Strategic Networking: Beyond “Working the Room” – July 30

A better approach for building relationships and creating opportunities

Thursday, July 30, 2026 | 4:00 -6:00 p.m.

DoubleTree by Hilton Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops | 13051 Bell Tower Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33907

A collaboration with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

About Event

In a world where people are more connected than ever—but often feel less connected than ever—networking has become one of the most misunderstood activities in business and community life. Many people leave networking events with stacks of business cards or hundreds of online “connections,” yet very few meaningful relationships or opportunities follow. This workshop challenges that gap and offers a practical, refreshing approach: networking with purpose.

This is not a lecture — it is an interactive, energetic workshop designed to be both practical and engaging. Participants will explore the biggest myths about networking, including the outdated “elevator speech” model, the limits of social media validation, and the critical importance of knowing your “why.” You will leave with simple, powerful tools to turn conversations into relationships, to evaluate your networking success, and to build a network that works for you—professionally, socially, and personally.

What You’ll Learn

• Why purpose is the most powerful networking tool
• The biggest myths about networking (including why the elevator speech is overrated)
• How to turn “Nice to meet you” into collaboration and opportunity
• How social media fits into networking (and where it can mislead you)
• How to measure whether your networking is working
• Simple memory tools that help you engineer conversations that can become valuable connections.

What Makes This Workshop Different

• Highly interactive and practical
• Real-world communication tools you can use immediately
• Applicable in business and social networking.

Outcome

• Leave with practical tools to network with purpose, confidence, and clarity—anywhere, anytime.

Led by an Experienced Communications Strategist

Our workshop is facilitated by Mike Jackson, APR, MPB. Mike is an Emmy Award-winning former television network correspondent, CEO Coach, strategic communications and crisis management advisor; and developer of sales and customer relationship curricula for global companies.

A message from Mike Jackson:

“Networking is one of the most talked-about—and most misunderstood—activities.

“All too often, we leave networking events with business cards, LinkedIn connections, or polite conversations… but not necessarily relationships that lead anywhere.

“This workshop is about fixing that.

“I focus on one straightforward idea: purpose changes everything.

“When you know why you are networking—whether that’s finding clients, building a community, joining a club, or simply meeting interesting people—everything else becomes easier: conversations, follow-up, even confidence.

“I also challenge a few long-standing myths—like the idea that you need a perfect elevator speech to succeed. Networking is not a performance. There is no script. But there is a framework that is easy to remember and creates order – and, therefore, confidence — in the complex world of one-on-one communication.

“You’ll walk away with practical tools you can apply immediately – so you can behave strategically and make every encounter matter more than before.

“Most importantly, this is an interactive session. You won’t just hear about networking—you’ll practice it.

“This subject is a close to my heart. I moved to SWFL more than two decades ago literally knowing no one. In only a matter of months, with a few more than 60 encounters, I had tens of thousands of dollars in consulting work; and two solid job offers, one of which was the exciting finale for a third career. I am delighted to share what worked for me – and what can be accomplished – when you network with purpose.”

Register Now

Tickets are $25. Please RSVP by Tuesday, July 28, 2026.

Click here to purchase tickets.

Cancellations must be emailed to info@shrmswfl.org by noon, Tuesday July 28th to qualify for a refund. No shows will be billed.