Breakfast Networking Events

This morning I attended The Greater Boca Raton monthly breakfast networking meeting.  The room was packed, there must have been 250 people in attendance to hear the Mayor of Boca Raton speak.  At my table there were 2 financial planners, 1 attorney, 1 computer repair company, 1 business coach and 1 digital media professional.  We all interacted with one another quite nicely and I am setting up a meeting with the Coach as well as the attorney.  We all exchanged business cards at the table and had an opportunity to give one another our "30 second elevator introduction".  

Prior to the breakfast I was able to network with several people I know (including several Residential and Commercial Realtors) and gave out numerous business cards to other individuals who I had not previously met.

One of the most fulfilling parts of the event was when there was an announcement regarding a new program for 11-18 year olds which help them develop their entrepreneurial skills.  Upon hearing about the creation of this program (Called "YEA" - Young Entrepreneurial Association) I immediately signed up to volunteer.  I'm really excited to volunteer for this project which, it's my understanding is, a United States Chamber of Commerce Project.

I'm often asked whether attending these functions will result in increased business opportunities for me.  This meeting is somewhat similar to the other Chamber Breakfast's I have been attending over the past few years.  The answer is simple -- yes, it's very well worth the time and effort.  I have met some extremely interesting individual and business leaders and have made some genuine friends during these events.  I actually look forward to these networking occasions and am getting ready to sign up for next month's breakfast!