Networked Myself into a New Red Coat

I attend lots of networking events to promote my business. I've never attended one that ended up with a snappy new red coat.

A local department store hosted a fashion show to promote the new alliance between a national women's networking group and a well-known designer. Invite members and guests, pour a little wine, serve a little food, then sit back and watch the models do their thing in new spring fashions. Offer a 20% discount on the evening's purchases, and yep, the next thing you know, we're all shopping instead of networking!!!

Actually, in the fun of it all, several of us did make new contacts as we gushed over a cute jacket or a swishy pleated skirt. As bonus, I'm now the owner of a great little coat that will remind me of the fun long after the evening has ended.