I live in a large county full of amazing businesses and the people who work there. That means our Chamber of Commerce has a bunch of members. We are members, and I’d like to meet other business owners.
I’m also an introvert. The first event I attended was a Business After Hours. Picture me psyching myself up to walk into a huge room full of people I’ve never met – by myself.
I’m proud that I did it. To be honest, I hated every minute of it. I met a few nice people, but I was largely planning my exit strategy just a few minutes after arriving.
Let’s face it, some of us aren’t in love with traditional networking.
A Great Idea
A contact on LinkedIn recently posted about a new networking event that the chamber he works for is trying. It’s a walk and talk.
Members join up for an early morning walk. They get exercise, enjoy the outdoors, and casually talk to the person that they are walking with.
This is my cup of tea.
I love the idea of a small group and the flexibility of doing something I enjoy at the same time. What a great idea!
Plan For Different Personality Types
Not everyone is the same. Novel idea, right?
Yet, most networking events are planned for a certain personality type.
The rest of us just have to grin and fake it.
Think of how many more engaged Chamber members you could have if you offered different styles and formats of networking opportunities?
Small Group Networking Options
Here are some of my favorite ideas for novel networking events for your Chamber of Commerce.
Walk and Talk Networking
Your members can skip the awkward coffee chat and pair up with others for a short morning walk.
They get exercise, sunshine, and the chance to get to know a fellow business member better. The conversation will flow much more easily as you move.
Volunteer & Connect Days
When I moved to a new location, I volunteered at an organization that meant a lot to me. I made a bunch of business contacts and friends along the way.
It felt natural to me rather than forced.
People connect more quickly with others who share a common goal, particularly if it’s something they’re deeply invested in.
Your Chamber can partner with a local nonprofit to serve as a group. Offering this opportunity regularly to your members can benefit both local nonprofits and encourage members to be active in the Chamber.
Lunch Roulette
Small groups are a lot less intimidating than large ones. They also allow conversations among several people at once, rather than just the one or two you happen to sit next to.
I often attend a monthly business luncheon with anywhere from 15 to 20 other people.
We all sit at a long table, but it’s impossible for me to talk to anyone other than the two people next to me and maybe the person or two directly across from me.
Often, members who arrive late for lunch have to sit at tables off to the side. I don’t even have the chance to speak to them.
With lunch roulette, your members sign up and get randomly assigned to a group. The group shouldn’t be more than four or five people.
They meet for lunch in a simple, low-pressure environment. It’s a great way to introduce people who might never cross paths otherwise.
Mix It Up
I’m not suggesting you abandon the Business After Hours, Lunch and Learns, or Business at Breakfasts.
These classics have worked for lots of businesses.
But if you really want to address the needs of all your members, mix it up with some small-group options or events that involve an activity.
It takes the pressure off and can actually be…..fun!
I would go to any of the three mentioned above. But it has been many months since I attended a Business After Hours. Just thinking about it makes me wince.
So go ahead, try something different. Your members will like it.
