Net-working

Last night I went to a networking event provided by "Chicago After Work". It's really a cool setup that they have. They charge you 10$ to get into their event, which they host at a local bar or club - usually a higher-end establishment in a "hip" part of town. Last night's event was held at Luxbar just off Rush St. in the restaurant district of the Near North Side neighborhood. We had the entire 2nd floor to network and meet new contacts - mostly comprised of younger professionals and entrepreneurs.

I had a lot of fun and met a lot of new and interesting people - some of which could even help me out in the industry, and some vowed to and have already acted on that promise. I, in turn, offered to help a few people wherever I could as well and have since sent out a few emails to try to get the wheels turning.

I would like to attend a few more of these events. The organization puts them on once per month all over the city. The 10$ fee is used to not only reserve the space, but you also get your first cocktail for free (a 6$ value at some of these posh locales), plus there are servers constantly walking around serving complimentary appetizers and selling more beverages.

We'll see where this goes and if it produces any real work. For 10$; however, it is worth the investment and the return could be extraordinary. I was glad to at least have had a fun evening with some cool new people who share my ambitiousness.