2 in-person networking events in Milwaukee starting Monday

I could not be more excited to announce I’m hosting 2 in-person networking events in Milwaukee starting next week Monday! Networking is so important for me to continue to thrive in business and personally. I’m elated to add a few new in-person options in Milwaukee County.

Business Over Breakfast

On Monday March 21, 2022 I’m kicking off a brand new networking group called Business Over Breakfast! I have wanted to do morning networking for a long time. Unfortunately most meetings start at 7:30am. I have the responsibility of getting 2 kiddos off to school so I can never seem to make that work. From conversations I’ve had with others, 7:30am is tough for many. So they say, when you can’t find an opportunity – create one!

Mondays can also be tough to get motivation for some. I’m looking forward to kicking the week off right, building relationships and meeting new people.

Business Over Breakfast is a FREE networking event directed to support business owners and professionals. Meetings are scheduled the 1st and 3rd Monday at 9am. We will meet at the Oak Creek Diner, 6874 South 13th Street, Oak Creek, WI 53154.

Professional Women of WI (PWoW)

On Tuesday March 22, 2022 we are bringing Professional Women of WI (PWoW) back to in-person after over 2 years of being virtual only!

PWoW is the very first networking group I attended long before I started Opportunity’s Knaaking. The group has been run for many years by Debbie Kuras. She has been an absolute inspiration to me in business and I’m honored to help keep this group alive! This group has been well established for over 10 years so I can’t wait to see familiar faces and meet new ones!

We are a group of women with a common interest in creating a network of formal and informal professionals. PWoW meetings are scheduled the 4th Tuesday monthly at 6pm. We will meet at The Brass Key Restaurant, 4952 W Forest Home Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53219.

What to Expect

Both of these events are free to attend. Meetings are held at restaurants and we ask each attendee to at least purchase a beverage or meal to help the restaurant for allowing us to meet there. Bring business cards to exchange, plan to meet and build relationships with new people.

We take a little different approach to networking than some others. We believe building relationships with each other is much more important than growing an email/contact list and business card collection. We consider these business AND social networking groups. Please take the time to get to know each member/attendee and make an effort to join as often as possible to network. Helping you grow your business and connect with the right people are priorities to us.

Networking Tips for 2022

• Prepare your 30 second authentic “elevator pitch.” Be prepared to discuss what you do, but it’s important not to oversell yourself. Have fun with it!
• Have your physical and digital business cards ready to share.
• Prior to attending the networking event, set goals for yourself or have a plan of what you’d like to achieve during the event.
• Ask creative questions to those you meet. Networking is more about building relationships than an instant sale. Keep that in mind when attending both virtually and in-person.
• Focus on quality conversations over the quantity of conversations you have. It’s ok to not be able to talk to everyone.
• If you are outgoing, find the “wall huggers” as it might be easier to have a one-on-one conversation rather than joining a conversation already in progress. 

Networking Tips for Introverts

Nervous to attend a networking meeting on your own? I understand completely. For some, networking is intimidating to attend alone, give yourself a pep talk (many feel exactly like you do). I’m confident both groups will be welcoming to all who choose to join us. Maybe try some of the tips below to help make the experience as comfortable for you as possible:

• Invite a friend or coworker to lessen the fear of walking in alone.
• If possible research registered attendees to feel you know a little bit about them prior to the engagement.
• Be prepared to be a good listener to focus on what you can do for your new contact(s).
• Be yourself, smile and provide open body language that shows you are approachable. 
• To continue to build your relationship, follow up with your new contacts via phone call, email, LinkedIn, etc.

Networking can be very intimidating, especially for introverts. Going in with a mindset of building relationships (not gaining an instant sale) will be a key approach to networking success. 

I look forward to meeting you next week or over the months to come!

Best,

#OpportunitysKnaaking #BusinessOverBreakfast #PWoW #Networking #WomenInBusiness