Networking still happens off-line at Chelsea Chamber Breakfast
Even though the rise of online social networking has streamlined self-promotion into a few clicks, it takes more than 140 characters for a savvy professional to leave a lasting impression.
If networking is a key to success, which is common enough advice, then it includes the face-to-face kind -- not just pointing and clicking.
In Chelsea, one group that facilitates in-person networking for local professionals is the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce. The chamber held its Fall Business Breakfast, on Sept. 11, which was a short exercise in networking over eggs and bacon at Chelsea Comfort Inn Village Conference Center.
The breakfast attracted a couple dozen chamber members and non-members, which is a far cry from tweeting out to hundreds of online friends. But it begs the question, which method of networking really gets you the more meaningful contacts? While social networks might offer quantity, they do not always guarantee the quality of responses one hopes for. On the other hand, meeting face-to-face at least ensures some kind of reaction.
Carrie Aeschliman, a senior loan officer at Flagstar Bank, commented on attending networking events in a small city.
Chelsea is a tight knit community, and getting to know some of the business people is a good way to mingle here, she said.
Chiropractors James and Elizabeth Phillip recently started a new family business in downtown Chelsea. They say the chamber has introduced them to a lot of people.
We joined two or three months before we even moved here. The chamber has helped us find patients and get our name out there. I would say it has been worth getting involved in, James said.
Tim Bristle of, a financial planner working out of Ann Arbor, has been considering expanding into a second office in Chelsea.
Bristle attended the chambers networking event, because its about finding your place in the market, he said. The gist of his advice on how to effectively network is to talk to people about how the work you do serves them, rather than just fishing for customers. Continued...
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Networking still happens off-line at Chelsea Chamber Breakfast