Jessica walked into the Chamber event not knowing what to expect.

She’d seen a post on Facebook and thought, “It’s probably time I get out there and meet people.”

Two years in business… and she still didn’t really know anyone locally.

She arrived, was handed a name tag, and told… “Go have fun.”

So she did what most people do.

She grabbed a glass of rosé (because everyone else seemed to be doing the same) … and started circling the room.

Scanning.

Hesitating.

Wondering which group looked “safe” enough to approach.

Eventually, she picked a group of women and introduced herself.

They were lovely.

They spoke about school. Soccer. Mutual connections.

It felt… comfortable.

But not once did the conversation turn to business.

Jessica didn’t know how to bring it up.

Isn't that the whole point of being here?

After 15 minutes, the formalities began.

The president spoke.

The mayor spoke.

A sponsor spoke.

Then…

“Feel free to continue networking!”

Except… most people didn’t.

They left.

Her group wrapped up quickly… dinner to cook, kids to get home to.

And just like that, it was over.

Jessica had been there from 5:30 to 7:00pm.

She didn’t get a lead.

Didn’t give a business card.

Didn’t talk about her business once.

When she got home, her husband asked, “How was it?”

She paused.

“It was… pretty useless.”

And in that moment,

Jessica made a decision…

Networking doesn’t work.

But here’s the truth:

Jessica didn’t fail because networking doesn’t work.

Jessica failed because she wasn’t taught how to network.

She had no intention. No strategy. No language for commercial conversations.

So she defaulted to what felt safe… small talk.

Most people don’t need more networking events.

They need a better way to approach them.

Because when you shift from casual conversations…

to strategic networking… everything changes.