.png)
Professionals are often told that networking is ESSENTIAL to business development. But let's be honest: networking can often feel daunting due to a variety of factors:
- The pressure to make a strong first impression, which can lead to anxiety and self-doubt
- The intimidation of navigating large OR smaller events where everyone seems to already know each other
- The difficulty of approaching new people and the fear of rejection or being perceived as pushy
- How to have a quick conversation that isn't just "small talk"
- The lack of immediate results or tangible outcomes that can make networking seem unproductive and not worth the time
Join us for an informative lunch & learn that will give you relatable ways you can remove the roadblocks in networking for yourself to make better connections that lead to increased impact for you and your business.
Featuring:
Raeus Cannon, Founder/CEO, Referral Excellence Organization (REO): As CEO/Founder of Referral Excellence Organization (REO,LLC), a membership association (and longtime FWKCC member) that promotes business growth by creating Networking Communities, Raeus is well versed in helping people make REAL connections that result in profitable relationships, and has professionally spoken to multiple southeastern chambers of commerce, BNI, and small business groups over her long career.
Julie Blaylock, President/CEO, FWKCC: As the chief staff since 2017 at the Farragut West Knox Chamber of Commerce, Julie admits she did not even know what networking WAS when she accepted her first role at FWKCC as Executive Assistant in 2011. Over the years, she has studied, practiced, facilitated and observed networking of almost every type, size, and style, focusing on the importance of honing in on what works best for each individual and understanding that different personalities can be equally successful with intentional effort.
Zan J. Schriver, III, Development & Digital Media Manager, Volunteer Ministry Center: Zan works closely with the executive leadership team at VMC, a non-profit that strives to end homelessness through permanent supportive housing solutions. With priorities that include building relationships that lead to community education on these often misunderstood issues, as well as developing donor partnerships, Zan has learned to network in a way that is both productive, profitable, and in keeping with his introverted style.
Philip Giguere, AVP Business Development, Captive Resources: As the current outgoing chair of West Young Professionals, Philip brings the voice of up and coming professionals to the discussion, having navigated the growth of his own career in insurance since 2018. A self-proclaimed extrovert, Philip is passionate about professional growth and helping young professionals and entrepreneurs find their place in Knoxville so they can successfully call it home.
NOTE: LIGHT Lunch refreshments PROVIDED (Included at NO COST to existing chamber members). You may also bring a Brown Bag.
FWKCC’s Lunch & Learn Series provides both chamber members and members of the business community with an opportunity to learn Best Practices on a variety of topics including, but not limited to: Cyber Security, Business Risk, Ethics, and more. This member-to-member format lets panelists informally SHARE their helpful industry standard knowledge that is ALSO specific to the business climate and requirements of our own city, region and state.
