Lake Area Chamber Happenings

Networking is a proven way to help grow your business. Making connections in the community is a great way to let others know about your business. People like to do business with people and networking is the ideal way to meet as many people as possible. The Lake Area Chamber of Commerce provides a number of networking events throughout the year. Every month we host a networking social designed to help our members meet one another. If you're thinking about coming out for our next social, take a look below to learn how we can help you grow your business at one of the upcoming Lake Area Chamber networking events ! ATTEND MONTHLY NETWORKING SOCIALS We invite all Lake Area Chamber Members and Future Members to our Monthly Networking Socials. Since networking should be a vital part of your business marketing plan, you are encouraged to participate, exchange business cards, and get to know other members at our socials. This is an ideal way to gain visibility for your business and s...

Networking is a major part of owning or working for a business. It's a great way to represent your brand and can help you build a TON of connections. Whether you're starting a new business venture of have been in business for years, it's always important to get out and meet new people in your community. While most of us know the importance of networking, the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce knows it can be a bit intimidating too. Take a look below for some easy tips to prepare for your next networking event! Make Plans to Arrive on Time While it can be VERY tempting to arrive casually late, it's important to get ahead of your nerves and jump right in. It may actually seem more intimidating to enter an already crowded room than enter a room as the event begins. It's also a great way to meet and greet fellow attendees as they enter the room. You never know what business you may stir up from another peer, as they enter the room. Ask the Right Questions If a gr...

Networking is one of the most powerful tools in your entrepreneurial tool belt. When done well, networking can (sometimes single-handedly) lead to exponential growth of your business. In order to support our existing and prospective members, Lake Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to host monthly networking socials at the Lake of the Ozarks . A week prior to the event each month, we write a blog geared towards helping participants get the most out of these events by offering helpful tips and tricks for the upcoming social. This month, we're switching things up a bit - instead of focusing on what to  do to get the most out of your networking night, we're going to look specifically at some of the things you should not  do at a networking event. What NOT To Do At A Networking Event (Don't) Go With Friends. The biggest networking mistake people make is spending the whole event talking with friends and colleagues they already know, rather than taking the opportunity ...

As "Lake locals," we foster strong connections with each other by coming together to host and volunteer for community events, attend business socials, and supporting one another however we can. Lake Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to play our part by hosting monthly networking socials, thus creating an additional opportunity for local professionals to forge new connections and strengthen existing ones.  Our next networking social will take place tonight  at Topsider in Osage Beach. We're here to help you prepare for a successful evening of networking and fun by offering these quick reminders. WHAT TO BRING TO A NETWORKING EVENT In order to prepare for a successful networking event, you need to bring several things with you. Some of these things are tangible items that you will use during your conversations. Others are intangible concepts that are nevertheless crucial components of preparing for a successful evening of networking.  Here is a checklist of inta...

Most people don't want to do business with inaccessible companies. They want to do business with real people  - people who are relatable, accessible, and responsive to their needs as a customer. Building and maintaining this reputation isn't simply something you can work on in your spare time. As a business owner, it is up to you to demonstrate your accessibility to your customers on a full-time basis.  By providing networking, sponsorship, and volunteer opportunities, Lake Area Chamber of Commerce is here to help our members build and maintain a positive reputation for their businesses. This week, we're providing a few networking tips to help members (like you!) get the most out of our monthly networking socials.  5 Tips To Help You Network Like A Pro 1. Approach People You Don't Know. While this may seem like the most obvious component of networking, it is also the strategy that gets avoided most often. Striking up a conversation with a stranger can be an i...