take advantage of today’s technology by expanding your network globally, using webcams and services like Skype