SOMDMinorityCOC

Southern Maryland Minority Chamber of Commerce, Inc. exists to make the economic community a better place for all.

[SOMDMinorityCOC @SOMMCOC]

If you run say, a building consultancy company or a chemical company, it would help immensely to join an organization that's made up of other players in your field. For as long as you are a good member, your company will enjoy increased visibility and give you access to more...

[SOMDMinorityCOC @SOMMCOC]

When attending business networking events, be sure to tap into the services of others who attend when you need them. This builds both goodwill and strong business connections.

[SOMDMinorityCOC @SOMMCOC]

One key concept in business networking is the building of mutually beneficial relationships with other companies. Once this relationship has been developed, you can then increase your contacts and clients and perhaps share best practice procedures with each other.

[SOMDMinorityCOC @SOMMCOC]

Be careful with drinking at conferences. If the crowd you're trying to make connections with is taking it easy because of an early flight, match their speed.

[SOMDMinorityCOC @SOMMCOC]

Instead of renting space to host a business networking event, use your office, if you have the space. Not only is it a money-saver, it’s a great way to promote your business without being pushy.

[SOMDMinorityCOC @SOMMCOC]

Business networking is a marketing endeavor because it is one way to explore new opportunities. By choosing a network of likeminded people, you have a bigger chance of getting referrals, plus you get exposed to new ideas that can help improve and develop your organization.

[SOMDMinorityCOC @SOMMCOC]

One way to break the ice at the start of business networking events is to greet people you've met in the past. You can catch up by asking about their new projects then by sharing what you're currently working on. However, it's important to avoid too much familiarity because...

[SOMDMinorityCOC @SOMMCOC]

Try to remember a few facts about each person you meet at a networking event. This lets you connect with people and makes them feel noticed.

[SOMDMinorityCOC @SOMMCOC]

While a business may be competing furiously with others in the industry, this doesn't mean that the individuals working for the different corporations cannot be friends. For as long as inside information is kept confidential, peers should be able to get together and have a...

[SOMDMinorityCOC @SOMMCOC]

Remember, networking is not about selling, it’s about developing mutual relationships that can lead to referrals or sales. Get to know people and let them get to know you.

[SOMDMinorityCOC @SOMMCOC]

For business-to-business leads, having made contact with someone at the company can be a great help so that you’re not making a cold call. Having an open mind at various events can help with this.

[SOMDMinorityCOC @SOMMCOC]

While talking to someone at a networking event, try to ask more open-ended questions rather than the closed ones that require “yes” or “no” answers. This will help you learn more about others.

[SOMDMinorityCOC @SOMMCOC]

CONNECTING TECH INNOVATORS!

BREAKFAST IS ON THEM!!!

Event Date: Saturday, December 02, 2023 | Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST
Location: 8865 Stanford Blvd., Suite 202, Columbia, MD 21045 (Inside the Venture X building, around the corner from the restaurants)

[SOMDMinorityCOC @SOMMCOC]

While what you know is important, unless you interact with others and share that, you will find your business lagging behind the competition. Take advantage of our events to develop relationships to help grow your business.

[SOMDMinorityCOC @SOMMCOC]

One of the most important things in a business network is the general conduct of its members. Each member should have personal integrity, should be respectable, trustworthy, reliable, and pleasant and should know how to keep promises.

[SOMDMinorityCOC @SOMMCOC]

Attending business networking events can help you save money in many ways as they present multiple opportunities for your business, including free PR and a host of self-promotion options.

[SOMDMinorityCOC @SOMMCOC]

If you can't find any business networking opportunities in your area, host your own. Send out invitations to people in as many fields as possible to starting weaving a web of interconnectivity.

[SOMDMinorityCOC @SOMMCOC]

If you're interested in joining a business group, you may want to look into a membership at a chamber of commerce. Joining one helps you increase your business footprint and your personal development by giving you access to more contacts, information, opportunities, and...

[SOMDMinorityCOC @SOMMCOC]

Q: I'm attending a networking event in town for young entrepreneurs this weekend. How do I make a good first impression?
A: Our top tip is to think about how you're going to introduce yourself to people, and have a few brief sentences about yourself ready.

[SOMDMinorityCOC @SOMMCOC]

Here's a tip that we've found to be true: Networking is great because other networkers will share with you what actually works! From their techniques and tips to their protocol of their particular organization.