dsmBUZZ: Network Recommends (even for people with hangups like me)

This morning I headed to Palmers on Ingersoll for my first chamber breakfast meeting with the newly formed Chamber Des Moines West Side which was well attended with approximately 40 people. One thing that struck me as we went around making introductions was the incredible longevity of some of these business owners.

More and more, especially these days, I'm realizing it takes the culmination of things to last the long haul as a business owner. Good and smart work, useful and meaningful services and products, patience, a strong stomach, humility, adaptability, and maybe quite a bit of luck.

I took my turn at 60 seconds and explained Storied Gifts of course with a quick shout out for dsmBUZZ. My personal goal this year is to get over my hangups about attending these gigs. I always feel kind of dorky about "networking" because of the crowd and focal point of these events which is about . . . well networking (am I doing "it" right?). If I could sit and visit with each person and listen and ask questions in a quiet setting it would be my preference.

Even after all the times I've attended one of my favorite gathering activities, Central Iowa Bloggers (which I think has a different kind of networking energy) I still have problems in the group setting.

If you are looking to meet people for your business I recommend both of these groups. Each offers an opportunity to gather with others that have a passion for what they do. Look for me there, I'll be the woman on the perimeter.