About

What is C.H.A.D. Networking? It's a semi-structured way of meeting new business professionals and networking to make connections to help your business. Semi-structured means that we're all there to network and connect, but it's OK to have a bit of fun and socialize. We have name tags, but you won't find any organized presentations or sales pitches. Of course it's encouraged for you to bring business cards and brochures about your business, but it's less stuffy than an Chamber networking function and *WAY* less formal than BNI.

Who will you find at C.H.A.D. Networking? Small business people, very small business people, people engaged in sales, marketing folks, those seeking new opportunities, the recently unemployed, CEOs and everyone in between - we're seen them all! Why? Because we're open, welcoming and social, yet here with a purpose.

So, in that spirit, we don't have rules, only guidelines.
First, it's important to "work" a networking event.
Second, it's important to have a bit of fun (and a drink or two). Because let's face it, most of us are a lot better at networking when a social lubricant is involved.


History

The idea of C.H.A.D. Networking goes back to 2005 when I first met a friend named Chad, who organized informal "happy hour" networking functions in Duluth. Since everyone simply called it Chad's or Chad networking, I immediately thought that C-H-A-D should stand for something. ...And since we were meeting over happy hour, the acronym "come have a drink" came about naturally.

I am resurrecting this concept because I felt there was a gap in the area's networking calendar. With C.H.A.D. Networking, I am trying to fill that elusive niche between structured networking events and casual "MeetUp" groups.


A few notes for clarification:

• The only way I, or anyone else, will make any money from this is by meeting new people, networking with each other and spreading the word about our respective businesses.
  
• C.H.A.D. Networking is an independent entity, not affiliated with any chamber of commerce, visitors' bureau, nor any young professionals' organization.
  
• C.H.A.D. Networking is not based in any one geographic area of the Twin Cities metro. Meetings will shift around from Woodbury to Minnetonka; from Burnsville to Anoka, and everywhere in between. This way I hope to accommodate as much of our membership as possible.