Connections without conceit: Social and professional network group a wild success

Portland realtor Sherry Howitt organizes social and business networking circle focusing on personal connections.

Portland, OR-When Sherry Howitt moved from New York City to Portland two years ago, her sharp networking skills and varied interests allowed her to quickly build solid new personal and business relationships. Late last year, at the encouragement of her friends, she again drew upon her social savvy to create PDX_Networking. The bimonthly mixer has since gained momentum and, by word of mouth, has become a favorite means to make connections with professionals from all backgrounds.

Theres no admission fee-other than what you spend on sangria and tapas-and theres no pretense," said Howitt, a Realtor® and Broker with Windermere/Cronin & Caplan. At each event, Howitt passes around a guest book, gathering feedback to learn what motivates her guests to participate. Among entries by professionals from a variety of businesses, including finance, design, entertainment and publishing, To make new friends" appears as frequently as to establish new client relationships" on the list of attendees goals.

Ian Litster, a property manager who is planning to open a café within the next year, said, Nobody takes themselves too seriously here. Its a way to get to know people, not just schmooze for business purposes. Its pretty laid back."

Thats the atmosphere Howitt strives for. She firmly believes that personal connections open doors to business relationships, especially in her own career. Its a setting in which you can meet people you may not normally encounter in your usual social or professional circles. Im excited to see such a cross-section of Portland developing in one room."

Howitt is pleased that participants return each time bringing with them new recruits. I want the group to grow organically. We had about 20 attendees at our first gathering, and at least 50 in January. Our next crowd should double once again." Howitt is only half-joking when she adds, I wouldnt mind if at some point in the future we fill the convention center." For now, PDX_Networking meets bimonthly at Fernandos Hideaway in downtown Portland. Howitt has opted, for now, to keep the events as drop-in cocktail hours, with no rigid agendas, other than, of course, to have fun."

Fernandos Hideaway is located at 824 SW First Avenue, Portland. The next gathering is Tuesday, March 25th at 6 p.m. For information, call Sherry Howitt at (503) 497-5352.
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