Jake's Monthly Networking Event: Connect and Grow in Virginia Beach
How Does The Old Saying Go? It’s Not What You Know; It’s Who You Know. In this fast-paced world, where connections and relationships are pivotal in personal and professional success, networking has become invaluable. Networking is not just about exchanging business cards or attending social events, but it is a deliberate and strategic approach to building meaningful relationships that can open doors and unlock opportunities.
Eat, Drink, & Socialize At The #1 Monthly Networking Event in Virginia Beach!
Each month, professionals of all ages and walks of life come together to eat, drink, and mingle! Events occur every first Wednesday at a different bar or restaurant in Virginia Beach.
Networking Happy Hours are a low-key, no agenda, meet new people/catch up with old friends-type of event. Swing by anytime between 5 & 8 p.m. for a few minutes or the whole time!
If you’re looking for a new job, growing your business, or looking for a new friend, networking offers a plethora of benefits that can propel you toward success!
What Should You Wear to Networking Happy Hour?
Growing up, I thought the last time I’d have to worry about what I would wear was on prom day. As I stepped into the real world, I realized there’s an art to what people wear daily – especially in the business world!
We’ve got business attire, business casual, and maybe even the Covid Mullet – which is business on top and party in the back. (Fun fact: When Covid hit, pant sales plummeted because folks only needed tops!)
Now, you might be sporting your company’s shirts in the workplace, but what if you don’t know what to wear to, let’s say, the next networking event?
The short answer is to wear something that makes you feel comfortable and confident, but it doesn’t stop there!
Ultimately, my personal success has been a nice balance between adhering to the dress code and standing out from the crowd. So, check with the host about the expectations, and then find ways to spice it up!
Standing out can be simple! It could be a funky tie, a special pin you wear with your shirt, or a scarf over your outfit. Or you could go the extreme route and wear something similar every day, like the likes of Mark Zuckerberg and Steve Jobs. Both have said they wear the same outfit daily, not to waste brain cells choosing. Smart?!
Who Attends Networking Happy Hour?
- Nurses
- Contractors
- Teachers
- Students
- Bankers
- Artists
- Nonprofits
- Bartenders
- Jewelers
- Printers
- Wrappers
- CPAs
- Photographers
- Videographers
- Magazines
- Gyms
- Limos
- Estheticians
- Clothiers
- Organizers
- Movers
- Designers
- Pharmacists
- Cleaners
- Therapists
- Musicians
- Attorneys
- Coaches
- Engineers
- Accountants
- Bookkeepers
- Payroll
- Chefs
- Roofers
- Recruiters
- Landscapers
- Insurers
- Barbers
- Lenders
- Marketers
- Nurses
- Contractors
- Teachers
- Students
- Bankers
- Artists
- Nonprofits
- Bartenders
- Jewelers
- Printers
- Wrappers
- CPAs
- Photographers
- Videographers
- Magazines
- Gyms
- Limos
- Estheticians
- Clothiers
- Organizers
- Movers
- Designers
- Pharmacists
- Cleaners
- Therapists
- Musicians
- Attorneys
- Coaches
- Engineers
- Accountants
- Bookkeepers
- Payroll
- Chefs
- Roofers
- Recruiters
- Landscapers
- Insurers
- Barbers
- Lenders
- Marketers
As well as dozens of other entrepreneurs with some very unique growing businesses!
How Should You Follow Up After Networking Happy Hour?
Once you’ve started attending some networking events and making connections, what’s next?
Are you following up at all after the events or are you tossing the business cards into your rolodex and moving on?
Imagine if someone who was actually interested in working with you misplaced your card. They were thinking about working with you but couldn’t call you and you didn’t follow up. That’s “Losing Business 101”.
If you are following up after you leave an event, are you following up to add value or are you jumping right into sales mode?
Next time you exchange contact info with someone, give them a call the next day and go with a simple “Great meeting you!”. I like to take it one step further and invite them to lunch! Get to know them over a good meal, and leave the sales pitch at home.
Why Should You Bring a Friend to Networking Happy Hour?
Bringing a friend can be a great way to calm the nerves about attending an event you’ve never been to. Plus, you’ll add a ton of value for your friend by bringing him to an event that is sure to help them with their goals – whatever they may be! And as they achieve those goals they’ll think of you, the one who made the introduction 🎉
Bonus: If you bring a guest, I’ll buy your and their first round!
How Should You Introduce Yourself at Networking Happy Hour?
Have you noticed that most people’s first statement or question is related to what you do for a living? It’s a nice thing to know, but when everyone’s asking the same thing how do you stand out from the crowd?
In today’s day and age, you get a very brief opportunity to make a lasting impression. If those first few seconds make such an impact, why choose a question that won’t make an impact?
I like to talk about recent or upcoming vacations when meeting new friends 🙂 Sometimes I’ll break out the classic, “What are you watching on Netflix?”. Do you have a unique opener you’ll break out at the next networking event you attend?