Networkers Navigate

Perhaps the evening’s topic was the draw. Maybe it was because the group took the summer off. Possibly sports fans needed a distraction before the start of the Monday night football game. Whatever the reason, the Sept. 13 Link Greater Green Bay networking event brought together 150 members.

Local professionals and job seekers announced their intent to attend by responding to the LinkedIn invitation. Updates on the evening’s event were sent via e-mail. Checking the growing number of RSVPs was like getting a sneak peek at a party list.

Stacie Hackl, owner of Advantage Insurance Services of Green Bay, created the Link Greater Green Bay group in December 2008. She extended an invitation to Northeast Wisconsin LinkedIn users, welcoming them to utilize the online networking tool. Requests to join are screened; Hackl ensures individuals are truly interested in making local connections before accepting them into the group.

Link Greater Green Bay has grown to more than 1,750 members in less than two years.
While the group quickly became a useful resource, Hackl felt meeting face-to-face was critical to making connections. Monthly events were scheduled.

“We bring together a group of individuals you aren’t going to find anywhere else. We have executives, business owners, administrative assistants, people looking for jobs – we have a good mix,” says Hackl. Connections are said to go beyond those in the room. “The possibilities in the group and their willingness to go out of their way to help each other is really outstanding,” she adds.
The monthly events are held in a banquet room at Townline in Howard/Suamico. On this night, the attendees began filing in at 4:30, with Hackl greeting them at the door. The evening’s sponsors had a spot further down the registration table. A representative from the American Cancer Society – the charity of the month – had a separate table just inside the door to pass out information on the organization. “We’ve been looking for ways to give back to the community. Allowing charities to set up a table at our events helps bring awareness to our group,” says Hackl.

Some individuals made their way to the bar for a drink; others concentrated on making the most of the networking time. The room had space designated for networking. Chairs were lined up at the front of the room in preparation for the evening’s speaker.

With the number of attendees the room was cozy – some would argue it was almost too crowded. But, without doubt, everywhere members turned they were greeted with another opportunity to make a connection.

Newbie Jen Streubel from Schenck came to mingle and had the chance to exchange a handful of business cards. Savvy networker Jeff Blemke, owner of Ultimate Air, was prepared to meet a few targeted people. He says, “I looked on LinkedIn to see who would be at the event. I found several people I wanted to meet and strived to introduce myself. In a group this large I knew I’d only have time to really start building relationships with three or four people.”

Sponsors covered the cost of the pizza, earning themselves time to stand up in front of the group and explain their business offerings before the educational portion of the evening kicked off.
At 6:15, speaker Wayne Breitbarth made his way to the front of the room. A furniture salesman by day, Breitbarth has earned the reputation as a LinkedIn guru. He shared his top 10 “gotta do’s” of LinkedIn. His knowledge and wit captivated the audience.

After the presentation members had a second opportunity to network before the event’s 7:30 p.m. end time. Hackl wrapped up the evening by inviting members to next month’s event, promising more space to accommodate the impressive group. She suspects those that met success at the September event will be back.

Hackl attributes the group for helping her grow her business. She adds, “It is a wonderful chance to network. I find I don’t have to spend money on advertising or promoting my business because I am able to meet so many other professionals at the events.”

Blemke encourages area professionals to consider joining the group. “Networking takes time. It isn’t something that happens overnight,” says Blemke. “I think everyone who joins Link Greater Green Bay will find they are able to make some great contacts.