Joining a business circle in Vancouver when you know nobody

Scott Cundill · 2026-10-29 · Vancouver

Everyone in that room once knew nobody too. Walk in, say hello, ask good questions, and let the circle do what circles do best, connect you to the people you need.

Vancouver is friendly, but reserved

Vancouverites are polite and welcoming, yet many newcomers say the city can feel hard to crack. People are busy, outdoorsy, and often booked up with ski trips, sea walls and family. A circle shortcuts that, because everyone came to meet people.

Before your first meeting

Prepare one plain sentence about what you do, and one about who you would love to meet. Leave the pitch at home.

In the room

Arrive a little early, when it is quieter. Talk to the person standing alone. Ask what brought them to Vancouver, and what their week looks like. Listen far more than you speak.

After the meeting

Send a short note to two or three people you liked. Offer something useful, a contact, an idea, a good coffee shop in Gastown. Small kindnesses make you memorable in a city full of rain and mountains.

When to ask for a referral

Once people know you a little, ask. Tell the Grand Circle who you would like to meet and why. If a member truly knows that person, they introduce you both in a few warm lines. No list buying, no forced referrals, no strangers forwarded for the sake of it.

Vancouver BC Grand Circle

Hosted by Susan Jarema, the Grand Circle welcomes business people across Metro Vancouver who would rather be introduced than cold called. Bring an umbrella, and an open mind.