Help the world - go to happy hour!

Put the papers down, and pick the wine glass up - for a cause that is.  The other night I decided to take a trip up to Los Angeles after seeing a post online about a meet up group for happy hour.  This wasn't just any happy hour though, this happy hour we were all hoping to save the world.  Net Impact, a responsibility group was holding a networking meeting and it was eye-opening to say the least.

This is an interesting group which meets to put together events, conferences, and networking parties to help change the world.  This is not the only group that has this focus - but if you are interested in going green or being responsible joining one could help make your contribution to the world really matter and powerful because you are joining a group of many working towards the same cause.

Networking is an interesting way to meet people who might be working towards the same goal yet through different means.  A lot of times both parties need each other but just haven't found a way to connect, and these types of events are great to bring together people, ideas, and organizations.  I spent a lot of time listening to interesting ideas, and getting cards from people who can help me with my projects - and I want you to be able to benefit from the same sort of events.  I have prepared a list of what you can do to network and help the world during happy hour:

• Remember your business card - This is important, even if you don't have a business card from your company or work make a personal one.  You never know when your project and someone else's idea lines up - it's better to be safe than sorry.

• Collect their business card -  You have been having an amazing conversation with someone, you say goodbye and its over.  If you don't collect their card and contact information you will never know if this great idea could be made into a reality through your collaboration.  Again, its better to have too many cards of people that you won't contact, than missing the vital card of your potential game changing connection.

• Ask more questions -  Not everyone is comfortable telling their great ideas right off the bat, most try to stay humble.  However, you are missing a lot if you spend the time just talking about yourself.  The more questions you can ask the more you will learn and possibly get new ideas to change or  create new projects.

These three key points will help you to make the best out of your networking trips.  I look forward to going to more happy hours and meetings to connect with people who have the same interests.  I can't wait to see where these connections will take me.  Happy networking!