Fully Utilize Networking Events

by Bob Arnold

Last month I showed you how networking can become a tangle and friends can cause you to not network with new people.

I also showed how many times we attend networking events and only end up talking with colleagues or others we have known for a while. Most networking events are designed for meeting new people.

So let us see how networking with colleagues and other acquaintances can be a good thing.

There are times when I attend an event and I may not be in the mood to meet new people.

I know a couple of colleagues will be at the meeting, and I want to get caught up with them.

In order to not hinder their goals of networking with others, I usually follow a few simple steps.

First, I text, email or message them that I see they are attending and would like to have a few minutes with them to catch up on a couple of things.

Usually, they are very accommodating and express that they would like that. We connect at the event and start talking. Then the networking framework in the room kicks in, and a person I do not know, but my friend does, approaches and wants to talk.

There are a few things we can do. We can ignore them so they go away. My friend could introduce us and mention a couple of things that might interest each of us. Finally, we could find a way to include the new person in the conversation, such as: “We were just talking about xyz, maybe you have some thoughts on the subject?”

One very effective way of meeting new people is to have someone else introduce you to them.

Here is the deal: Networking events are designed for people to meet. There are different ways to do so, even if you are trying to be exclusive with your time.

If you want to catch up with a friend, set up a time before or after the event to meet for that purpose. This frees you both up to make new connections at the networking event and still maintain the friendship and older connection.

Bob Arnold is the founder of ONward Networking and the international best-selling author of “The Uncanny Power of the Networking Pencil,” which can be purchased at https://amzn.to/2KSy3Xm. Learn more about Arnold at https://bit.ly/3VLzr1S Contact Arnold at TheNetworkingPencil@gmail.com

Local business networking events, not category restricted

Greater Medina Chamber of Commerce Chamber membership requirement after two events.

Thursday, June 8

Get to Know the Chamber, 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., Everything Outdoor Camping, 3823 Pearl Road, Medina. Register at https://tinyurl.com/32vf4jhv

Wednesday, June 14

BusinessBuzz, 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., Redwoood Apartment Neighborhoods, 5777 Coneflower Drive, Medina. Register at https://tinyurl.com/2p8a3a2m

Wednesday, June 21

Networking WOW! 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., Williams on the Lake, 787 Lafayette Road, Medina. No walk-ins. $12 member attendance charge, $15 non-member attendance charge. Register at https://tinyurl.com/2kjfb9pf

Northern Medina County Chamber Alliance Chamber membership requirement after two events.

Wednesday, June 7 Chamber Chomps, 11:15 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Panini’s Bar and Grill, 3520 Center Road, Brunswick. Networking and chomping!

Thursday, June 1

NMCCA Annual Golf Outing and Summer Social, 8 a.m., Coppertop Golf Club, 5740 Center Road, Valley City. For more information, go to https://tinyurl.com/vwkhehna

Wadsworth Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber membership requirement after two events.

Monday, June 5

Women in Leadership: Geri Good, Bellezza Avanti, noon to 1 p.m., Community Room, Soprema Senior Center, 617 School Drive, Wadsworth. Register at https://tinyurl. com/259u5pdu

Thursday, June 22

Mochas and Mentors, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., Community Room, Soprema Senior Center, 617 School Drive, Wadsworth. Free. Register at https://tinyurl.com/33mc3cph

Wednesday, June 28

Luncheon: Featuring Bob Walker, president of American Classic Snack Co., 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Galaxy Restaurant Banquet Center, 201 Park Centre Drive, Wadsworth. $20 Register at https://tinyurl.com/yckz9kn3

Seville Area Chamber of Commerce

Thursday, July 13

Quarterly Luncheon, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., Hawthorne Suites, 5025 Park Avenue West, Seville. $8 donation, pay at the door.