Not Working? Try Networking! By: Mark Berger
It’s been several years since the world was hit with a crippling pandemic that shut everything down. Much has been written and said since March 2020, regarding how business leaders and owners should proceed during that period. Zoom and Teams apps were created to keep businesses connected and moving forward. The need for such devices and technology then sought to maintain productivity and keep executives from imposing layoffs and closing their doors.
morning person, then perhaps a “Morning Coffee” (often put on by various Chambers of Commerce) or a “Welcome Wednesday” (hosted by the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce) may be your choice. These events are open before the business day starts at 9:00 AM. They offer chances to meet other people from other industries, share stories, and exchange information. This can lead to face-to-face meetings and projects, as a result.
As the world continues healing itself from Covid-19, more people want to connect with other like-minded professionals, in person. Some people have returned to networking as a resource to expand their contacts. It’s a tried-and-true way of accomplishing this goal—going to events to meet new people and pitch who you are and what you do. More professionals are making the jump from video conferences to in-person networking. Because of this, the process of figuring out where to go and who to meet becomes very important.
For any upcoming morning coffee events, please visit your local Chamber for more details. The “Welcome Wednesday” event usually meets monthly on the first Wednesday at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island on 188 Valley Street, Ste. 125, Providence. Registration is free but required through the Chamber’s website at www. nrichamber.com. Further details can be found either on the website or calling them at 401-3341000.
While there are so many events happening statewide, nobody has the time to attend all of them. Even those so-called “serial networkers” have to eat and sleep some time. Here are some options to consider: When should someone attend a networking event? This can only be answered by the individual, but with numerous events statewide at different places and times during the day. If you are a 72 Shop In RI
How about networking during lunch time? There are plenty of “Lunch and Learn” events happening throughout the region. One of the more popular ones is put on by the Central Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce. Their “Leads Luncheon” typically happens on the fourth Friday of the month at various locations within Central Rhode Island (often within Warwick and Cranston member establishments). They offer several rounds of “speed networking,”