The Lake of the Ozarks West Chamber of Commerce Can Help Your Networking!
Every business owner knows that networking is a critical skill for increasing business. Being part of organizations that promote networking among its members is a great way to increase your social and business circle. Networking groups tend to pass more referral business and being part of a large network will certainly improve your chances of closing more business.
The Lake West Chamber of Commerce is geared toward providing many networking opportunities as possible. From monthly member business gatherings, our annual dinner, the multiple ribbon cuttings conducted over the year, to the many events the chamber puts on and more, you can be sure to find a networking opportunity that fits you and your business!
In this week’s blog, we want to give you some tips to maximize your networking skills:
Seek out the networking opportunities that are the best fit for your business
Pick groups and events with the type of people you want to meet or your desired target audience for your business. The great thing about the Lake West Chamber events is that they most likely have your target audience attending!
Wear a nametag with your name and business on it
You’ve probably been to an event where you said to yourself “I know that person, but what is their name?” By wearing a nametag, you will eliminate that awkwardness for them and make the interaction with you more comfortable. Bonus tip – wear your nametag on your right side. When someone shakes your hand, your name will be directly in front of them.
Be approachable
Smile! Make it easy for people to say, “I want to meet that happy person!” Seriously, the best way to get people to approach you is to appear receptive and willing to talk to them.
Don’t just make contacts, make friends
Friends like to do business with friends, so don’t just hand one a business card and walk away. Take the time to have a sincere conversation with the goal of building a friendly relationship. If you do that, you’ll find they will be much more receptive to a follow up call or email.
People like to talk about themselves
So let them! By listen closely to who you are meeting, you will build credibility and trust with them. Ask them to tell you their story. Listen and ask them questions. Refrain from wanting to give them a hard sell or one upping them with a better story.
Consider developing your one liner
Often, when someone asks you to tell them what you do, you recite a litany of your services. “I do this and this and this and this.” You are getting the gist of what you do out, but it can be pretty boring. Instead, consider using the method Donald Miller wrote about in his book “Building a Story Brand.” In his book, he suggests having a one liner with these elements:
- Describe the problem that a potential client may have
- Describe how you solve their problem
- Describe what life looks like after you have solved it (or if they don’t work with you)
Here’s an example of Donald Miller’s own one-liner that illustrate these 3 steps (From www.buildingastorybrand.com)
"Most business leaders have trouble explaining what they offer. They’re too close to it and they fumble their words. So we have a seven-part framework that helps business leaders clarify their message. When they do, customers engage. It’s the fastest way to grow your business."
Do some homework before going to a networking event
Know who is in the room and who you want to meet. Ask your other friends at the event if they know that person and would they be willing to make an introduction. Be proactive and work the room until you have met everyone you wanted to meet. Bonus tip – if you are at a Lake West Chamber networking event, ask the chamber staff if they can make an introduction for you.
If you are a current Lake West Chamber member or possibly thinking about joining, we hope these tips are helpful when networking. Please give us a call or check out our website to learn more about the many networking events the Lake West Chamber holds every year. Along with the many other benefits of joining us, our networking can take your business to the next level. Here’s to great networking!!
The Lake West Chamber of Commerce is geared toward providing many networking opportunities as possible. From monthly member business gatherings, our annual dinner, the multiple ribbon cuttings conducted over the year, to the many events the chamber puts on and more, you can be sure to find a networking opportunity that fits you and your business!
In this week’s blog, we want to give you some tips to maximize your networking skills:
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Pick groups and events with the type of people you want to meet or your desired target audience for your business. The great thing about the Lake West Chamber events is that they most likely have your target audience attending!
Wear a nametag with your name and business on it
You’ve probably been to an event where you said to yourself “I know that person, but what is their name?” By wearing a nametag, you will eliminate that awkwardness for them and make the interaction with you more comfortable. Bonus tip – wear your nametag on your right side. When someone shakes your hand, your name will be directly in front of them.
Be approachable
Smile! Make it easy for people to say, “I want to meet that happy person!” Seriously, the best way to get people to approach you is to appear receptive and willing to talk to them.
Don’t just make contacts, make friends
Friends like to do business with friends, so don’t just hand one a business card and walk away. Take the time to have a sincere conversation with the goal of building a friendly relationship. If you do that, you’ll find they will be much more receptive to a follow up call or email.
People like to talk about themselves
So let them! By listen closely to who you are meeting, you will build credibility and trust with them. Ask them to tell you their story. Listen and ask them questions. Refrain from wanting to give them a hard sell or one upping them with a better story.
Consider developing your one liner
Often, when someone asks you to tell them what you do, you recite a litany of your services. “I do this and this and this and this.” You are getting the gist of what you do out, but it can be pretty boring. Instead, consider using the method Donald Miller wrote about in his book “Building a Story Brand.” In his book, he suggests having a one liner with these elements:
- Describe the problem that a potential client may have
- Describe how you solve their problem
- Describe what life looks like after you have solved it (or if they don’t work with you)
Here’s an example of Donald Miller’s own one-liner that illustrate these 3 steps (From www.buildingastorybrand.com)
"Most business leaders have trouble explaining what they offer. They’re too close to it and they fumble their words. So we have a seven-part framework that helps business leaders clarify their message. When they do, customers engage. It’s the fastest way to grow your business."
Do some homework before going to a networking event
Know who is in the room and who you want to meet. Ask your other friends at the event if they know that person and would they be willing to make an introduction. Be proactive and work the room until you have met everyone you wanted to meet. Bonus tip – if you are at a Lake West Chamber networking event, ask the chamber staff if they can make an introduction for you.
If you are a current Lake West Chamber member or possibly thinking about joining, we hope these tips are helpful when networking. Please give us a call or check out our website to learn more about the many networking events the Lake West Chamber holds every year. Along with the many other benefits of joining us, our networking can take your business to the next level. Here’s to great networking!!
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