I believe that networking is an integral part of building buzz for any business. Luckily for Polk County businesses, there is a great opportunity to do just that on March 7.

The Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Polk County will offer a new spin to this old business activity.  with its “Rapido Networking” event held 8:30- 10:30 a.m. at Black & Brew Coffee House & Bistro. 

The event is similar to speed dating, but with a business twist, said Ana Rivera, Chamber president and the event’s organizer.

Here’s how the event works:

Attendees pay a $5 entrance fee, which includes coffee and a coupon good for food discounts at Black & Brew.

Each person gets a name tag with several table numbers listed on it. Attendees go to their first assigned table and have two and a half minutes to introduce themselves and the company they work for and explain what they hope to get out of the event, Rivera said. After five minutes, attendees move on to the next table listed on their name tag and repeat the process.

“No one ends up talking to the same person the whole time, Rivera said.

Rivera anticipates having 25 people attend the first event, which is open to everyone. For more information call Rivera, 863-838-2084 or visit the Chamber’s Web site: www.puertoricanchamberofcommercepolkcounty.org

Although this event is sponsored by a Hispanic organization. Don’t freak out if you don’t speak Spanish. It will be conducted in English.

Black & Brew is located at 205 E. Main St.