Connections July

Solid contacts in no time flat: That’s what they came for and that’s what they got. A mix of men and women gathered at Fox Valley Technical College-Waupaca Regional Center on a recent day, some for the first time, while others appeared to be old acquaintances. The 14 Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce members came prepared to participate in an afternoon of speed networking.

Attendees trickled in slowly, most arrived in time for the program’s 11:15 a.m. start. There was little mingling. The classroom setting seemed to draw members to a find seat – conversations were kept to those sitting close.

Tables were pulled together and arranged in a large U. Participants sat on both sides of the table; chairs were positioned to bring networkers face-to-face. Terri Schulz, president of the Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the members to the event. She explained the speed networking rules.

One side of the table began introductions. Business cards were exchanged; some handed out brochures. After two minutes an alarmingly loud bell rang – signaling it was time for the next individual to take his or her turn. After each side of the table had its two minutes to talk, both the inside and outside of the table shifted one chair to the right.

The room included regular attendees and those that were new to the experience. All quickly got into the groove.

Schulz kept a stopwatch, ensuring accurate time. The bell rang as attendees circled the room.
Eventually all individuals had an opportunity to meet. The room contained Waupaca area businesses from a variety of industries – banking, health care, promotions and more.

The Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce has been sponsoring speed networking events for the last two years; this type of event is typically held every quarter.

“Networking is a priority for our members,” says Schulz. “We heard other chambers were offering speed networking events and adapted the concept to fit our members.”
The event location changes – they’ve met at King’s Table Restaurant, area banks and ABC Computers – in an effort to support member’s businesses.

Robyn Gans, owner of New Direction Embroidery & Engraving in Waupaca, had sent two of her employees to past speed networking events, but this was her first experience. “This way each of us got to talk specifically about what we do and present a different angle of our business,” says Gans. “I’ve been very happy with the results.”

Lunch was waiting at a back table at the end of the event. Attendees chose what they wanted to eat and sat down next to those they wanted to keep networking with. The event concluded at 1 p.m. – right on time.

While the speed networking is open only to the chamber’s nearly 400 members, the chamber offers other networking and educational opportunities for the community. The fee is slightly higher for non-members.

Gans takes advantage of her membership, signing up for presentation topics that catch her eye. She has received business leads by participating in various events and finds it beneficial to learn about the businesses that surround her.

“I attend because I am hoping to get more business. I’d also like to be known by the community as an authority in my field,” says Gans.

Susan Bahlmann, a referral manager at Crystal River Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Waupaca, prefers to take the time to inform attendees about the rehab center.

“I look at it as a chance to be out in the community and to be there to answer questions as they come up,” she says.