Lake Area Chamber Happenings

The Lake Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to host monthly networking socials at the Lake of the Ozarks. This gives our member businesses the chance to mingle with fellow members and other community leaders. Networking can seem intimidating but we're providing you with some tips to make you feel more at ease as you join us for our next social on November 17th.  November Networking Social Details: Our next social is an exciting one at JB Hooks on November 17th from 5:00 - 7:00 pm. We invite you and anyone you would like to bring to our social! You should also bring any young professionals you know to check out our Young Professionals at the Lake membership drive. We look forward to seeing you there! Top Networking Tips: Arrive Early Walking into a crowded room full of people already networking and chatting with others can seem very intimidating. That's why arriving early is key! If you are one of the first people to arrive, you can start greeting other attendees as they enter th...

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 ! 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....

Networking is an effective way to grow a business at the Lake of the Ozarks . Here at the Lake Area Chamber , we get to see the positive impact networking has on our Lake Area Chamber members each month at our networking socials. Check out the tips from professionals who have made networking a big part of their business plan and has proven to help their ventures grow. Seek Out Someone New It's always fun to catch up with old acquaintances and friends, but keep in mind the purpose of a networking event. Meeting new people is a great way to continue to grow your network. You can always make a friendly introduction from a new networking partner to an old acquaintance. This can help you show the new networker that you take networking seriously and you want to help them meet others, as well. Avoid Jumping Into the Sale Sell, sell, sell is a quick way to put off a number of networkers. It's not a good tactic and can seem very tasteless. Listen to others as you attend a ne...

Have you heard? The Lake of the Ozarks Chambers are joining forces to put on a Speeds Leads Luncheon on July 25th at Great Stone Coffee from 11:30a-1:30p. The Lake Area Chamber is proud to be a part of the driving force that puts on this fantastic networking event at the Lake of the Ozarks . Whether you're already planning to attend or simply want to know more about Speed Leads Luncheon at the Lake of the Ozarks , take a look at this week's blog to see what it's all about. All About Speed Leads: The Lake Area, Camdenton, and Lake West Chambers of Commerce invites our members to connect at our Joint Chamber Speed Leads Networking Luncheon . This fast-paced event presents an opportunity to connect face-to-face with representatives from member businesses and to introduce your business service and/or product to other Chamber members. It's like speed dating for your business! Twice a year, we collaborate with local chambers to host our thrilling Speed Lead Netwo...

Networking is a vital part of many businesses around the Lake. It's an effective way to grow your business and meet new people. The more people you meet on behalf of your business, the better. Networking at the Lake of the Ozarks is a fantastic way to grow on both a personal and professional level. Many people are intimidated at the thought of attending a networking event at the Lake Area Chamber is here to help you kick those networking nerves! Check out our tips for being more confident at our next networking event at the Lake of the Ozarks . Kick Those Networking Nerves: Bring a Friend If you are uneasy about attending a networking event, bring a friend. This can help you feel more comfortable about talking with new people. Don't get stuck in the trap of only talking to the friend you brought. This can have the opposite effect and actually make it harder for new people to approach you and make it easier to avoid meeting new people. Talk to New People The purpo...

As we approach the end of another year, it's a great time to reflect back on your personal and business life. As you think about your business, did you accomplish your networking goals? If not, the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce is here to help you crush your networking goals for 2019! Take a look below to learn how you can better prepare yourself to network like a pro in the new year. Reflect on the Past Year In order to make a successful goal for the new year, it's important to think about the past year. What did you do right and what improvements can you make upon your networking habits. The reflection should be a positive experience - don't beat yourself up for missed opportunities. Take the knowledge you gained from your networking in the past year and use that to set your new goals. It's important to reflect upon the past in order to learn and make improvements for the present and future! Look at the Calendar Write down upcoming networking events that y...

The new year is a great time to set goals in your personal and business life. Networking can have a huge impact on your Lake of the Ozarks business . The Lake Area Chamber of Commerce is involved with a number of networking events throughout the year. From special events to our monthly networking socials, there are a ton of opportunities for you to get out and meet fellow chamber members. Before you attend your first networking events for the year, think about your goals as a networker. If you don't have any goals set yet, now's the time to reflect on what you would like to achieve as you network in 2018. 1) Reflect on the Past Year In order to make a successful goal for the new year, it's important to think about the past year. What did you do right and what improvements can you make upon your networking habits. The reflection should be a positive experience - don't beat yourself up for missed opportunities. Take the knowledge you gained from your networking in...

Networking can do wonders for you and your business. From meeting business prospects to getting to know fellow business people in the area, you can gain a lot from proper networking. While some may attend a social event and visit with a friend or familiar face the entire time, it's much smarter to try to make new connections at every networking event you attend. The Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Christmas at Willmore social is Tues, Dec 19 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Santa shows up at 5:30, we'll have free appetizers, and a cash bar hosted by Baxters. We hope you'll plan to attend and bring the kiddos to see Mr. Claus himself!  While your're here, try putting some of these networking tips into action and make a goal to generate at least one new contact during the event! 6 Networking Tips to Help Make New Connections 1. Stay Approachable It's important that others feel comfortable around you, especially at a networking event. Try to smile at everyone you come a...

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 ...

Networking is the art of expanding, building, and strengthening your network of business professionals. In addition to furthering your connections with people you already know, networking involves approaching strangers so that you can forge new relationships with new opportunities. For some people, networking comes naturally and easily. For others, the concept may seem intimidating (to say the least). The Importance Of Networking Here at Lake Area Chamber of Commerce , we are huge believers in the power of networking. People want to do business with people - one of the best ways to help your business grow is to build a strong network of people who will not only use your products or services personally, but who will refer your business to their friends, families, and coworkers. In order to help our members take advantage of the potential that networking has to offer, our Lake of the Ozarks Chamber of Commerce hosts monthly networking socials for both existing and prospective...