4 Tips to Enhance Your Networking Experience

 When looking to grow your business at the Lake of the Ozarks, there are few things that are more effective than attending networking events. Any way that you can mingle and network with fellow business owners and community members is going to impact your business. It not only gets you valuable connections and resources but also allows you to build awareness for your business as well. At the Lake West Chamber of Commerce, we've made it our mission to enhance the economy at the Lake of the Ozarks by helping build a stronger business and community environment. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your networking efforts!

Arrive Early

Networking events typically last for a few hours. While it can be tempting to arrive a little after the event has started, allowing everyone time to arrive and get settled, it's not advised. Doing so can put you in a position that makes approaching an individual or group nearly impossible. However, when you arrive early, you'll be able to casually slide into nearly any conversation, or at least introduce yourself as everyone is moving about, getting drinks/food and making their way to their table.

Bring Plenty of Business Cards

You're bound to meet many people from all different walks of life when you attend networking functions. Business cards are an effective and efficient way of exchanging information with others in the room. It's a way to make a positive impact, gain awareness for your business, as well as potentially staying top of mind, should they happen across your business card after the event.

Utilize the Businesses you Meet

Another great way to stay top of mind is to actually use the businesses you meet for the services you need. You could wait around for one of your new connections to reach out to you... but contacting them to utilize a service or product that they provide creates an environment of trust. Establishing a quality relationship with your new connection and fellow business owner. This can be a great way to meet other local business owners and associates. Talk about a win, win...win!

Set Goals for the Event

The 6 P's of success: Proper prior planning prevents poor performance. Abiding by this saying can prove advantageous for your networking endeavors. As you plan to attend a networking event, set a well-defined and achievable goal beforehand. This keeps you focused as you mingle about the event. It's advised to implement a new goal for each event that you participate in.

We hope that you have enjoyed and found valuable information during your read. It is our hope that these networking tips will provide you with the utmost networking experiences. The Lake West Chamber of Commerce sponsors several networking events at the Lake of the Ozarks that could prove beneficial to your business. If you're interested in reaping the rewards of effective networking, consider joining the Lake West Chamber, we're here to help you make the most of your time at the Lake.

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