Forget stuffy, high pressure networking groups. Young professionals, or those just young at heart, now have a place to meet like minded business people, relax and have a good time.
Six meetings into the game, Young Professionals of Vancouver is attracting quite a crowd. The group met most recently at Big Al’s for a kickoff party, and about 200 people showed up.
"I want us to be the biggest free networking group in Vancouver, and I think we’re well on our way," said Jeff Bernheisel, a business development representative at Western Title and Escrow’s Portland office. Bernheisel, 28, had attended Young Professionals of Portland meetings and got the idea to start up a group here, where such a group hadn’t existed.
The group meets at 5:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month. Meeting locations are posted on the Web site, www.youngprofessionalsofvancouver.com So far, meetings have averaged between 30 and 50 people, Bernheisel said.
"What bugged me the most about some other networking groups was that you were required to bring a certain number of leads, were expensive, and if you missed a certain number of meetings, you got kicked out," he said. "I think if you’re able to connect on a personal level, it builds a stronger business relationship."
The meetings have no structure, and people are able to "mingle, do their thing and come and go as they please," Bernheisel said. "We’re a pretty hip group."
The free, low-pressure social environment is what lured Eyme Ruggerio, a real estate agent at Keller Williams Realty’s Vancouver office.
"In a social gathering, it’s easier to build relationships and connect on a personal level," she said. "When you find that connectivity, you’re more apt to do business with them."
Sean Pennington, a mortgage consultant at Vancouver-based Columbia First Mortgage, said it’s important for newer people in different industries to build relationships.
At a recent meeting, Bernheisel said he met an auto mechanic, a baker of healthy cookies and a professional clothier who custom tailors suits and makes house calls.
Ruggerio said it is key to bolster young business people.
"We’re what’s going to keep the economy going tomorrow," she said. "If we don’t have professionals who can run a business and be motivated and energetic go-getters, what’s the economy going to be like?"
Bernheisel said young professionals are the next wave. Many states have associations, as well as many large cities.
And "youth" is strictly relative.
Ruggerio, 45, said although she may not be young by conventional standards, but feels, thinks and acts young. The group welcomed her instantly.
"We don’t care as long as you’re young at heart," Bernheisel said. "Whoever shows up shows up."
The group has rallied interest by word of mouth, the Web site, and the true mark of a youth, a Myspace page. More than 100 Vancouver professionals are "friends" of the site, although Bernheisel said not all are active in the group.
In the future, he would like to steer the group toward civic-minded activities, educational seminars and classes. Eventually, he said, they may surpass the area chambers of commerce in membership.
At the Dec. 6 meeting, there will be a holiday toy drive to benefit Fruit Valley Elementary School. Fruit Valley has a "Santa Store" for the most in-need parents to discreetly "shop" for gifts for their children. Along with toys, some basic need items such as books, shoes sizes kids 11 to adult 8, hats, mittens, coats and personal hygiene items.
A donation bin will be available at the event, and each person is encouraged to bring an item.
"The more people involved, the better," said Pennington, 30. "It’s energetic and motivating. Especially as a young professional in my business, it can be a roller coaster. I like meeting with like minded people and sharing ideas not in a competitive way. It’s a different type of networking."
Ruggerio said she would like to see the group meet more than once a month.
