Even though being part of the chamber is one of the easiest ways to increase your network, we understand that some business pros can’t make it to networking events. But networking is incredibly important because people want to do business with those they know, like, and trust. If you don’t have the time to attend networking events, there are ways to network.
You don’t need a stack of business cards to make powerful connections. In fact, some of the best networking happens outside of formal events (even though our events are lots of fun and you should check them out for yourself). As a business owner, every week is different and sometimes you just can’t get it all done. But while event attendance may not always be possible, networking is.
Here are 7 real-world ways to build relationships that help grow your business:
1. Turn Conversations Into Opportunities
You don’t need a pitch—just be curious. Chat with the person next to you at the coffee shop. Ask your hair dresser about their busiest seasons. People love to talk about their work.
Listen well, ask thoughtful questions, and you’ll be surprised how often the conversation turns back to your business and how you might help. If it doesn’t, you may be able to connect them with someone who can help and that goes a long way to building a relationship too.
2. Support Other Local Businesses (and Let Them Know It)
Buy your birthday gifts at the local boutique. Post a picture of your favorite Mexican restaurant and tag them on social media. Become someone they recognize online. It doesn’t take much to become a top fan or reviewer.
3. Volunteer Where Your Ideal Customers Hang Out
If your ideal clients are parents, volunteer at the school carnival. If they’re fitness buffs, sign up to help at a local 5K.
You’re not there to sell—just to show up and be helpful. But you’ll naturally meet people, build trust, and become that friendly, local business owner everyone remembers.
This goes for attending regular events where your ideal audience hangs out. For instance, if you own a cleaning business, look to attend events where you’ll run into real estate professionals. They are often asked for referrals, and they’ll likely refer people they know, not from an ad on the internet.
4. Host Something Low-Key and Useful
If you have the time, host a Chamber event at your location; or do something quick on social media.
- Host one of our monthly Morning Mingle events (3rd Friday of each month)
- Do a short Q&A on Instagram Live
- Let us host a business after hours or roundtable discussion at your business.
No sales pitch. Just connection and value.
5. Be Generous With Referrals
If you meet someone great recommend them. Tag them. Share their info. When you refer people without expecting anything in return, they remember you as someone who adds value. And guess who they’ll think of when they need your services?
6. Use Your Content as a Conversation Starter
Posting regularly on LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, or even a local Facebook group gives people a way to get to know you and comment, share, or reach out. Content can spark conversations that turn into real-world relationships. Just keep it real: show your face, your story, and your expertise in bite-sized, helpful ways and do it consistently if you want people to recognize and remember you.
7. Ask for Introductions
Nobody likes a pushy salesperson. Don’t go into an interaction with the question, “I sell X. Want to buy some?” or “Do you know anyone who needs X?” They don’t even know you yet and you’re asking them to put their name on the line with their network and refer you.
You want a referral to be a good thing for both you, the person being referred, and the one doing the referring. You get the sale, the person being referred gets good service or a quality product, and the referrer looks like a super star to their friend who needed something. That’s why you don’t want to go in demanding a referral. There’s too much at stake for the referrer.
Instead, just be yourself. Get professional name tags made if you don’t have one. Ask the other person what they do and who they’re with. Let them tell you their story first since you asked. Don’t rush getting to yours. Show a REAL interest in what they’re saying to you. They’ll ask what you do. Let them get to it. If for some reason they don’t, wait until they’re finished then tell them who you are and what you do. Don’t press for business or referrals. IF you’ve reached a comfortable spot with them, you might say:
“Hey, I’m know we’re both here because of our businesses. Who are you trying to meet. What kind of client. Maybe I know someone?”
Then tell them you’re “trying to meet more people who [insert industry or shared interest]. Do you know anyone who’d be up for a quick chat?”
It’s not pushy. It’s human. And when people know what kind of connection you’re looking for, they’re often happy to help.
Networking Is Just Relationship Building
You’re not trying to collect business cards. There’s no prize for that unless you’re trying to get into the record book and that’s not a record you want to go for. (The current record is over 52,000 and the most collected in 24 hours is 414.)
Instead, try building a reputation as someone people trust, like, and want to support. Someone who gives before asking for something in return…or – better yet – doesn’t ask immediately. Appear helpful. That happens through small, repeated actions, not by accruing piles of cards.
Start with one conversation a week. One kind comment. One helpful share. One coffee.
Before you know it, you’ll be networking without even realizing it…AND gaining new business.
So come to next month’s Morning Mingle (check our calendar). We’d love to hear how your connections are going, and we’ll be happy to introduce you to the folks in the room.
