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What to Do When Your Chamber Networking Events Stink

Monday, December 16, 2019

“You do what? Oh, you need to talk to my chamber of commerce. Their networking events suck!”

This came from a new acquaintance in an online group who had just found out what I do. While I appreciated the vote of confidence, I also knew two things:

  • First, introducing me as someone who was going to “fix their sucky chamber events” wasn’t going to be terribly endearing.
  • Second, the responsibility for “bad chamber networking events” (or any group’s event) doesn’t always fall completely on the organizer

“Oh sure, Beth, that’s what you say because you were the organizer of so many events yourself. Just blame the attendees why don’t you?!”

Yes, I get it. It’s hard to take responsibility especially if the venue is cold, the food is terrible and no one looks like they’re happy to be there…I’ve been to those events and there have been times when it was a struggle to get engaged in networking.

But I know that most of the time, you could put me in just about any networking situation and I’d find a way to get something valuable out of it for myself and for others.

woman at a chamber networking event who looks like she doesn't enjoy it

If your chamber of commerce networking events, association luncheons, or other business gatherings “suck,” here’s what you can do about it:

Take a leadership role.

Somehow, I have been granted the position of helping validate people’s poor opinions of their association, women’s clubs, and chamber of commerce networking events. Often, they’ve either completely given up on going or – this is how it sounds to me – they go, but they head straight for the food and just tolerate the event.

When networking events are floundering, I’ve found that it’s often because there’s a lack of leadership either within the organization or at the event itself.

I remember attending a WACE Conference (Western Association of Chamber Executives) and being horrified when a chamber exec stood up in a “best ideas” session and proudly stated:

“I don’t give a rip if I never attend another networking event in my life!”

I’m guessing their chamber networking events weren’t great.

They probably just set a date, time and location and then hope the host put out some food. They let people come in and fend for themselves.

They’ve left a “leadership vacuum.”

If I’m at that event? I’m taking over.

Image of Beth Bridges, the Networking Motivator, about to take over your chamber networking event!

Never mind me, but I’m about to take over your networking event.

I’m going to pretend that I’m a host. That I’m someone who cares about my own investment of time and about everyone else’s time and effort to be there.

I’ll introduce myself to people. I’ll help introduce them to someone new. I’ll work to help someone feel more comfortable at that event.

In other words, I’ll do the kinds of things that the organizers should be doing.

You don’t go to a party at someone’s house and just get turned loose to fend for yourself! Well, sometimes you do and guess what, those parties either suck or it ends up looking like the house at the end of Sixteen Candles. Okay, it might be the best time ever if you’re 21 and you find their parents unlocked and unattended wet bar.

If you’re new to networking or you don’t feel like you have the experience to do this, I’m telling you that you do!

  • Just knowing that someone should be making an effort qualifies you!
  • Just being willing to step up just a little bit qualifies you!
  • Just having the desire to get something out of the event qualifies you!

Do you think that someone is going to stop you and say “Hey! You’re doing a great job of helping other people enjoy this event and you’re making us look good … cut it out!”?

Nope.

You might find yourself being seen as a leader. As being an excellent connector. As being someone they are encouraged and emboldened to introduce themselves to.

Now you’ve become a catalyst and an inspiration for everyone around you.

That’s what makes for a good networker and some truly great networking events.

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