Tampa Bay Networking Formed

With unemployed seeking jobs, companies seeking new business, and professionals looking for clients, networking seems to be going on everywhere. We attend many of these events and while some are very targeted and useful, we find most of them a waste of time, money, and effort.

Almost every organization from Chambers of Commerce to community groups are hosting these events. Newly formed companies have sprung up with job skills seminars, resume writing assistance, and promises of all kinds.

Networking has become a buzz word that seems to have lost its real meaning. While network can include technical meanings, it can be defined as: the act of meeting new people in a business or social environment.

That seems very simple.
If you find yourself paying extensive dues, attendance, or membership costs to attend these events where you only see the same people as last time you must ask if you are really networking at defined above ?

How do you meet new people ? Going to events of all types. Serving on community boards and charitable committees. Playing kickball, bowling in a league, The list is endless.

The value of networking cannot be measured, but it can mean plenty to your life, career, and business. Just ask if you are meeting new people that qualify for the purpose that your networking effort is seeking ?

The South Tampa Community News hosts a different type of such event each month called Celebrate Tampa Bay. No organization to join or cost to attend. The emphasis is on the hosting venue that provides complimentary appetizers and a cash bar. We want you to visit a restaurant you might not have visited before and to experience their cuisine and atmosphere while meeting new people in a business/social environment. Hm, sort of like the definition of networking without the expense and limitations of one organization. The events are publicized through this paper and emails. We do ask that you RSVP so that we can provide you with the service you expect. Our next event will be held on Wednesday, May 12 from 6-8 PM at Spain Restaurant in downtown Tampa.
Details can be found at www.CelebrateTampaBay.com. With an average of 100 attendees, there are plenty of new people for you to meet.

Many of our readers are commenting on the shallowness being nurtured by text messaging, online social networking sites, and others. Tampa Marketing Company (owners of this paper) is launching www.TampaBayNetworking.com with a slightly different purpose. Tampa Bay Networking events will provide a 30 minute program on a topic of significant community interest in the Tampa Bay area. There is no cost to join Tampa Bay Networking. Events will cost $5 to attend and include your first drink or continental breakfast as appropriate We may have some other featured programs at different costs as required.

Our events are open to anyone seeking to meet new people by:
learning about one of Tampa’s many great restaurants through Celebrate Tampa Bay or
for those looking to get the inside information about a relevant topic to our community through Tampa Bay Networking.

We hope to see you at one of our events soon !