Student Takeaways

Here's what resonated most with the class:

• "I really appreciated how eager he is to help others, especially after having such a successful career!"
• "Make yourself valuable to others, and you will always be the person that someone else needs."
• "The most memorable thing that he talked about was our student superpower, which is just that professionals want to help us and want nothing in return."
• "He told us about the networking tree, and that each connection plants a seed that grows our network."
• "All the networking tools and ideas he shared were just what I needed to learn at this point in my life."

Practical Strategies

The students also picked up on and shared some of their favorite actionable tactics:

• "He shared his self selection bias rule to reach out to as many people and apply for as many positions as possible because if you reach out to 200, statistically you'll hear back from enough to gain opportunities to get one job."
• "I've always been reluctant to approach other people in a networking event and his conversation circle idea made so much sense."
• "I will adopt his idea of showing my strengths, rather than telling people about them."
• "Chris' demonstration on how we can use Sales Navigator to get mentors and job opportunities was really valuable."

These are the same strategies I use at events like

• 

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and other creative gatherings where connections happen naturally.

Join the Network

The key lessons come down to this: make yourself valuable to others, embrace your student superpower (professionals genuinely want to help), and remember that each connection plants a seed that grows your network. Whether it's the self selection bias rule for outreach, the conversation circle idea for events, or using tools like Sales Navigator, these strategies work. I've built my career on creating spaces where meaningful connections happen, from

• 

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to unique event experiences. The networking tree keeps growing when you plant seeds consistently.

Not a Victim

Strangely, I don't feel like a victim. I'm not angry at the person who hit my car. Or at anyone! I'm just feeling fortunate that no one was inside, and hopeful that it will be repaired and the process will be smooth.

Working Flexibly

I'm also lucky to work for myself, to have a flexible schedule, and be able to continue working from home. It's one of those moments where being your own boss and

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really pays off.

Choosing Attitude

When yucky things happen in life, your attitude can be part of the damage that ends up inflicted on you. So, I'm choosing today to not invite that suffering. There is plenty else to carry! Sometimes unexpected setbacks can actually strengthen your perspective. The same way

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takes patience, so does navigating life's surprises with grace.

Keep Going

Here's the takeaway: when life throws you a curveball, you get to choose how you respond. Your attitude is one thing that's always within your control. Bad things will happen. Cars will get hit. Mondays will be rough. But you don't have to let external circumstances dictate your internal state. Wishing you all a better start to your work weeks!

• Snacks and drinks make everyone at least 30 percent more confident in their artistic abilities (or lack thereof).
• Our team secretly contains several future museum contributors.
• I have a talent for capturing a full room selfie that rivals any professional photographer.

Creative Night

The conference room was transformed into an art studio, complete with canvases, paints, and all the supplies needed to unleash everyone's inner artist. Team members got to work creating everything from colorful tulip paintings to Christmas trees and even impressive Rubik's cube recreations.

Artistic Discoveries

The talent on display was unexpected and impressive. From beautiful butterfly paintings to colorful tulip gardens against blue skies, it's clear our team contains several future museum contributors

Building Community

Events like these remind us how important it is to step away from our screens, collaborate in new ways, and enjoy the company of the people who make our workplace feel like a community. Much like the spring party bus networking crawl, getting together outside our normal routines helps strengthen connections across the team.

Final Thoughts

The evening proved that good snacks boost artistic confidence, and that hidden talents exist among us.

Whether you're into networking karaoke or painting tulips, stepping outside your comfort zone with colleagues is always worth it.

Thank you to everyone who joined in, and to the Culture Club for putting together a great evening of food, fun, and unexpected artistic brilliance.

Until the next creative adventure...

I'm planning many more dinner socials this year. These events provide a unique opportunity for leaders to connect and build relationships that extend far beyond the meal itself. The setting and atmosphere foster a deeper level of engagement and understanding among attendees.

Meaningful Connections

Executive dinners offer a distinctive environment where meaningful connections can be forged. The shared experience of a meal, combined with thoughtful conversation, allows leaders to engage with one another on a more personal level. This type of interaction can lead to collaborations, partnerships, and a stronger sense of community among industry professionals.

A Year Celebrated

Celebrating one full year of monthly dinners! It's amazing to see how these gatherings have grown and the impact they've had on the leaders who attend. Each dinner is carefully curated to provide a valuable and enjoyable experience for all involved. The conversations are always engaging, and the connections made are truly lasting.

Looking Ahead

Can't wait for the next one. Cogent Connections. I am excited to continue hosting these executive dinners and to see the new relationships and collaborations that will emerge. The goal is to create a space where leaders can connect, learn, and grow together.

Join Us!

Executive dinners are more than just a meal; they're an opportunity to build lasting relationships and foster collaboration among leaders. Celebrating a year of successful monthly dinners, it's clear that these events provide a unique and valuable experience for all who attend.

The connections made at these dinners extend far beyond the table, leading to new partnerships and a stronger sense of community. If you're looking to connect with other leaders in a meaningful way, this is the perfect opportunity.

Stay tuned for details on upcoming executive dinners and how to get involved. We look forward to seeing you there!

2026 is going to be all about personal connection. More dinners, more meaningful conversations, and more lasting friendships were made.

I was so proud of how our dinner social on Tuesday turned out. Over 50 real estate investors from across New Jersey and Eastern PA together under one roof!

https://chrisgittings.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/86/2026/01/30ca4472290c4c83b1e030a0d3256971.mp4

The video shows an aerial view of the Chimney Hill Estate at dusk, illuminated with lights, before transitioning to ground-level shots of the building's exterior and interior, decorated for the holidays. We also see people enjoying the hot tubs outdoors, networking in the event space, and dining at beautifully set tables. The video highlights the event, showcasing the venue and the attendees.

More Dinners

The goal in putting this event together was to give people the opportunity to meet and make new personal and professional connections. Attendees can do deals together, exchange business, share advice with each other, and recommend contractors.

Meaningful Conversation

Everyone who is showing up tonight is saying, “Hey, I want to spend time with other people like me. I want to get to know other people who have the entrepreneurial mindset, who want to get out there and make the most out of their lives.” That is what we are doing.

Lasting Friendships

This event was designed to foster a sense of community among real estate investors, providing a platform for them to connect on both personal and professional levels. The setting at Chimney Hill Estate offered a unique and inviting atmosphere, encouraging meaningful interactions and the formation of lasting friendships.

In summary, this week marks a turning point with a renewed focus on personal connection. The success of the dinner social, bringing together over 50 real estate investors, has set the stage for more dinners, more meaningful conversations, and more lasting friendships in 2026.

The collaborative effort with Marek Wonka, Sylvester Kolakowski, and the team at Chimney Hill Estate was instrumental in making this vision a reality. Events like these are crucial for building a strong network and fostering an environment of growth and collaboration.

Let's continue to prioritize personal connections and create more opportunities for meaningful interactions in the future.

Sweet Gatherings

The perfect fall activity turned out to be what I like to call an “activi-tea,” a networking event with a cozy twist.

Amazing Attendees

We were blessed to have an incredible group of professionals join us, including:

• George Shenouda
• Stacey Linderman
• Jennifer Forte
• Karen Seymour
• Muniappan Muthupillai
• Andrew Riggs
• Lauren S. Nihill
• Dustin Cucinotta
• Victoria Pereira
• Tara Hayes
• Raj Kaur
• Nicola Dolin
• Aalap Shah
• Mark Salmon
• Ani G.
• Ravi Shankar Kathirvelu
• Stacey Uston

Looking Ahead

The success of this gathering has inspired me to plan another tea party around Valentine’s Day.

Conclusion

Networking doesn’t have to be formal or traditional; sometimes the most meaningful connections are made over tea and treats in a warm, welcoming environment.

Want to join our next networking tea party? Follow me on LinkedIn and Instagram to stay updated on future events.

Packed House

With an overwhelming response, accommodating everyone at a single table proved impossible. Instead, four tables were arranged to seat the 35 executives and business owners who attended the private chef networking dinner.

Real Estate Focus

This particular dinner focused on bringing together real estate investors from across the region. Attendees shared their experiences and insights, fostering a collaborative environment. The next real estate investor-focused dinner is scheduled for December 3rd.

Nightmare Stories

Rather than a conventional round robin introduction, attendees were encouraged to share personal stories of real estate nightmares. These ranged from humorous anecdotes of people falling through floors and encountering abandoned pigs to the shocking discovery of a surprise corpse.

Continued Success

These monthly gatherings have proven to be a hit, and the momentum continues to build. The future looks promising for these networking events, offering valuable opportunities for connection and collaboration.

Conclusion

The success of the recent networking dinner at Chimney Hill Estate underscores the value of bringing professionals together in an engaging and meaningful way. By sharing experiences, building connections, and fostering a collaborative environment, these events create lasting relationships and opportunities.

Want to join the next networking event? Send me a message on LinkedIn!

Here’s what happened.

Event Highlights

We had a fantastic time with a variety of activities for everyone.

The event featured:

• Fantastic food, in part thanks to Faye!
• Gift basket raffles
• Goodie bags for all guests
• Black lights and t-shirts with invisible ink messages
• Special complementary purple drinks
• A dance party
• Guest speakers
• Even a Tai Chi class!

Gallery

Here are some pictures from this event.

Future Plans

It was a memorable outing and we are planning for this to become an annual tradition. In fact, next year’s theme may have already been picked out!

A special thank you to Michelle Roshkoff for getting me sorted out with my all-white J Hilburn fit for this all-white party!

It was wonderful spending time with my esteemed crew mates too.

Conclusion

This networking cruise was a truly memorable outing, combining business with pleasure in a unique and exciting setting on the water. The combination of great food, engaging activities, and fantastic company made it an event to remember.

We are so grateful to the 140 guests who joined us and helped make the cruise a massive success. We are already looking forward to making this an annual tradition.

If you aren’t getting invites for these events, shoot me a message and I’ll make sure you are included going forward.

Key Topics

Whether you’re a photographer, videographer, artist, or creative entrepreneur, this episode is a treasure trove of practical insights that you can implement TODAY to elevate your LinkedIn presence.

Here are some of the topics we cover:

• Why so many creatives overlook LinkedIn
• How to make your profile work for you
• Smart posting + engagement hacks
• The right way to DM and send connection requests
• Moving between industries and expanding your network
• And… is Sales Navigator worth it?

Video Gallery

Watch the full episode below, or click here to watch it on YouTube.

Unlocking LinkedIn for Creatives (with Chris Gittings)

Conclusion

I shared so many practical tips that you can implement today.

By consistently leveraging these LinkedIn insights, you’ll not only expand your network but also gain the confidence and tools to truly thrive in the competitive creative landscape.

Follow me on LinkedIn and Patron View for more content like this.

This unique blend of professional connection and entertainment creates an atmosphere where business cards meet microphones, and conversations flow as freely as the music.

Stage Presence

These photos are from our last karaoke night in February. I was impressed with how willing everyone was to get up on stage and perform!

You may have tried karaoke before, but it’s different on a stage with professional sound equipment – you feel like a true performer!

No Pressure

You won’t have to sing to have a great time! The magic of karaoke networking isn’t just in the performances—it’s in the connections you make while cheering others on, sharing laughs between songs, and bonding over shared musical memories.

Conclusion

When you break down barriers through shared vulnerability and fun, you create deeper, more authentic professional relationships that extend far beyond the stage.

Follow me on LinkedIn and Patron View for more content like this.

Unique Networking Experience

Have you tried networking on a party bus? I’ve got news for you. THE SPRING PARTY BUS NETWORKING CRAWL IS THIS THURSDAY! (May 22)

This will be our third networking bus crawl, and the first two were among my favorite networking events ever.

Each event has brought something special to the table – our first crawl had a surprise murder mystery challenge, the second featured a team scavenger hunt competition, and this upcoming crawl is going to have a challenge that is completely new!

Post bus tour, the fun began

Event Details and What to Expect

When: Thursday, May 22
Meeting Time: 4:15 PM
Meeting Location: Adjust Your Sleep Mattress Boutique, Marlton, NJ

We will be out on the bus for much of the evening, visiting 7 different businesses, each of which has its own surprises in store for us. You still have time to save your spot!

Attendees receiving their goodie bags

Why This Event Stands Out

The Spring Party Bus Networking Crawl offers something you won’t find at traditional networking events:

• Multiple venues in one evening – maximize your networking opportunities
• Interactive challenges that break the ice and create lasting memories
• Unique surprises at each business stop
• A relaxed, fun atmosphere that makes genuine connections easier

Question time during a visit to the brewery

Ready to Join the Adventure?

I’m excited about this upcoming event, and I’d love to have you join us for what promises to be an unforgettable networking experience.

Let me know if you would like to join!

Traditional networking events are a dime a dozen, but experiences like the Spring Party Bus Networking Crawl are rare gems.

Whether you’re looking to expand your professional network, discover new local businesses, or simply try something completely different, this event delivers on all fronts.

Follow me on LinkedIn and Patron View for more content like this.

Those of you who have met me in person could probably guess that I'm hard to dress for. For years, this has been my reality – walking into stores knowing that off-the-rack options simply wouldn't work for my frame.

Meeting Michelle Roshkoff

I feel so lucky to have met Michelle Roshkoff. When she brought me in for a fitting, we spent over an hour looking through fabric samples, linings, buttons, and more to put together my first custom suit.

The experience was transformative – finally, someone who understood the unique challenges of dressing my body type.

She's really good at what she does

The Fitting Experience

The fitting process was so much fun! Ever since that day, I've felt like a child waiting for Christmas morning.

Michelle's attention to detail and expertise made what could have been an overwhelming process into an enjoyable journey. We carefully selected every element, from the fabric weight to the smallest button details.

Her assistant knows exactly what to do

The Big Reveal

A well-fitted suit makes all the difference at networking events. I've hosted some memorable ones, including a karaoke night.

It fits me so well

Yesterday marked a special moment – trying on my custom suit for the first time. It fits so well and was everything I hoped for.

One of my favorite parts was how the flowers on the inside lining turned out. Those subtle floral touches on the lining added a personal element that made the suit uniquely mine.

Perfect Timing

We have so many exciting events planned for the coming weeks, so this was the perfect time to take this step.

I've looked forward to getting a suit that fits properly ever since I started attending professional functions almost 5 years ago.

After nearly half a decade of making do with ill-fitting options, having a suit that truly fits feels like a professional milestone.

Michelle Roshkoff Recommendation

If you're considering ways to elevate how you show up for events, connect with Michelle!

She's incredible to work with, and I couldn't be happier with how this turned out.

Michelle is also a phenomenal networker in the South Jersey/Greater Philadelphia region.