Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Post

Ever wondered what you SHOULD be doing after a networking event? You should be asking for a one on one so that the magic of networking can continue! I used to think this way but it’s silly to think that business happens AT the networking events. Know that the networking events are a gateway and it’s OUR job to connect with like minded people or potential people to do business with and ask for their time outside of the event. Try to show value outside of just your job by having other connections that the other person may need or try to solve a need for them to increase rapport. Stay tuned for more networking tips through George Kellas, Cody Duffy, Landon Merigold, and myself!! We want to help you NETWORK better!! 😊

Networking in 2025 🗣️🗣️ Why Networking Will Never Go Out of Style: In a world of digital connections, authentic relationships remain key to growth. This year, I’m focusing on: Attending more industry events (virtual or in-person). Strengthening my LinkedIn connections with meaningful interactions. Offering value first when reaching out to new contacts. How are you approaching networking this year? Let’s connect in the comments and share ideas!

If you HATE going to networking events, here's a pretty strong case for why networking is worth your time. 👉 Researchers say that the average person knows 600 people on a first-name basis. That means every new person you meet could potentially connect you with 600 more people. If you walk into a networking event of 100 people, you have the opportunity to connect with 60,000 new people. 60,000!! 🤯 Who knows what kinds of resources and opportunities that could translate to?! How do you use your network to help you achieve your goals? Let me know in the comments!

Is it a bad thing if you don't get around to lots of people at networking events? Following on from my last share about how I approach events when I attend as a solo introvert, I had a realisation on my way home. Initially, I was lamenting the fact that I didn't talk to more people - after all, these events are designed to foster interactions and build connections. We're encouraged to make the rounds and talk to as many people as possible. As someone who is curious and interested in depth, I came to the conclusion that a speed dating/drive-by sensibility just isn't how I'm comfortable at an event. And that's okay. I can approach events in this manner, have a good time and come away with knowledge and contacts. Perhaps most importantly for someone new to business, I can approach events like this and want to attend more in the future. Side note: at these events printed collateral is NOT dead by any means, so getting a few business cards is back on my list.

🤝 Thought for your weekend…I was reminded again this week of the 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗷𝗼𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴. 🤝 Attending the excellent KCC Cheshire East Networking event, I met with a diverse group of experienced, talented and passionate businesspeople. We all shared something in common – a desire to help each other by expanding our network of contacts and knowledge of each other’s business offerings, to be able to refer potential customers. It amazes me why some people overlook these opportunities – it may not be the people you meet that introduce you to business, it could be people they know as 2nd, 3rd or even 4th level connections. And then there’s the joy of interacting with others – running your own business can be lonely and virtual meetings can’t replicate the tangible pleasure of interacting in-person. That’s why I find these events valuable – I come away feeling motivated and encouraged. And chatting with a group of like-minded individuals in-person is so refreshing. So go out there and find networking groups – take care to vet them first, some have expectations around business generation and activity logging. Many allow you to attend as guests to see if they’ll work for you. I’m already looking forward to my next networking event. 

🤝 Thought for your weekend…I was reminded again this week of the power and joy of networking. 🤝 Attending the excellent KCC Cheshire East Networking event, I met with a diverse group of experienced, talented and passionate businesspeople. We all shared something in common – a desire to help each other by expanding our network of contacts and knowledge of each other’s business offerings, to be able to refer potential customers. It amazes me why some people overlook these opportunities – it may not be the people you meet that introduce you to business, it could be people they know as 2nd, 3rd or even 4th level connections. And then there’s the joy of interacting with others – running your own business can be lonely and virtual meetings can’t replicate the tangible pleasure of interacting in-person. That’s why I find these events valuable – I come away feeling motivated and encouraged. And chatting with a group of like-minded individuals in-person is so refreshing. So go out there and find networking groups – take care to vet them first, some have expectations around business generation and activity logging. Many allow you to attend as guests to see if they’ll work for you. I’m already looking forward to my next networking event. 

💡 Tip for people who attend a lot of networking events Especially those who keep on forgetting people's name and companies, which is natural when you meet so many of them in a short span of time. Next time you are at a networking event and meet someone, share their contact details in this format - "Name_company name_event where you met_city where they live" So next time you have to search for their contact details, simply search by event name.

https://lnkd.in/gcnZumQP Do you go out and spend A LOT of the times networking? Whether you are an event organiser or a participant, I'd love to hear the challenges you have to maintain that connections you made after the events you attended / made. It's a reallyyyy short 2-mins survey I promise! https://lnkd.in/gcnZumQP

Networking events are overrated. Yep, I said it. How many of us have wasted time at events collecting business cards we’ll never use? Real connections aren’t made in crowded rooms with forced small talk. Want to build meaningful relationships? Start offering real value, one-on-one, with no agenda. You’ll be amazed at how much more comes from authentic connections than from networking for the sake of networking. Quality over quantity. What are your thoughts on this topic? ☝🏼

Just for you- Today's networking tip: Strive To Give Value - Many view networking as an opportunity to receive something of value. This is a mistake. Always make it your goal to give value during networking events. Whether it’s providing advice, sharing a story or giving a referral, delivering value to others demonstrates your ability to contribute. This makes you memorable and likable.