When we first moved to the Valley of the Sun from Northern New Jersey 2.5 year ago, I attempted to go to many different networking events. Besides not being familiar with any of the roads or areas in the Phoenix area, the local networking lasted for about two (2) months and then I stopped completely attending.
I was told by Christine Springer from Desert Edge Legal last Monday about the Greater Phoenix Gay and Lesbian Chamber. I also invited Laurel Silk from SilkWeb Consulting & Development along and we had a blast! Everyone we met at the event were so open and friendly and after a few of the “other” past experiences I have had at some other chamber events (Can we say the Peoria Chamber ABSOLUTELY sucks ass!), this was a breath of fresh air!
I met a promotional company, Snyder Promotional Products, who I have a meeting with this week to discuss promotional items; not just the typical boring type either. With our adult side of PearlyWrites, also known as PB Vixen, we need non-boring promotional items (especially for AEE 2009 this year in Vegas Baby!). Minxy already started throwing out ideas that night so I am VERY excited to discuss these with her. (Will write a follow up after our meeting.)
Overall from not going to local Phoenix networking events for over a year, this was a great experience to enter the in-person networking world again. Since I ranted and raved about how wonderful it was, SilkWeb now has convinced me to go with her tomorrow night to an ASBA mixer at SKYE lounge. (and yes she also got me to join ASBA! Laurel you have mastered Jewish mother guilt, Oy Vey!)
I hope to get around the Valley more and start meeting many of my Twitter connections in the Valley of the Sun; and SilkWeb WILL be there as well.