One of these groups, RE Speed Network, operates in a real-time, face-to-face environment, but at an accelerated pace compared to cocktail-reception schmoozing. Participants face each other across a conference table in three-minute networking sessions; after explaining what he or she does, each participant moves on to the next would-be business associate at the sound of a bell. "Our time is limited and we move at such a fast pace, so it's important that events be efficient and well-targeted," RE Speed Network's Laurence Ross tells Real Estate New York. Ross, an investment sales broker at Besen & Associates, cofounded the network with Ori and Oren Klein and David Kahane.

In a release, Ross says, "While a three-minute quick pitch might seem overwhelming to some, the 'throw-the-spaghetti on the wall' concept really sticks here. It allows you to quickly determine whether or not there is an opportunity for further business."

The most recent RE Speed Network event, held March 8 and cosponsored by Real Estate Media, was done in conjunction with UpWorld, which offers an online networking platform. "I stumbled upon UpWorld through word of mouth," says Ross. "When I visited their website, I saw that they took the basic concept of a LinkedIn or Arise and targeted the real estate channel. I thought that was very clever and much needed."