Why the Right Room Matters and How to Find Yours

by | Aug 29, 2025 | Events, GOC Event | 0 comments

African American walking into a room of other professionals

You’ve probably heard the saying, “Your network is your net worth.” But beyond the cliché lies a truth that every business owner should take seriously: the rooms you choose to walk into have the power to shape your opportunities, partnerships, and long-term success.

In fact, research has shown that up to 85% of opportunities come through networking. That means the chances of you finding your next client, investor, or business partner are more likely to come from the rooms you enter and the people you meet than from cold email or online search (though that is still possible, so keep doing it!).

At the Atlanta Black Chambers (ABC), we see this happen every day. Take, for example, ABC members Amber Lawson, Principal, Aspire Construction and Design, and Joseph Harland, President and Managing Broker, A La Carte Investments. The two met through ABC, connected in the Real Estate and Professional Services committee, and are now partnering together on a commercial restoration project. This opportunity, and the relationship that sparked it, would never have happened had they not walked into a room curated by the ABC.

That’s the power of the right room.

How do you find the Right Room?

  • Look for alignment. The right room is filled with people who share your values, ambitions, and drive.

  • Seek diversity of expertise. Great rooms aren’t just filled with people who do what you do; they include those who can complement, challenge, and elevate your work.

  • Be intentional. Walk into every room with a willingness to connect and follow up. The introductions made are only as strong as the effort you put into nurturing them.

Upcoming Rooms You Shouldn’t Miss

The Atlanta Black Chambers is committed to curating those kinds of rooms. Two opportunities are coming up for business owners and professionals to connect, collaborate, and grow:

  • Cocktails on the Course – Tighten up your golf game while connecting with entrepreneurs from across industries. Relaxed and casual, yet intentionally designed for powerful networking and meaningful connections.
  • The GOC Go Global Unconference – Designed for powerful, business-to-business connections. Focused, intentional, and deal-driven, it brings together multicultural businesses and global stakeholders in an environment built for real networking, partner sourcing, and growth.

These are just two examples of the rooms you can walk into and leverage through ABC. To explore all upcoming events, visit the ABC Event Calendar.

The Follow-Up Matters

Remember: getting in the room is only the first step. It’s the follow-up that determines whether a new connection becomes a new opportunity. A thoughtful email, a LinkedIn message, or even setting up a Zoom meeting can be the spark that transforms a handshake into a long-term partnership.

The right room is waiting for you. Will you walk in?

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