Power Coffee Klatch

On an icy Tuesday morning in January, a group of 40 men and women gathered in a cozy conference room in downtown Green Bay. The room was a flurry of activity as people distributed papers around the large rectangular table, snatched tasty pastries from the corner of the room and made introductions here and there. As an outsider walking in, I observed the enthusiasm around the room; I also became aware I needed to move quickly if I wanted to reserve a spot around the table.

The monthly Power Networking Breakfast, hosted by the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, is a well-attended event. Sara Dodge, customer service representative for the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, shares, “It is a very popular event; it is one of the only events that we hold year round.”

Dodge explains networking events have been a common trend among chambers across the country as they attempt to bring area businesses together. The Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce recognized the value of networking and has been offering interested participants the opportunity to attend the successful Power Networking Breakfasts for more than 10 years.

“I think for all businesses, whether it is retail, service or professional, networking is very important. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to build your business,” says Avi Berk, partner at Peterson, Berk & Cross, S.C. in Green Bay.

The meeting kicked off after everyone got settled, just after 7:30 a.m. Attendees surrounded the table and chairs lined the perimeter of the room. Many sipped coffee and munched on breakfast treats.

Rick Steeber, member services for the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, thanked Renard’s Catering in Green Bay for sponsoring the continental breakfast and Peterson, Berk & Cross, S.C. in Green Bay for sponsoring the event. Steeber then explained the structure for networking.

The round-table format gives each attendee two minutes to talk – they are welcome to discuss business or provide business tips; we were all invited to stay after the hour-long event for the opportunity to network with individuals one-on-one.

“I’ve been coming here nearly every month for the last three years and I find the event of great value. It is easy to sit down and talk to people or to get up and tell people what you have to offer,” says Michael Glaser, who does business development for Dental Associates, Ltd. in Green Bay.

The morning’s presentations were informative but light, and many brought bouts of laughter. Businesses were represented by individuals or two-person teams. As the introductions made their way around the table, we heard from a mix of businesses within the community, from financial institutions to technical schools, small business owners to woodwork repairers.

Most passed business cards around the table; a few creative individuals brought giveaways or offered demonstrations. All attendees appeared to value the time to introduce their product or service offerings. The tough economy found its way into the discussions.

“There is a real entrepreneurial flavor to the networking events, which I really like,” says Dr. Bonnie Nussbaum, Wisconsin licensed psychologist and owner of The Melting Place and Harbor Community Psychological Associates in Green Bay. “I think most entrepreneurs have found it somewhat difficult to find other kindred spirits.”

Some new and some familiar faces are found at each Power Networking Breakfast. After attending consistently for the last five years, Berk guessed the January event included one-third regulars, one-third occasional attendees and one-third new faces.

The Power Networking Breakfasts have brought Dr. Nussbaum some business but she adds, “I’ve also made some significant friendships.” Berk agrees. “I’ve gotten some work and quite a few referrals but what I like is a lot of people here will call me because they’ve gotten to trust me, even if my firm isn’t able to help them I am able to refer them to another lawyer. They trust me enough to call me to ask for my advice,” he says.

My personal advice for newcomers planning to attend a Power Networking Breakfast? Bring enough business cards. Glaser shares a few additional words of wisdom, recommending, “Don’t be afraid to talk about what you do and share with the group the passion that you have.”