Networking Do's & Don'ts with Stafford County

Title: Networking Do's and Don'ts with Stafford County

When: Wednesday, November 20th from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM

Where: 6 Bears & a Goat Brewing Company

Join us for "Networking Do’s and Don’ts" on November 20th from 4:30-6:00 pm at 6 Bears & a Goat Brewing Company. Wendy Zelazny, from the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce, will guide you through common networking mistakes and how to avoid them. You'll also learn practical tips to build genuine connections and make a lasting impression. Whether you're new to networking or looking to improve, this event is perfect for refining your skills.

 

Meet the Speaker: Wendy Zelazny, Senior Vice President of Membership & Strategic Growth, Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce
Originally, from Larchmont, New York, Wendy holds a B.A. from Columbia University. After graduation, she covered the collections in Paris and New York as an Associate Fashion Editor for Town & Country Magazine, think: The Devil Wears Prada = glamourous and broke! She quickly transitioned to the film business, working as a producer/director, first in Manhattan, then Virginia/DC.
Wendy has proudly called historic Fredericksburg, Virginia home for over 20 years. Here she raised her two boys, both Ole Miss graduates, Connell, 26, who resides in DC, and Declan, 23, who resides in Oxford, MS.
Wendy has always been active in the community. A passionate networker and community builder, she takes joy in identifying what it takes to help those around her connect and succeed.
As Senior Vice President of Membership & Strategic Growth for the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce, “the best part of my day is connecting members to other members and the resources that will help them be more successful. The benefits of chamber membership are tangible and last a lifetime. I see my work at the Chamber as an integral part of the continued economic growth and success of our thriving business community.”
Wendy’s most recent favorite project was spearheading a regionalism initiative which launched with the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber’s first Intercity Leadership visit to Lexington, Kentucky. Wendy serves on the Leadership Board of the Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (VACCE) and the Board of Directors of Topside Federal Credit Union.
When not looking for new ways to change the world, Wendy can be found on a tennis court, local hiking trail, or just about anywhere with good oysters.

Networking Outcomes:

• Avoid common networking mistakes like dominating conversations or being too sales-focused.
• Learn how to build genuine relationships, not just collect business cards.
• Master the art of listening and engaging effectively in conversations.
• Gain confidence to step out of your comfort zone and connect purposefully.

Why Attend? This is a unique opportunity to network, gain valuable knowledge, and enhance your business's opportunity to contract with government localities like Stafford County. Whether you're a new startup or an established company, there's something for everyone.

This event is brought to you by the Stafford County Department of Economic Development, based on the local business community's call for specific resources, like doing business, government contracting, and procurement policies.