Here’s How to Evaluate What’s Worth Your Time
If you’re running from event to event, attending every happy hour and business mixer you can find—but not seeing actual business come out of it—this post is for you.
Let’s face it: just because an event looks productive, doesn’t mean it’s moving your business forward. In today’s crowded networking scene, the real challenge isn’t showing up—it’s knowing where to show up. So how do you evaluate which networks are actually worth your time?
Happy Hour or Just Happy Vibes?
Let’s start with the obvious: the casual business event.
In most metro areas, happy hour-style networking is alive and well. You grab a drink, share a few appetizers, maybe exchange cards and laughs. It feels good—but if you’re honest with yourself, how often does that lead to real results?
For most people, the answer is: not often.
Understanding the Different Types of Networks
Before you choose where to spend your time, you need to know what you’re walking into. Most business networking groups fall into three categories:
- Industry-Specific Groups:
These are great for education and peer support. Everyone speaks your language—but don’t expect a flood of referrals from people in the exact same field. - Casual Business Mixers:
Easy to attend, flexible, and social. But they often lack follow-up, structure, and real outcomes. They’re fun, but rarely fruitful. - Structured Referral Networks (the real MVPs):
These are committed groups that meet weekly, track referrals, and hold members accountable. That consistency builds trust—and trust builds business.
Why Do We Get So Frustrated?
Here’s the thing—we want results.
We sit at these events, facing speakers or panels, we chat, we even schedule coffee… and then? Nothing. The follow-up fizzles. The connection doesn’t stick. And we wonder why we’re exhausted with no return on our time.
This is the aha moment.
What You Should Look For in a Network
If you’re serious about growing your business through referrals, here’s what matters most:
- Commitment & Consistency:
Weekly meetings mean more face time, more trust, more chances to help each other grow. Monthly just doesn’t cut it. - Strong Local Leadership:
Look into who’s leading the chapter or group. Are they experienced? Do they prioritize the success of their members? - Culture of Accountability:
Are people showing up, following through, and truly invested in helping each other?
Final Thoughts
You don’t need more events—you need the right ones.
Check out multiple meetings before committing. Look for alignment with your goals, your values, and your business model.
When you plug into a strong, structured, and supportive network, you won’t just collect cards—you’ll collect real relationships, referrals, and momentum.
Because the right network isn’t just where your business grows—it’s where your confidence, community, and impact grow, too.