If the thought of attending a networking event makes your palms sweat and your blood pressure rise, take a long, slow, deep breath and then sign up for the special Lunch and Learn hosted by the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, March 27. This is the final event in the Chamber's month-long membership appreciation celebration.
The Chamber invites you to bring your lunch and enjoy a 45-minute introduction to the Work the Pond - Power of Positive Networking techniques that can help you conquer your fear and offer various strategies for successful networking.
The workshop will be facilitated by Terri Perrin, marketing and communications co-ordinator at the Chamber, and is based on techniques from the best-selling book: Work the Pond - Use the Power of Positive Networking to Leap Forward in Work and Life.
"Terri presented this topic at a Chamber lunch last spring and we received rave reviews on the presentation and content," says Chamber president/CEO Dianne Hawkins. "Since then, she has also presented it as a two-part breakfast series and, most recently, as a two-hour seminar for the Campbell River Chamber or Commerce. This new Lunch and Learn format promises to be equally upbeat and engaging and, because it is in a small group setting, will be especially helpful to people who would like to improve their networking skills."
Perrin adds that using the entertaining but oh so true analogy of frogs in a pond as the basis for these networking techniques helps people relax and let go of their fear of walking into a room with the hope of making new business connections. This workshop will focus on how positive networking is not about making sales but building trust.
"Work the Pond author Darcy Rezac firmly believes that positive networking can do much more than help you succeed; it can help you become a better, more giving person, a person who makes a real contribution to society and those around you," Perrin said. "I look forward to sharing some of his tips and techniques at next week's event."
The event is at the Chamber boardroom at 2040 Cliffe Ave. from 11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. Tickets are $20 + HST and include workshop handouts, beverages and dessert.
Pre-registration is required as seating is limited. For more information call 250-334-3234 or visit www.comoxvalleychamber.com.