The Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce offers a wide variety of networking opportunities for new Chamber members to meet dozens of like-minded professionals and business owners to share their products and services. Ribbon cuttings, Network at Noon luncheons, and 3rd Wednesday Coffees are just several monthly networking events that many members find beneficial. So, you make plans to attend, grab several dozen business cards and flyers and head out to share your story. Here is a tip on how to meet and network as a new Chamber member. After you introduce yourself, and using a friendly, conversational style, start by asking questions. There are many questions that can be asked at a Chamber networking event that may result in a connection for your product or service and a lifetime customer.
The most important technique to asking questions is to make sure that the questions are asked about the Chamber members you are meeting. Make sure the questions always include the words – “you” or “your.” Remember, when networking, it’s always about the other person. Find out about them. Don’t spend too much time talking about yourself, the questioner. During the conversation, you will get a chance to talk about what you do, your product or service, where you are from, or many other topics; but when you first meet someone – talk to them and ask questions about them!
According to Forbes, some of the best questions to ask include:
• How did you hear about this event?
• What is your favorite thing to do?
• What did you think about the event?
• How did you decide to do what you do?
Asking questions is a great way to “break the ice” and network with Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce members. (Source: The Best Questions To Ask At Networking Events — forbes.com)
Business Card Exchange (member event): 5-7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 24, Boys & Girls Clubs of Charlotte County, 21500 Gibralter Dr., Port Charlotte. Who’s ready for a luau party …BBQ, drinks, games and the best networking around! Bring a gift to promote your business and bring plenty of business cards. Registration is requested to make proper arrangements. To RSVP, visit charlottecountychamber.org.
New Season Treatment Center (grand opening): 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 22. Ribbon-cutting at noon, 20580 Veterans Blvd., Port Charlotte. Lunch, tours, and swag bags will be provided. Registration is requested to make proper arrangements. For all ribbon-cuttings, please go to charlottecountychamber.org and review the Events Calendar to register.
Dual Grand Opening Ribbon-Cuttings: 5–7 p.m. (ribbon-cutting at 5:30 p.m.), Thursday, Aug. 31 at Lymphology and Aqua Sol Infusions, 1620 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte. Each business will have separate ribbon-cutting. Light appetizers and refreshments (beer/wine) provided. Raffles for IV treatments and detox massages. Discounted package deals. Registration is requested to make proper arrangements.
98th Annual Awards Luncheon: 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 28, Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center. Invitations to be sent our soon to our membership. We will recognize our Businesses of the Year (Large, Medium, Small, and Nonprofit), honor our Pacesetter Award recipient, induct our incoming Board of Directors, hear the vision for the coming year from our new Board President, Nicholas Worden, Charlotte State Bank Trust. RSVP is required. To reserve your seat/table visit: charlottecountychamber.org.
