Skilled Business Networking

Culpeper Star Exponent

Business Monday

Jim Charapich

April 8, 2012

The importance of networking is a staple in most business priorities. I often refer to the Chamber of Commerce as the original Social Network for Business. Networking takes on many forms within the membership of a Chamber of Commerce. We have ribbon cuttings, mixers, festivals, leadshare groups, committees, banquets, luncheons, and breakfasts.

The vibrancy created in the business community by a strong network is a reflection of a healthy ecosystem. Networking is not as easy as showing up for a meeting. Nor is it as easy as having one conversation with a business acquaintance. Successful networking takes work. It would be unrealistic to think that one could play a successful game of golf after playing one round. It takes practice to understand the game of golf. Like a set of clubs in the golf bag, networking also takes a mastery of a set of skills.

Why network? For many today, their office may be a home base business or a small office. These can be very isolating. The best way to keep communication skills sharp is to interact with your peers in business. Understanding the best angles needed in the bag of networking skills is best seen in action. More importantly, they are best refined in action. It is rare and unlikely that one’s skills will be improved while sitting in an office waiting for the phone to ring.

It is further important to refine one’s networking skills in order to build a base of business referrals. There is nothing more powerful than to have an associate that you have worked with refer you to a friend of theirs. We are built for networking as humans. We look to others to validate our decisions. We also look for others to help us find shortcuts to making good decisions. In addition, according to industry study results, consumers are more likely to do business with a small business if they are a member of a Chamber of Commerce.

 

 

It would be naive to ignore the new world of social networking as a club in the bag of networking skills. I find that social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, and Google Plus are extensions of, but NOT replacements for, personal networking. Social network interactions online are a way to keep up with a community of associates. However, when overlayed with face to face networking the combination can be especially powerful. Conversations are often jump started and more refined as a result of community participation with business associates in online linkage.

Members in a Chamber of Commerce are part of something much larger than the individual parts. As a group, our network enables a sharpening of skills. It supports a greater level of opportunity to build referrals. It supports the perception of greater community support. It allows the voice of business to be stronger in setting the table of economic prosperity. Our joint strength is not only recognized as beneficial in local opportunities, but the newest frontier of strength is our aggregated online visibility. Local communities investing in online visibility of Chamber members combined with traditional networking will accelerate opportunities in the new digital business ecosystem.