Networking Opportunities

Develop a Networking Plan – Your overall networking plan in a community should encompass programs big and small where you can make meaningful connections versus standard introductions. Be sure to vary the formats so you can gain branding exposure (large events) as well as having time to develop deeper relationships (small events). Consider committee involvement in addition to your social media networking plan. The Chamber can help you build a plan for networking that meets your needs.

Choosing networking programs – When you are looking at programs that meet on a regular basis, choose one or two programs and be consistent with attendance to remain “top of mind” and establish loyalty. It is better to join even one committee and attend regularly rather than getting involved in multiple programs that you can’t fit into your schedule. Once you find a group that meets your goals and you’ve made connections, offer to serve on a committee.

Preparation – You should prepare for a networking event in the same way you would prepare for a job interview or client presentation. Before the event, devote a little time to thinking about your objective so you can build more PURPOSEFUL connections. Are you looking for new clients? To enhance relationships with current customers? Are you looking for suggestions on a business challenge? Is there a particular vendor you are in need of? Be sure to also take time to consider the profiles of the attendees and how you might help them.

Check the nametag table at registration – Who is coming that you really want to meet? Set a goal to introduce yourself to that person.

Conversations at an Event – Start a conversation by taking an interest in others’ businesses, comment on their business name, ask questions. Your introduction should not be a listing of your products and services. It should include a statement about what differentiates you from others. Do not dominate the conversation. If you are the only one talking you’re presenting, not having a two-way conversation. If you can do so naturally in the conversation, add value to your fellow participant’s experience by inserting a few industry tips or trends.

Pay attention – Be sure to give others your full attention. Don’t be the person looking around the room while someone is talking to you but also don’t be the person people are trying to get away from. 5-7 minutes of conversation is usually enough before you trade business cards and excuse yourself.

2 or 3 conversation rule – If you have 2 or 3 quality conversations, it is better than 30 meaningless interactions (unless you have a “branding” purpose for an event). Seventy-five percent of your time should be with people you don’t know (unless you have another specific objective). Most regular attendees are there to meet the new attendees! Although it might look like you are interrupting, you are making their networking easier!

Back to Basics – Good breath, polite eating (don’t come starving – you’ll focus too much on the food and not the people), don’t be a “close talker” and read non-verbal cues if someone is finished with the conversation, excuse yourself.

Post Event Follow Up -Write distinguishing features on others’ business cards immediately after the event (even in your car) to help you remember people upon follow up. This MUST be completed within a few hours or you will forget the details. For example…”green purse, daughter goes to KU, loves horses, etc.”

Thank you cards or personal note – If you decide to write a thank you card or personal note to someone you met networking, handwritten is more effective than an email. We all remember people who took the time to write us a handwritten card. A thank you note should ONLY be a thank you, resist the temptation to insert a sentence about your offering (future contacts will be more appropriate for selling).

Tradeshow Tip – If you are working trade shows – don’t sit down at your table EVER! Wear comfortable shoes and stand in front of or next to your booth so you look welcoming for walk-through traffic. Don’t waste your show investment by sitting at your booth all day.

The Annual Awards Luncheon celebrates our honorees and provides more than 300 guests with Lenexa Chamber highlights from the previous year. The membership gathers to celebrate the successes of the Chamber and Lenexa community. Please call (913) 888-1414 for event cost.

AM Lives and Business After Hours events are great marketing tools for the hosts and present excellent networking opportunities for members. These events are free for all to attend and guests are welcome.

The Lenexa Chamber holds luncheons throughout the year featuring a variety of speakers for a quality networking experience. They provide a networking experience with a variety of community leaders and companies.

Special luncheons include the Annual Awards Luncheon in January, State of the City Address in February and the Leadership Lenexa Graduation luncheon in June. Lenexa partners with other area chambers for the State of the County Address in March as well as other luncheons featuring elected officials. Please call (913) 888-1414 for event cost.

New members can learn how to take full advantage of their Chamber membership by attending a New Member Breakfast, hosted by Chamber staff. In addition to new members, new representatives of existing Chamber member companies are encouraged to attend. This gives new members the opportunity to meet the Chamber staff, network with other new members and enjoy a complimentary breakfast. The event is held quarterly and is free for all to attend.

Business speed dating!!! Join other chamber members as they learn about each other’s professional backgrounds and business goals with four different sets of table mates. Please call (913) 888-1414 for event cost.

Annually in September, this sold-out crowd takes the course (Falcon Ridge Golf Club) to enjoy a day on the links. With a scramble-style format and creative theme, the Lenexa Golf Classic is a favorite among Chamber members and their guests. A wide variety of sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are available throughout the day – fun guaranteed! Please call (913) 888-1414 for event cost.

Sponsored by Advent Health Lenexa, the quarterly Quick Start Breakfasts are designed to get members in, out and informed! They serve as a quick and convenient way for members to get a brief Chamber update, introduce themselves and their businesses to one another and enjoy a hot breakfast all before 9 a.m. Please call (913) 888-1414 for event cost.

Celebrate the end of the day with your fellow Lenexa Chamber members at one of our local member hotels, restaurants or breweries! Strictly Socials offer a laid-back way to “mix, mingle, relax, network and connect.” Enjoyably informal! Professionally fun!

These events are free for all to attend.

The Lunch and Learn Series is a program that provides the opportunity for Lenexa Chamber members to share their industry expertise with fellow members and guests! Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lunch to each session and presentations will cover a variety of topics.

These events are free for all to attend.

The Lenexa Chamber is partnering with several not-for-profit members to provide group volunteer opportunities – a wonderful way to connect and network with fellow Chamber members while supporting organizations that provide life-changing services to those living in our very own community. Volunteers will be registered on a first-come basis and events take place in March, June, August and December.

These events are free for all to attend.

Join other Chamber members and Ambassadors as we welcome businesses with a Ribbon Cutting or Grand Opening. Be the first to be a part of this exciting time for Lenexa businesses and help congratulate them on investing in the Lenexa community.