Networking Tips Every Business Professional Should Know
Networking may come with an intimidating stigma but here at the Lake Area Chamber, we make it fun and easy! We understand that walking into a crowded room full of strangers may not be your cup of tea... but we also know how impactful networking can be for your business. Get out of your comfort zone (that's where growth happens) and start improving upon your networking skills with our Lake of the Ozarks chamber!
Lucky for you (and your business), the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce co-hosts a monthly networking social. Follow our Facebook page to keep up to date with our upcoming networking socials at the Lake of the Ozarks. We promise, it's a fun evening for all local businesses who attend and there's always a welcoming face! Stop by our next social and sharpen your networking skills!
Make an Effort to Meet New People
It's always fun to catch up with old acquaintances and friends, but it's also important to meet new contacts with every networking even you attend. Meeting new people is a great way to continue to grow your network.Avoid the Constant Sell Message
Being solely focused on selling is a quick way to put off a number of networkers. It's not a good tactic and can seem tacky. Listen to others as you attend a networking event - you will find natural ques in which you can inform others about your business product or service. Listening can help to build a lasting relationship with others instead of looking for a quick sale.Bring Plenty of Business Cards
Business cards are a great networking tool. Once you've exchanged cards with someone - they have your contact information handy. It's also a fantastic way to stay top-of-mind with those you have met. Remember to follow up with those you've exchanged cards with if you discussed doing business together or setting up a meeting outside of the networking event. A business card is just another touchpoint you have with a fellow networker that may be a potential business opportunity in the future.Try to Appear Approachable
While many people do not realize it, they may seem intimidating or unapproachable. Try to keep a friendly smile on your face when attending a networking event. Give a smile to anyone that you make eye contact with. It helps them feel more welcome and may help the two of you spark up a conversation.
Don't be Afraid to Start the Conversation
If you see someone standing on their own, break away from your group and make them feel welcome. Introduce yourself and start getting to know this person. You will likely get them to open up very quickly since they can feel your kindness. Many people will not remember exactly what you have said at a networking event, but they will remember how you have made them feel. If someone is new to the area or to the chamber, this is your chance to introduce them to your contacts in the room. It can help you get reacquainted with fellow chamber members and really make the experience for a new member outstanding!Get Personal
Many times small talk can lead to sharing personal information. This is where connections really start to build. It's okay to share personal information at a business networking event - people like to do business with people.Ask Open Ended Questions
After a fellow networker has shared something with you, ask questions about it. This can help show that you really were paying attention and that you care about what they have to say. It's also another way to get connected and help make a memorable relationship with one another. Open ended questions helps your fellow networking share even more details about the subject you're speaking on.Be an Active Listener
Engage with the people you network with. This can help you seem like you are truly interested and helps establish a level of trust between you and your fellow networker. When you really listen to someone, you can tell what they are passionate about and connect on a deeper level.
Lucky for you (and your business), the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce co-hosts a monthly networking social. Follow our Facebook page to keep up to date with our upcoming networking socials at the Lake of the Ozarks. We promise, it's a fun evening for all local businesses who attend and there's always a welcoming face! Stop by our next social and sharpen your networking skills!
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