Whether you choose to network at Java Moose over coffee or at one of your favorite watering holes, sharing your business ideas or common interests has been part of our communication processes for what seemingly could be forever.
In fact, it is proven that prehistoric man returned to the same location to draw in order to seek comfort, share their stories with a deep desire to connect with others. The same drawings of the cave walls were also transposed onto earthenware. Was this early social media?
I happen to be of the age where I remember my first Grand Marais home phone number, the rotary phone as well as “party lines” and let’s not forget the introduction of the long phone line which allowed a person to venture at least 20 feet from the phone mounted on the kitchen wall. With the surge of social media allowing us to connect via Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc., the value of a good old face to face may have slipped into the shadows.
But I disagree.
Networking is an experience that might be overstated but is truly a necessity. If you describe yourself as an introvert, you may also hear yourself saying, “I hate networking.”
I like to think of networking with some clear goals in mind. Ask yourself what is it that I want to learn from that person? Make a point of listening and identifying common interests. If you find that common interests aren’t jumping to the surface, think about what you can add to conversation.
During my time at the Duluth Chamber, we actually hosted Networking 101, which allowed new and seasoned professionals to connect, meet and share their stories. Being a major extrovert, I often found myself running around and introducing attendees to each other, finding the common link for continued conversation and learning.
And now, while we might not host many formal networking opportunities in our communities, they do exist. Visit Cook County and the Cook County Chamber are happy to host the Fall Gala each year. We have been told time and time again how much people enjoy the opportunity to visit (network) with community members.
The Gala includes a social hour, dinner, and music and also allows the opportunity for you to network with local business stakeholders as well as state legislators. We’re excited to host John Edman, executive director of Explore MN, as our featured speaker for the event. He will provide us with impactful tourism highlights from around the state.
You won’t want to miss this annual networking opportunity scheduled for Tuesday, October 23 at 5:30 p.m. at the newly renovated Grand Portage Lodge and Casino. There is still time to register and you can find registration information, lodging and shuttle details on our website at visitcookcounty.com/events.
Linda Jurek is the executive director of Visit Cook County. Linda is a 1978 graduate of Cook County High School. She lived much of her adult life in Duluth where she raised a family, returning home when her current position was offered to her.
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