April 23rd, 2009 Speed Networking, Revisited

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.