NAPA CHAMBER PRESENTS EFFECTIVE NETWORKING TOOL
Commerce
I’m a freelance writer who writes for local and regional media, along with the Napa Chamber of Commerce. Kate King, the Napa Chamber’s president and CEO, offered to let me go through the process so I could get a grasp of it.
The first 5 Minute Networking™ event was held Monday, January 30th in an early morning session at Downtown Joe’s in Napa. The first noticeable difference was the speed of check-in. Everything is computerized and attendees had pre-registered, giving information about themselves and their company. Each person was assigned a number and either the letter “A” or “B.”
You go to your station, which at Downtown Joe’s was a long setting of tables and chairs in the restaurant section. I was an “A,” which meant I stayed in one spot and those who were “Bs” advanced around the room.
Kate welcomed us and explained that whenever we heard the crystal bell, it was time to move. You have five minutes total to tell each other about your company and business message.
Five minutes goes by quickly. You learn how to succinctly state what you do and ask pertinent questions about the person across from you. It’s fast-paced and invigorating.
I met 11 people and learned about their companies, ranging from academics to financial advisors and personal trainers. In longer sessions, you can meet up to 20 new people. Because of the sophisticated computer software, 5 Minute Networking™ will always match you up with someone you haven’t met before. You can specify five industry categories in which you’re interested, or meet a variety of people from different industries. After the event, the 5-Minute web site keeps track of whom you met and makes it easy to contact them again.
Did I get leads? Yes, in fact a person whom I hadn’t met in one of the five-minute intervals sought me out because someone else told her what I do for a living. She needed my service.
All participants should have plenty of business cards and any other small (remember, you may be moving around a lot) marketing materials. Be prepared to explain what you do clearly and concisely. Remember, even if you don’t need the other person’s services now, you may in the future and he or she may recommend you to someone else. If you’re interested in the next fun-packed 5 Minute Networking™ Chamber event, check the Web site www.napachamber.com or call (707) 226-7455.
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