Networking is a crucial part of growing your business, but for many professionals, it can feel a bit overwhelming. Few of us are natural-born networkers, but that doesn’t mean we can’t become great at it with the right approach. The key to successful networking is to shift your mindset—from selling to building long-term relationships.
When you attend Alameda Chamber networking events, you’re in a room full of business people who are there for the same reasons–to make connections and support each other. So, take a deep breath, set some goals, and follow these tips to ace your next networking event.
Change Your Networking Mindset
Many people make the mistake of treating networking events as opportunities to pitch their products or services to as many people as possible. But the truth is, most of the people you meet at a chamber event will never become your direct customers. Instead, their value lies in their ability to refer business to you and connect you with the right people.
So, rather than focusing on making a sale, focus on learning about others. Ask about their business, their challenges, and their goals. The more you listen, the deeper the connection you will make. People appreciate someone who takes a genuine interest in them, and that’s how relationships—and referrals—begin.
Show Up with a Networking Strategy
Time is valuable, and not every chamber event will be the right fit for every business. That’s why it’s important to be strategic about the events you attend.
Before showing up, take a look at our event calendar. Which events make the most sense for your business? If you’re unsure, get in touch with us, we are happy to help guide you. Once you’ve selected the right events, go in with a plan:
Set a goal.
Decide how many people you want to meet or who you’d like to connect with.
Ask for introductions.
If there’s someone you want to meet, ask us or one of our Ambassadors for a warm introduction.
Having a strategy will make your networking efforts more effective and ensure that your time is well spent.
Master the Art of Conversation
Many professionals feel nervous about starting conversations at networking events. To ease into discussions, prepare a few go-to conversation starters to help you break the ice. Here are some great opening lines:
- “What prompted you to join the chamber?”
- “What’s the biggest challenge your business is facing right now?”
- “How did you get started in your industry?”
The key is to ask open-ended questions that encourage dialogue and make it easy for the other person to share. At the same time, practice active listening—focus on what the other person is saying rather than thinking about your next response.
Be a Connector, Not Just a Collector
One of the biggest networking mistakes is approaching events with a “What can I get?” mindset instead of a “How can I help?” mindset. True networking pros build strong relationships by being connectors—people who introduce others and create opportunities. It’s a practice called Positive Networking™ and it works!
If you meet someone who could benefit from another attendee’s services, make an introduction. By helping others first, you create goodwill, and they’ll be more likely to return the favor in the future.
Instead of simply collecting business cards, ask yourself:
- Who can I introduce this person to?
- How can I add value to their business?
- What resources or insights can I share?
Take this approach and we promise, your network will grow in a meaningful way.
Follow Up and Stay Connected
The real power of networking isn’t in the initial meeting—it’s in the follow-up. Too often, professionals collect business cards and never take the next step to nurture the relationship.
After an event, take the time to send a personalized follow-up email or LinkedIn message.
- Mention something specific from your conversation to show you were listening.
- Offer something of value—a resource, an article, or a connection.
- Schedule a coffee meeting or a Zoom call if it makes sense.
Relationships take time to build, so stay in touch and look for ways to keep nurturing those connections. By investing in relationships first, the business will naturally follow.
Keep Networking Consistently
Building a strong business network isn’t something that happens overnight—it requires consistent effort. Make networking a regular part of your professional routine by:
- Attending at least one chamber event per month.
- Connecting with new contacts on LinkedIn.
- Following up with existing connections to check in.
- Offering help and introductions whenever possible.
The more consistently you network, the more comfortable and effective you’ll become.
Are you ready to take your networking skills to the next level? Start by joining us at an upcoming chamber event—head to our events calendar to register.
