As I mentioned a couple of days ago, Laurie and I attended the Bay Area Chamber’s Speed Networking event. As usual, it was a good event. I think the important thing is to go into these things with realistic expectations. You aren’t going to walk out the door with new jobs, but you are going to meet a bunch of new people. And, as I explained the other day, you get coffee and mini muffins. 

This was my third speed networking event and Laurie and I were discussing what to talk about before we went. I didn’t give her anything specific to talk about because I wanted whatever we discussed to be natural, rather than sound like we’re giving a canned speech. Even if it means that we miss a talking point or two, I’d rather that it seems organic and not all planned and plotted out.

Because I have done this a few times now, I found that I actually knew a lot of people at the event. I ended up sitting with someone I already knew at five out of the six tables I was at. It was nice to see so many familiar faces because I’m starting to feel like a pretty active member of the chamber. I’m never going to be a real chamber insider, but that’s because I prefer working on the periphery. There are people much better suited to be on the inside. As it is, I’m just happy to attend the events and talk to a lot of people. 

I remember when I first joined the Bay Area Chamber—and even for the first two years, really—I would go to events and I might not talk to anyone. I am not a big networker and approaching people I don’t know is intimidating to me. So I’d be the guy on his own, checking his cell phone and trying desperately to look comfortable in a room full of strangers. It was okay, but I’m glad those days are gone. 

If anyone is feeling a little isolated at Chamber events, I really recommend attending the speed networking sort of events because it does put you in a position to get to know a lot of other chamber members. 

Before I wrap this up I just wanted to mention that even though I already knew quite a few people at the event, I met 15 or so people who I hadn’t met before. A lot of really interesting people doing some cool work in the Tri-Cities…er…Great Lakes Bay Region…man, that’s a mouthful of a name…Tri-Cities was so much easier to wrap my tongue around. 

Okay…this unpaid endorsement for the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce is now complete. 

This morning, Laurie and I will be heading to Bay Valley to attend the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Speed Networking event. I’ve participated in this event the past two years and have really enjoyed it. It’s not the kind of event where you walk out the door with new business in hand, but it’s a great opportunity to meet more Chamber members. 

If you have never attended a Chamber speed networking event, you should. These events are the sort of things that can make or break a small business. It’s not about making sales, it’s about getting out there and talking to people. It’s a chance to get your business in front of them and increasing awareness of your brand.

I am not big on public speaking, but I’ll do my best to tell the 989 Design story without getting too nervous and in the process I’ll get to meet a lot of new people. And I get to do it all in a comfortable setting with free coffee and danish. 

What more could I possibly ask for?