Over the past few years I have enjoy attending the Lincoln Square Business Networking and Happy Hour hosted by Dr. Katie Ray at the New Day Spa on Lincoln Avenue.  Dr. Katie a chiropractic physician, offers NETWORK SPINAL ANALYSIS™ (often called NSA or simply Network Care) which utilizes, as I understand it, a light touch which is far less aggressive than the chiropractic approach many people usually imagine. She always gives a short, five minute or less, demonstration at every meeting and graciously shares the spotlight with another service provider who gives a one or two minute introduction of themselves. It’s a well-run meeting in a light and cheerful atmosphere with a comfortable vibe. The BYOB policy means there are a few bottles of wine available to wind down the day as well as some antipasto or light nibbles to keep your tummy from grumbling.

As I walked in this past Wednesday I was happy to see Raquel Soto who I had just become acquainted with the day before at our very own Business Card to Business Meetup. Raquel provides coaching services to help improve your business or personal life.  Some other new contacts included Jake Ennis, Project Coordinator at Robert Half, Kara Buffardi, CEO & Founder of Craveity Marketing & Branding, and Daniel Lona strength coach offering personal fitness training in the River North area. Jeremy Cohn can improve your range of motion and provide relief of lower back pain utilizing the Alexander Technique. Ty Parris just moved here from California, offering commercial real estate financing and Edward Sablan of First Financial Credit Union can help you with your personal financial needs – – but ask him about his podcast.

Katie does a great job of mixing business with pleasure at this event. It’s a fun way to connect with some familiar faces and make some business contacts while getting to know a few new people and learn more about them, not just about what they do. This meeting was Day 41 of my 100 Day Challenge to meet 100 new people. With the people I met here I am ahead of the one per day average at about 56. The thing to keep in mind tough is the challenge is about quality not quantity. The goal is to make some kind of meaningful connection, that’s what makes it valuable and fun. Welcome to my network.