How to Make the Most of Networking Events

Networking. You hear it all the time. And you know what? It works.

People do business with people. Your chamber offers you quality networking on a regular basis with interesting people that can help you grow your business and improve your bottom line. Networking also increases your network of friends with whom you can share much more than a business card. Monthly events such as Coffee Clubs, Business After Business and Business After Hours provide the opportunity to reach such individuals.

For some, networking is easy, fun and personally rewarding; for others, it can be a very uncomfortable experience - to say the least.

Here are a few tips that everyone can use:

Attend as often as you can; at least in the beginning. It takes a little while to establish an acquaintance or nurture a friendship; on any level

Know where you're going - try to get there a little early. Know who your host is and introduce yourself. A short thank you note afterwards is rare...and very much appreciated.

Don't forget to take along enough business cards to hand out to qualified contacts. Bring a pen to jot down notes on the backs of cards to be sure you follow through on conversations (and especially on promises).

Check to see if a "breath mint" might be a nice touch. We all need help from time to time.

Remember why you're there. The snacks and beverages are nice, but you are really there to meet people. And a few qualified contacts are better than a lot of vague ones.

Keep conversations short; don't monopolize people's time. Your follow-up contact will be more welcome.

IMPORTANT: It's difficult...but try to develop, in a couple of sentences, an interesting description about your business; something catchy. You could say, "I'm a realtor for..." or "I enjoy my work because I have the privilege of helping people find what we're all looking for...a home; not just a house. I get to see how happy people are when they spot it."