Mark Sackett creator of The Art of Active Networking has tapped into something that I don't see at other networking events, and it just keeps getting more interesting and more interesting over time. If belief in one's own self to share in the hopes and dreams of others to help them achieve some measure of business as well as personal success, then you would be doing yourself a disservice not to attend The Art of Active Networking."
-George (San Francisco, CA)
"Mark you rocked it 2 nights ago! Your vision on helping and connecting others is a powerful approach to networking, the strength you have when you speak is contagious and your humor helps it all gel together so as to not force feed ideas. Just a quick thanks for what you do."
-Jordan (New York, NY)
"I just attended my first Art of Active Networking event and I was astounded, surprised and moved by what the evening provided. This is not your typical networking event where you exchange business cards, share a few words and then forget whom you met or talked with. It's more of an informal party, hosted by Mark ,who sets a stellar example of how to network effectively by his own behavior. By the end of the evening, you have experienced much more than idle chit chat with some new people, you have potentially connected to people who might become friends or business associates.
Thanks, Mark, for lending your talent, knowledge and most importantly, your irrepressible personality to making the evening so meaningful."
-Bonnie (Los Angeles, CA)
"Mark brings a lot of expertise to the table on the right way to network. He really knows his stuff! I would recommend this to anyone that is serious about networking and giving back to build the relationships one needs to grow their business on."
-Jon (New York, NY)
"Mark Sackett is, quite simply, an amazing person. The Art of Active Networking is much more than a series of networking events. It is a philosophy. A "working-person's" way to live and interact with others.
The Art of Active Networking embodies a manner in which professionals in all industries can broaden their horizons in a unique, inspiring, and differentiated way. Mark's spirited message is grounded in the philosophy that only through helping those around us, can we begin to help ourselves—thereby realizing our goals & dreams in ways we never thought possible.
Mark, and the Art of Active Networking, seek not only to help professionals grow their businesses, but also make the world and our community a better place. Building community, enhancing relationships, and helping professionals to communicate "their holistic selves"—the person and the professional—is at the core of Mark's philosophy. With the Art of Active Networking, it's not only about what you do—but who you are as a person.
After attending the Art of Active Networking, professionals leave with much more than a stack of business cards. They are empowered to walk-forth with a mindset that networking is more than compiling a rolodex full of email addresses and phone numbers. Networking is about building personal relationships, helping others first, and then realizing our personal and professional endeavors in ways we never thought possible."
-Christopher J (San Francisco, CA)
"These events are a wonderful social experiment. Mark helps us find group connection and sincerity in a context I used to despise (okay, fear). Who likes networking? I used to answer, 'definitely not me.'
As Mark holds space for people to network as authentic human beings, he invites us to focus on empowering others and knowing our needs when asked.
Now, I not only like networking, I like who I am when I'm engaged in Mark's brand of Active Networking — a special and unique and much needed perspective on a most essential part of business and life."
-Matt (Los Angeles, CA)
-Mark (San Francisco, CA)
"When I arrived at The Art of Active Networking I saw this gentleman with a great smile moving around the few people that were there. So I stepped into," the mega conference room and found a spot to sit." Then I started to converse with a lady who had just discovered a new talent in photography, her husband was there and his background is technology and sales. And he talked to me about how much he admired Project Managers and how he thought the level of stress was enormous. I responded yes I know because I did that for many years. I then turn around and met a Gal who’s business is to organize peoples spaces. So Mark walks in the room and says ok everyone let’s get out and meet new people. I’m like ok let’s go.
I met so many people from a minister, health practitioner, biotechnologist, techies, alternative health, business owners, Interns, folks in transition from all over the US, France, and Italy. So after a few drinks in the lounge area, Mark summons everyone back into the mega conference room with 2 huge wood tables, with very comfy chairs. He says, “ok folks that have been here know the drill, new folks take a few seconds to say something about what you need help in? why are you here? and what are you passionate about?” If you don’t have your story, and say it within the time allotted you get gonged. A loud Gong is sitting at the end of the table with a nice gentleman with a stop watch as the time keeper. Then comes question no. 2 and I begin to realize that this is different and effective.
Today I can still remember many of the conversations, see the people’s faces and associate information that was shared by them. This is to me the best form of Networking, intimate, friendly, interesting and overall effective. You make friends first, and then you have the opportunity to become business partners. It’s no longer about passing out business cards but about getting “intimate” with colleagues. Oh and on the next day I saw one of the gals at another event, and it was like we were best friends. Amazing – In my opinion this is the way it should be, simple, effective and enjoyable."-Laura (San Francisco, CA)
"I have been to a few of Mark's The Art of Active Networking events where I have not only met interesting and engaging people, I have also been truly motivated and inspired by the way Mark holds the space. How can any of us help each other do better? Go to Active Networking and see. Stories unfold and paths weave and continue to cross...that's what will keep you coming back. Can't wait to be back."
-MaryAnn (Berkeley, CA)
"I would highly recommend it. Thank you Mark for creating an intelligent and meaningful networking event. I will be back."
-Kevin (San Francisco, CA)
"So I go to lots of these networking things. Some are great and some are total wastes of time. You know the ones I am talking about, where sales people are out throwing cards around like ninja stars...I came to Mark's event and I was so happy. I met some amazing people that could really help me with some business issues I was having. I made some great connections with some people that could help grow my business. Mark introduced me personally to some great people and everyone there just had such a great vibe. Everyone just wanted to help each other out and connect each other. I will definitely be coming back and spending some nights here."
-Bradley (San Rafael, CA )
"Finally - a refreshing take on a networking event. Mark definitely knows how to connect people in a real way that actually achieves the main goal of going to these events in the first place... making solid connections! I was super impressed with the intimate setting and how Mark just allows the connections to happen naturally - I was amazed at how effortless it was to meet people who actually want to help each other. Mark and his networking event are truly one-of-a-kind and I'm looking forward to the next one!"
-Zan Passante (Writer, Producer, Owner of Madcitizen)
"Tonight was my first time at Active Networking and it was totally worth the 15 bucks. An interesting mix of professionals--from a banker to an artist to a green architect to a massage therapist, etc. Everybody was super open, friendly and approachable. Mark Sackett is an expert Ringmaster and helped open things up, made everybody feel at ease and he's super passionate about connecting people."
-Ruby (New York, NY)
"I've been here a few times now, for Mark Sackett's Active Networking meeting. That event is worthy of another 5-star review here on Yelp!"
-Josiah (San Francisco, CA)
"The Art of Active Networking event itself was spectacular!! Our host Mark Sackett presents networking in a new light. One where everyone walks away with being inspired and many new business relationships formed. So glad I drove the extra miles to go....gave me the inspiration I needed for a new business concept. I will be attending again. I walked away with so much from one meeting and can't wait to see what will happen from another. Strongly encourage others to share this time and space with their networks they will thank you for it!! "
-Julia (Stockton, CA)
"This is the best Meet Up I have been to and I have gone to many. Mark is a great leader and we had a full table of about 45 people."
-Bob (San Francisco, CA)
"WOW, Another great group with some new records for distance traveled tonight one was from Australia and 2 from Latvia, who were there to launch a new website and who were looking for US partners! That's really amazing that people come from everywhere to attend this event."
-Mark (Los Angeles, CA)
"Good intimate meeting. The small number of participants maybe around 50 or so, allowed for a more in depth get to know you experience. I enjoyed the change of pace."
-Fabienne (San Francisco, CA)
"This is the perfect atmosphere to make connections with people. Everyone that attended was interesting and from a wide spectrum of industries/life. I was able to make good connections."
-Cindi (San Francisco, CA)
