In my search to get involved and networked in the San Diego area, I signed up for some online "meet-up" groups.  A friend turned me onto to them, so I didn't really read too much into the email for a "Networking Meeting and Travel Presentation" event.  I simply thought to myself, it's always good to put yourself out there and meet new people.  So, I told my husband we should go to a networking event, and off we went! 

When we arrived, there were ladies at the registration desk, but the sign out front was kind of vague, and when we flat out asked them what the sponsor company was, they told us, "After the networking part, they will get into that."  My husband blurted out to the women, "Well, that doesn't sound good".  She replied, "Well, it's by invitation only."  At that point, red flags were going off like crazy, but I just ignored it and waltzed inside. 

It was the weirdest sort of networking event I had ever been to - and I have been to more than a few.  They asked the audience who wanted to talk about their business, and everyone was literally raising their hands and jumping out of their seats...how strange, I thought.  Each person that spoke was just a little TOO polished.  Something was just not right.  One woman had a business where you could make at least 1% interest compounded every day and not pay any taxes; another man could show you how to be debt free and not be a slave to work; another guy installed merchant accounts that business owners could borrow money against.  What did everyone have in common?  They had all bought into some sort of travel agent scheme.  Nice.   

So, my husband and I did what any self-respecting networking couple did...at the first opportunity, we ran for it.  What did I learn?  That there are shady businesses out there hosting so-called "networking events".  Just beware that they are out there, and listen to your gut.  If it sounds even a little crazy, it likely is.