How To Find High Quality Networking Events - Tip #1: Check Out Your Local Chambers of Commerce
OK, we an all admit it, some networking events are better than others. We all have our favorite format, we all have our favorite group and we all especially love the networking events that provide free snacks and coffee.
But how do you consistently find good networking events to attend? Some say practice, some say go to all of them and some are just winging it every time.
Here are a few tips I have learned to consistently find networking events worth sharing about.
Tip #1: Check Our Your Local Chambers of Commerce
Southeast Michigan has a fantastically vibrant field of local chambers of commerce including the Southeast Michigan Chamber of Commerce (SEMC). Office Evolution Troy is a recent addition to the SEMC but in a short amount of time we have been blown away by the volume and high quality of small businesses that participate in their monthly luncheon events.
The SEMC monthly luncheons should be on every small business owner’s schedule. Not only does the SEMC provide a full lunch but there is abundant networking as well as engagement from the local political party affiliations including state senators and county executives.
SEMC Networking Event Schedule >>>
Office Evolution Troy has been an active member of the Troy Chamber of Commerce since opening our doors in 2022. We have been consistently impressed with the quality of the membership as well as the networking events. Not only have we gained several clients from the Troy Chamber of Commerce, but we have also used their extensive network to find services and vendors for our small business.
Two of our favorite Troy Chamber networking events include the monthly Coffee News & Networking and the Morning JAM events.
Troy Chamber of Commerce Networking Event Schedule >>>
We have recently discovered the Connect Macomb (formerly Sterling Heights Chamber) and have been pleasantly surprised by the variety and participation of their membership base at their networking events. Connect Macomb successfully engages with business owners throughout Macomb County from Warren to Shelby Township and more.
With Connect Macomb, we recommend their Breakfast and Networking event held monthly as well as their Women’s networking events.
Connect Macomb Networking Event Schedule >>>
Just to the north of Troy is the Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce where many fellow Troy chamber members also regularly frequent. While our experience with the Auburn Hills Chamber is limited, their Java With Jean event is a casual and typically well attended networking event to add to your calendar!
Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce Event Schedule >>>
Chambers of commerce have been a staple of small business networking for generations and there is a good reason why. Engaging with fellow business owners in a defined geographic area can provide a natural ice breaker and stronger sense of camaraderie with your fellow networker. Many fellow business owners we know are members of several adjacent chambers of commerce or regularly engage with multiple different chambers within their community.
In general, we strongly encourage anyone looking for more networking opportunities to find all the chambers of commerce in their area and sign up for their newsletter. Most of the newsletters will have a list of events hosted by the chamber or chamber members that are open/ free to attend. Chambers also feature member exclusive discounts, special interest networking groups like the Women’s Business Forum or the Young Professionals groups in addition to available marketing and promotion in weekly emails and event sponsorships.
Bonus Tip: Attend the ribbon cuttings and grand openings! It might sound a little strange to anyone new to networking but ribbon cuttings are fantastic (usually FREE) events to attend. There is usually free food, stronger engagement by officials like mayors and city board members as well as fellow and neighboring businesses to network with!
Other Chambers of Commerce To Check Out
Berkley Area Chamber of Commerce >>>
Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce >>>
Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce >>>
Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce >>>
More About Office Evolution Troy
Office Evolution Troy offers a full complement of private office, conference rooms, and virtual mail services. All memberships and hourly reservations include access to all of our business center amenities including:
- Staffed reception to greet your clients and guests
- Access to conference rooms to set up larger group meetings
- Complimentary coffee, tea, ice (the *good* ice) and water
- Wifi Credentials at CAT 6 Data Connection
- Secure Document Disposal
- Copy/ Print Services*
- Onsite Notary Services*
*Additional cost may apply
Give us a call (586-788-9966) to schedule a tour today or stop by during normal business hours, M-F, 8 AM – 5 PM! We would love to meet you, learn about your business and share a cup of coffee, on us!
Office Evolution is a locally owned and operated franchise of flexible office business centers with over 80 locations in North America. Office Evolution Troy is conveniently located at W Big Beaver Road and I-75 in the heart of downtown Troy, MI along the Million Dollar Mile of Oakland County. Office Evolution Troy proudly serves the Oakland, Wayne and Macomb County areas. Office Evolution focuses on dedicated, turn key professional working solutions to give small businesses a physical center of business in today’s overwhelmingly virtual business world. Our product offering is 100% flexible and scalable from somewhere to get your mail all the way to a dedicated office, conference room space and as always, free coffee. Our goal is to help make an affordable, impactful, efficient and beautiful business center for dreamers, doers and risk takers.