Are you mixing up your networking?

Photo by foxspain

Last night I went to the Business PM for the Chamber of Commerce because a new friend told me she was going and offered to drive me.

You could say I network all the time. I do. I interact with people all over the globe on a daily basis. But I don’t leave my office to do it. I’m here talking to my blog commenters, I’m on Twitter with a host of different connections and conversations daily, I pop into Facebook periodically and you can find me on LinkedIn. I extend those conversations with phone, e-mail, and Skype so I am never alone.

Last night was a bit different. I changed out of jeans, put on my dress shoes, donned my teal jacket, and off I went. Going with a friend always makes it easier to mingle. I know that I will know people when I go to most events and I really never have trouble talking to people but…  there is always that hesitation, that bit of an introvert that pops out right before I leave for an event.

Last night was a big event.  The gathering at the Stoney Creek Lodge spanned the hotel lobby, large restaurant, and more conference rooms. Food and beverages were in multiple locations and there was a silent auction, a raffle for a brand new Harley, and a jazz band playing in the lobby.

Who is watching you online?

We weren’t there long before a friend from church came up to say hi. As we were chatted and he said:

I have to tell you something my daughter said a few weeks ago! I’m not much into all this social networking myself, but she is. She was telling me she gets so much great information from your blog. She said she learns all about great resume writing, job search, and networking tips!

You know what’s funny? I know his daughter. She comes home to visit from college in Minnesota and I see her at church. But we don’t really talk and I didn’t know she was reading my posts.

You don’t know who may connect with you later from something you are doing online. Throughout the night, I ran into many former clients, business associates, and made some new connections.

Reconnecting with your past

Then I was chatting with someone and I vaguely heard someone calling my name. I saw someone motioning to me. He looked familiar and he told me to follow him. He said my name was being pulled for a door prize.

Sure enough! As I weaved my way through the large crowd, the announcer said, “oh, here she is,” and I was given a $75 gift certificate to Michael’s Supper Club, one of my favorite restaurants, two movie tickets, and a night’s lodging at the hotel. Wow! All because I joined a friend and threw my business card into the basket.

I weaved back through the crowd to find my mystery friend and we reconnected. As I  focused, I saw he was a former client and a banker who helped me refinance in the early 2000’s.

We laughed because it was obvious he had recognized me and I had to read his name tag. The refi was very helpful and he believed in me, so I asked if he could use the hotel gift certificate. He accepted and I was happy. He helped me, I helped him, and the circle continues.

Other results? My business card is now in the hands of many more people. I talked about my passion about social media with so many people and it looks like I might be helping the Chamber with a program in the future. All because I decided to leave my office for the night.

So are you thinking maybe you should get a little “real life” (out with the crowds) networking mixed into your online network routine?