A public initiative of the Business Network International (BNI), the International Networking Week is an event that usually goes away without much fuss. In an age when most PRs and marketers talk about networking and social networking incessantly, it is surprising that the International Networking Week doesn’t receive more attention from the media.
The purpose of International Networking Week is to raise the profile of networking in the wider community, recognizing it as an essential tool for success in today’s business climate.
Perhaps the dates, February 7th – 11th, a bit far to constitute news. But the event deserves attention, although Dr. Ivan Misner, Founder & Chairman of BNI, the world’s largest business networking organization, usually keeps a low profile, talking less about himself and more about the business.
He is not a wannabe networking guru: he knows his stuff. But even so, the International Networking Week is not about one man – it’s about the key role that networking plays in the development and success of businesses across the world.
The International Networking Week is celebrated in many countries around the world, including Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Cyprus, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Nigeria, Poland, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, United Kingdom, and United States.
Activities include simultaneous luncheon events in many cities in these countries, but also presentations, the BNI Business Builders Chapter Awards, seminars, team building groups, work groups focused on learning new networking strategies, workshops, dinners and other informal events.
The events will bring together representatives of government, businesses and the community. Participants will network with each other, understand the concept of good networking and listen to talks by key networking specialists from across the world.