Construction Chat  is a weekly chat on Thursday mornings at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time.  If you’re free, we’d love you to join us.

We had a great chat today about resolutions, goals, and how to get there.

This week’s topic is on networking.

“Networking events have been incredibly productive for me. I’ve acquired new clients, hired new employees, created strategic partnerships and even made some lasting friendships.” Jon Gelberg ~ “The 6 People I Meet at Every Networking Event and Wish I Hadn’t” 

"Instead of trying to meet everybody in the room, try to spend time with two people." @DanMartell http://t.co/he8tO5j9fH #networking

— Riggins Construction (@RigginsConst) February 3, 2015

Q1: Do you belong to any groups or associations? Which ones?

I'm a Freemason…and no I can't tell you the handshake. 🙂 #ConstChat

— Darren Slaughter (@DarrenSlaughtr) February 5, 2015

@RigginsConst A1: Not really, that's something that I want to get more into! #Constchat

— Milan Jara (@Milan_Jara) February 5, 2015

A1: Industry: I belong to @NAHB; used to belong to @SMPSCentralPA before moving #ConstChat

— Tess Wittler (@TessWittler) February 5, 2015

A1. Several! @DHIorg @CSIConstruction BHMA and scores more. #constchat

— HagerCo (@HagerCo) February 5, 2015

A1. Not currently. I have belonged to some groups before, though (different company & position). #constchat

— JorgMaterialHandling (@MaterialHndling) February 5, 2015

Im a member of the Construction Marketing Assoc. #ConstChat

— Darren Slaughter (@DarrenSlaughtr) February 5, 2015

A1: Personally, I belong to @TeamRWB and @harleydavidson owners group #ConstChat

— Tess Wittler (@TessWittler) February 5, 2015

I want to start my own social media meetup. #ConstChat

— Window Works CA (@WindowWorksCA) February 5, 2015

A1. As WindowWorks, we belong to some minority-owned business groups in the #SF Bay Area. #ConstChat

— Window Works CA (@WindowWorksCA) February 5, 2015

I belong to this cool online group call ed Construction Chat! 🙂 #ConstChat

— Darren Slaughter (@DarrenSlaughtr) February 5, 2015

Well, #ConstChat has a weekly meetup! It's at 9:00 am Pacific Time. 😀

— Window Works CA (@WindowWorksCA) February 5, 2015

Q2: Do they hold meetups or regular events?

A2. Yes. The local chapters hold meetings monthly and the national chapters hold a convention annually. #constchat

— HagerCo (@HagerCo) February 5, 2015

A2. Yes, they have regular get togethers, in various locations. #ConstChat

— Window Works CA (@WindowWorksCA) February 5, 2015

A2. The groups I belonged to had events fairly often. At least monthly. Lunch/seminar types of things. #constchat

— JorgMaterialHandling (@MaterialHndling) February 5, 2015

A2: I can't find a "fit" here at my local HBA yet; I participate in national @NAHBPWB where I can #ConstChat

— Tess Wittler (@TessWittler) February 5, 2015

Q3: There are a lot of types of networking groups. What format style interests you the most?

A3. Smaller groups interest me the most. #Introvert #ConstChat

— Window Works CA (@WindowWorksCA) February 5, 2015

@RigginsConst A3: Something in the middle of the day, not too formal – and not awkward! #constchat

— Milan Jara (@Milan_Jara) February 5, 2015

A3. I like the monthly meetings but difficult after work to attend. The annual conventions are intense but a blast. #constchat

— HagerCo (@HagerCo) February 5, 2015

A3. I prefer groups that do lunch & learn type things. I don't love going to after-hours events…kind of a homebody. 😉 #constchat

— JorgMaterialHandling (@MaterialHndling) February 5, 2015

A3: We enjoy the afterwork networking too. #constchat

— Infinity Pools Texas (@InfinityPoolsTX) February 5, 2015

Q4: What advice do you have for meeting someone at a networking event?

@RigginsConst A4: Don't be shy – go out there and start talking! #constchat

— Milan Jara (@Milan_Jara) February 5, 2015

A4. Don't dominate the conversation. Let others talk, too. Be a good listener. #ConstChat

— Window Works CA (@WindowWorksCA) February 5, 2015

A4. Personally, meeting one or two new people is great. Don't spread yourself too thin. #ConstChat

— Window Works CA (@WindowWorksCA) February 5, 2015

A4. Hmmm…try not to oversell or overgive. Kinda like leave something to the imagination. #ConstChat

— Darren Slaughter (@DarrenSlaughtr) February 5, 2015

A4: Just start a conversation by asking a question about them. Everyone likes to talk about themselves. #ConstChat

— Tess Wittler (@TessWittler) February 5, 2015

A4. Don't throw your marketing material at people. No "scattergun" approach. #ConstChat

— Window Works CA (@WindowWorksCA) February 5, 2015

A4. Have an open stance to allow newcomers into your conversation when networking. #ConstChat

— Window Works CA (@WindowWorksCA) February 5, 2015

A4: If it is a 1-to-1 situation, I often suggest a walk/talk or some other thing that keeps our minds off of ONLY biz #ConstChat

— Tess Wittler (@TessWittler) February 5, 2015

A4: I once went hiking with a new-to-me biz person. We ran into snakes – it was memorable! #ConstChat

— Tess Wittler (@TessWittler) February 5, 2015

Q5: How do you welcome a newcomer to a networking event?

A5. The same way as online. Say hello. Say "I'm glad you're here." It means a lot. #ConstChat

— Window Works CA (@WindowWorksCA) February 5, 2015

A5. A smile and saying hello/introducing yourself goes a LONG way. #constchat

— JorgMaterialHandling (@MaterialHndling) February 5, 2015

@RigginsConst A5: Ideally, I would introduce myself and try to make them feel comfortable and welcome! #constchat

— Milan Jara (@Milan_Jara) February 5, 2015

A5 I usually am the newcomer.when people find out what I do…that kind of takes care of things."Darren, can I pick your brain? #ConstChat

— Darren Slaughter (@DarrenSlaughtr) February 5, 2015

A5. I try to check out who is hanging back on the edges and make a point of talking with them. #constchat

— HagerCo (@HagerCo) February 5, 2015

Q6. Do you have any “DO NOT DO THIS” tips?

A6. Oh, man. How many hours do we have here? #ConstChat

— Window Works CA (@WindowWorksCA) February 5, 2015

A6. Close on the spot. #ConstChat

— Darren Slaughter (@DarrenSlaughtr) February 5, 2015

@RigginsConst A6: Don't overwhelm newcomers, don't ask too many questions. #constchat

— Milan Jara (@Milan_Jara) February 5, 2015

A6. Don't be that guy, all super loud talking about yourself til people want to stab themselves in the eye with a spork. #ConstChat

— Window Works CA (@WindowWorksCA) February 5, 2015

A6: Stay out of my personal space! 🙂 #ConstChat

— Tess Wittler (@TessWittler) February 5, 2015

A6 – do not bad mouth other companies or disrespect the event that everyone came to participate in. #constchat

— DMCAINC (@DMCAINC) February 5, 2015

A6. Hmm…don't be overly loud and talk about yourself too much. Listen and learn about other people. #constchat

— JorgMaterialHandling (@MaterialHndling) February 5, 2015

A6. DONT add me to your newsletter cuz you got my card!!!!! #ConstChat

— Darren Slaughter (@DarrenSlaughtr) February 5, 2015

A6: Also, don't be "that guy" that doesn't allow me to work the room #ConstChat

— Tess Wittler (@TessWittler) February 5, 2015

A6 and don't fish around for freebies or start asking favors of people you've just met. #constchat

— DMCAINC (@DMCAINC) February 5, 2015

A6. Don't ask people to do their job for free. Grrrrrrr!!! #ConstChat

— Window Works CA (@WindowWorksCA) February 5, 2015

A6) #constchat DON't BE THE KNOW IT ALL @RigginsConst

— Masson & Associates (@MassonAssoc) February 5, 2015

Bonus Tweets:

If you're the host/hostess, be sure to include everyone. Ask questions. Say hello. #ConstChat

— Window Works CA (@WindowWorksCA) February 5, 2015

Simple rule for shyness? If you don't kill it, you don't eat. Just speak…Talking is still free! #ConstChat

— Darren Slaughter (@DarrenSlaughtr) February 5, 2015

What’s your two cents?

Do you have an answer you want to contribute? Feel free to add it in the comments.