Networking to Help Grow Your Business
Networking is a proven way to help grow your business at the Lake of the Ozarks. It is important to get out and mingle with fellow business owners and potential customers. This not only gets your business in front of others, but it's also a great way to build visibility. The more exposure you and your business get, the more people will start to easily recognize your business.
At the Lake West Chamber of Commerce, we have been building a stronger economy and a better business community since 1987. If you are new to the business world – maybe you are just starting a small business or have taken over a business that is rapidly growing – we would like to educate you on networking and why it is important for you and your business.
Reasons to Network
• Gain Friendship & Advice
• Gain Confidence
• Generate Referrals
• Open Up New Business Opportunities
• Make Important Connections in the Community
• Gain Confidence
• Generate Referrals
• Open Up New Business Opportunities
• Make Important Connections in the Community
When building a new business, connections with others are key. Having a strong source of relevant connections can come in handy when marketing your business or looking for information that would be helpful for your business to grow. The people you connect with by networking are often highly influential in the business world and they are people you may not be able to connect with outside of a business networking venue. Even if they do not have the lead or answer you are looking for, chances are they know someone who does. Ask the right question of the right person and watch your business grow. Below are some tips for you to use at your next networking opportunity.
Networking Tips
Set a Goal BeforehandAs you plan to attend a networking event, set a goal. Instead of talking to the same people you always visit with (which we encourage, as well), try to meet three new people. Getting to know new people in your area is a huge benefit for your business! It's a good idea to set a new goal with each event you attend.
Arrive Early
Many networking events are a few hours in length. Try to arrive when the event starts. This is a great way to introduce yourself (and your business) to others as they enter the room. It can also be less intimidating to enter a room as an event is getting started versus walking into a room full of people who are ready busy networking with one another.
Bring Plenty of Cards
Business cards are a great way to exchange information with fellow business professionals. It's also an impactful way to leave an impression on someone you meet. They may go through their cards at the office the next day and think of how they want to use your business for a certain service or product. Effective business cards are a unique way to stay top of mind with other networkers you meet!
Make Use of the Businesses you Meet
Instead of waiting for someone you meet while networking to call you - try calling on them for a service you may need. People like to do business with other people and networking is a great way to meet more people! Expand your network and meet other local business owners and associates by networking at an upcoming event.
Nervous About Networking? Remember These Quick Tips:
- Make your way around the room to broaden your networking scope
- Ask open-ended questions in order to help the conversation flow more naturally.
- Break away from your comfort zone in order to meet new people and help other newcomers feel at ease.
- Appear approachable through your body language.
- Know that you are not the only person who gets nervous at the thought of networking.
Now that you know some of the unique ways networking can help your local business, and some tips to help you network, you're ready to get out and network at the Lake of the Ozarks. Lucky for you, the Lake West Chamber of Commerce hosts a networking social every month for our members and future members! Come out and attend one of our upcoming networking events to see what all the rage is about. Start reaping the benefits of networking and see how your business prospers!
***There will be no networking social in July, we look forward to seeing you all in August!
The Lake of the Ozarks West Chamber of Commerce represents businesses along highway 5, and represents the cities of Laurie, Sunrise Beach, Gravois Mills, and the Greenview area. If you are a resident of the Lake of the Ozarks area and are interested in learning more about how a Lake West Chamber Membership can benefit your business, contact us at 573-374-5500.
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