Business Connect | A Networking Lunch

THE NETWORKING EVENT YOU’VE BEEN WAITING FOR!

Join us on October 19th for the return of the Business Showcase – with a twist! Come for the conversation, enjoy a casual lunch, and leave with new connections. Engage with vendor tables, or book your own! This event is hosted by your conversation, so come pitch your business, or just have a bite to eat and branch out to some new contacts!

*lunch is included with this event

• Doors open at 10:45am
• Handheld food to keep you on the go
• Tradeshow booths available to all Chamber members(must pre-book)
• Mix & mingle over lunch
• Don't forget your business cards!!

This event proudly sponsored by: New Dawn Developments

{ A business card draw will be held for a Stay & Play Package at St. Eugene Resort & Casino }

Let's face it – We've all been out of the networking game for a while now... Check out a few tips below should you need some inspiration to shake off those nerves. ;)

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1.) Lose the Elevator Pitch

How many of you have an elevator pitch ready so you can briefly state what you do at a networking event? Do you really remember what anyone says? 🤔

Wouldn’t you rather have an engaging conversation, over clever phrasing that you or they clearly memorized? Good networking is about connection, enough so that people want to talk to us again. When you focus on that, it’s much easier to start any conversation and keep it going well past the event’s end.

Icebreakers

• "I'm trying to make myself meet new people here instead of just talking to the usual suspects. Do you mind me saying hello and introducing myself?"
• "Are you originally from Cranbrook, or did your business bring you here?"
• “How did you happen to come to this event?”
• “What are some ways we might be able to work together?”
• "What do you think of this change for Chamber events?"
• “That’s a great pair of shoes (or accessory, clothing...), where did you get it?” (everyone likes compliments, don’t you?)
• “Have you tried the food yet? The [ x ] looks pretty fantastic”
• "How are you surviving the transition of seasons?"

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2.) Don’t hesitate, just network and remember:

• “Match” people, pace, and volume
• Be interested in them
• 10 minutes with each person, no more unless they are genuinely interested
• Listen more than you talk
• Make notes on business cards
• Connect with people who have a need, if you can
• Follow up – appropriately