By: Jonathan Wright, The Wright Agency
Business networking can mean a lot of things to different people. Just depends on who you ask. Often times the first thing many think of is a room for a stuffy professionals, all wearing name tags, trying to stuff business cards down each other’s throats in hopes of a quick sale. And while that type of networking certainly does exist – there is a whole other side to business networking that is a wonderful business tool. One that I call Community Networking. This type of networking is made up of many different streets, avenues & roads that, when added together, create a web of connections that can be lethal in the world of small business.
Community networking is all of – but not limited to – the following: A Christmas Parade, business card exchange at the country club, Breakfast with Elected officials in your town, Happy Hour Mixers, Facebook Posts, Zoom Calls with a committee, Golf Outings, Awards Dinners, attending local sporting events, Carnivals & Fairs, and so much more. But the fabric that ties all of these things together and makes them all so powerful when executed perfectly is the proximity of the people who attend & participate. Seeing the same people over and over again (in a good way) to further strengthen relationships in your world can have a profound impact on you as a business professional. And as a person. Building your networking sphere in a very large area (i.e. the state of PA) could prove be a daunting task. But picking a smaller area like your town or section of the county – hyper local if you will – by targeting the events, organizations, and people of that specific region is a proven method that still reigns supreme when it comes to building ones brand/selling a product/spreading the word of your company or organization. As a small business owner for the past 15 years I still haven’t found a better ROI for my money & time than networking.
I say all that above to lead into why being a member in a local Chamber of Commerce has been so important for me and my business. To be able to manage all of an areas local events and networking activities can be a challenge. But that’s where a strong chamber comes in and lays it all out for you. A quick visit to that chambers website combined with a LIKE, FOLLOW, and CONNECT on their social media pages gets you off to a great start.
Most will have a yearly calendar of events – a membership committee to remind me to attend events and participate once I’m there. A social calendar packed with events that are not only fun but get me out of my day-to-day routine and show me more of my own backyard.
What better way to rub elbows with local leaders, residents, and business professionals than showing up to the same places they frequent. Don’t leave it to chance – join the chamber that suits you best and put forth some effort.
So with the new year upon us often comes resolutions. Eat Healthier. Join that gym up the street. Less smacks on the snooze button each morning. But how about adding something to your list? How about putting in real effort to your local chamber and local networking this year.
Similar to the other resolutions mentioned – you surely get back whatever you put in. If you don’t go to the gym you don’t get in shape. If you don’t swap out the cheeseburger for a salad you won’t get any healthier. Same thing with a community networking. You have to put something into it. Commit to more participation (join a committee!), effort to attend upcoming events (go look over that calendar on the website!), and determination to not let life sidetrack you from the best “bang for the buck” business tool in the world — Community Networking.
Thank you for listening. Wishing you, your families, and your businesses the very best in 2023!
Jonathan Wright
Former WCCC President. Avid Networker. Local Small
Business Owner.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonwright1/