After Hours Multi Chamber Networking at Hilton Garden Inn – 3/12/2025 After Hours Hilton Garden

Join Us for a Spectacular Multi-Chamber Evening at Hilton Garden Inn Wilsonville!

Get ready for an exciting evening of networking, connections, and fun! This special After Hours Networking event is hosted in collaboration with the Wilsonville, Sherwood, Tualatin, and West Linn Chambers of Commerce โ€”bringing together professionals from across the region.

๐Ÿ“ข This event will sell out. You must pre-register in order to receive your free drink and food ticket! Plus, donโ€™t miss out on over $500 in door prizes!

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What Youโ€™ll Enjoy:

  • High-quality networking in the elegant Pearl/Sapphire banquet space and Pearl patio
  • Complimentary appetizers to keep you energize
  • Unlimited coffee, hot tea, and soft drinks (Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, and Dasani)
  • One complimentary drink voucher (valid for a beer or glass of house wine)
  • Full bar access for additional beverage purchases
  • Exclusive 20% Off Voucher for Parkway Grille (valid for food purchases, expires April 30, 2025)
  • 15% Off Voucher for a hotel stay at Hilton Garden Inn Wilsonville (expires December 31, 2025, redeemable on the hotelโ€™s website, excludes taxes)
  • ๐Ÿฅƒย Special Tasting by Straightaway Cocktailsโ€”sample expertly crafted, award-winning cocktails –ย Straightaway Cocktails
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FORD vs. HEFE: Frameworks for Networking and Small Talkย  Small talk is the foundation of networking

Small talk is the foundation of networking, but it often feels forced or superficial. Frameworks like FORD and HEFE can transform casual conversations into meaningful connections. Letโ€™s explore the strengths and applications of each to help you decide when and how to use them effectively.

The FORD Framework

FORD stands for Family, Occupation, Recreation, and Dreams. These topics serve as approachable entry points for conversation.

Strengths:

  • Universality:ย Family and work are nearly universal topics, offering familiarity and relatability.
  • Aspiration-oriented:ย Discussing dreams often leads to uplifting and engaging exchanges.
  • Simplicity:ย Its structure is easy to remember and apply.

Best Use Cases:

  • Quick introductions or casual networking events.
  • Situations where building rapport is more important than diving deep.

Example Questions: 

  • Did you grow up around here, or did your family move here later?
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Navigating Networking: When to Say No pexels julian v 293152 860227 (1)

Early in your career, you might feel pressured to seize every networking opportunity, thinking itโ€™s the key to success. But not all connections are created equal. Investing time in the wrong relationships can detract from building meaningful, productive networks. Knowing when to decline a networking request is essential for preserving your energy and integrity.

Here are key red flags to consider before saying yes:

  1. Itโ€™s a Sales Pitch, Not a Relationship
    If someone approaches you with an agenda to sell a product or service rather than foster a genuine professional connection, be cautious. Authentic networking should be about mutual growth and shared valueโ€”not transactional gains.
  2. Reputation Raises Concerns
    If the individual or their organization has a questionable reputation or operates in a way that conflicts with your values, engaging could jeopardize your professional credibility.
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Morning Spark with Full Code CPR and American Legion 01/15/2025 022824 (2)

Join us in welcoming Full Code CPR and the American Legion for a Morning Spark. Please note this is a very special event.

Our Morning Spark networking events are great for meeting and making new business connections within the community. Facilitated introductions between attendees ensure you will meet everyone.

Everyone is eligible to win great door prizes!

Guests are welcome to join us for a fun and business-building morning.

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Register here

Timeline:

7:45 am | Attendees are welcome to arrive early to meet and greet

8:00 am | “Free-Range”/General Networking among attendees

8 :10 am | Get to know the team at Full Code CPR and the American Legion

8:15-9:30 am. This is a special event where 27 attendees will get the chance to continue and participate in a free (*) CPR class.… Read the rest

Morning Spark Networking Edward Jones & Think Ahead 02/05/2025 morning spark 02052025

Chamber Spark: How Do Your Values Shape Your Business?

Start your day with purpose and connection at our Chamber Morning Spark event, hosted by
Rachael Nelson of Edward Jones and Tiffanie Clifford of Think Ahead. Taking place on
Wednesday, February 5, 2025, from 7:45-9:00 am, this engaging session invites you to explore
how your core values influence and shape your business decisions, relationships, and success.
Donโ€™t miss this opportunity to network with like-minded professionals and gain actionable
strategies for aligning your business with what matters most. Save the date and join us for this
thought-provoking conversation!

Our Morning Spark networking events are great for meeting and making new business connections within the community. Facilitated introductions between attendees ensure you will meet everyone.… Read the rest