Executive Director's Message

Juan A. Navejar Jr.

With our annual banquet approaching next month, we at the Chamber are working to make it the best possible networking event for you. The banquet serves as a two-fold for the Chamber. This is part of our non-dues revenue for our day-to-day operations but more importantly we are here to honor those individuals who go above and beyond in serving our community and Chamber.
The Chamber wants to help you grow and networking is much a part of your business growth.  Here are some tips about networking that may help you.
Keep in mind that networking is about being genuine and authentic, building trust and relationships, and seeing how you can help others.
Ask open-ended questions in networking conversations. This means questions that ask who, what, where, when, and how as opposed to those that can be answered with a simple yes or no. This form of questioning opens up the discussion and shows listeners that you are interested in them.
Become known as a powerful resource for others. When you are known as a strong resource, people remember to turn to you for suggestions, ideas, names of other people, etc. This keeps you visible to them.
Have a clear understanding of what you do and why, for whom, and what makes what you are doing special or different from others doing the same thing. In order to get referrals, you must first have a clear understanding of what you do that you can easily articulate to others.
Be able to articulate what you are looking for and how others may help you. Too often people in conversations ask, "How may I help you?" and no immediate answer comes to mind.
Follow through quickly and efficiently on referrals you are given. When people give you referrals, your actions are a reflection on them. Respect and honor that and your referrals will grow.
Call those you meet who may benefit from what you do and vice versa. Express that you enjoyed meeting them, and ask if you could get together and share ideas.
I hope these will help you when you are out an about networking with others.