The golf course is one of the prominent places for networking; it helps people to find a common ground and get to know each other and their businesses outside of the boardroom.
The Chamber’s sold out Golf Classic combines the love of golf with the importance of networking. Check out these three tips on how to work the room or the course, and learn how to grow your network.
Networking is a two-way street
The strongest relationships are formed when you spend the time to genuinely get to know the other person. Don’t just pepper them with questions; find out more about their business and inform them about yours. Creating a platform for dialogue will continue the relationship beyond the event.
Chamber tip: Networking is building a strong foundation for a relationship. Check out the right way to network to develop your networking skills.
Think people, not positions
The person that you are talking to is more important than their title. Make it your mission to find the value in each person that you talk to, because you never know what can come out of each conversation. You don’t know where they are going to go in their career or how that connection could help you in the future. Building those concrete relationships are key to maintaining and expanding your network.
Chamber tip: When you have a mindset of reciprocity, you make more meaningful contacts. Learn how to network like you really mean it with these eight tips.
Always get a second date
At networking events, it is often hard to gauge if that initial impression is worth continuing. That is why it’s important to secure a second meeting; make sure you get their contact information to follow up with them to build that new relationship.
Chamber tip: Make the first impression count to lead to a second interaction. Make the most of the time you have and check out the three ways to build leads in 90 minutes.
Take your networking skills beyond the driving range and check out the Chamber's upcoming networking events to put your skills to the test.
Laura James is the communications and marketing coordinator for the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.
Tis the season to give – and to give back to those who serve the community.
For 125 years, the Denver Rescue Mission has served the homeless and poor through emergency services, rehabilitation, transitional programs and community outreach. On Thursday, Dec. 21, proceeds from the silent auction at the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce’s Net90 holiday party will benefit the rescue mission – our 2017 Large Nonprofit of the Year.
We caught up with Denver Rescue Mission President and CEO Brad Meuli about the organization’s past and their future.
Growing impact in 2017. During their milestone 125th year, the Denver Rescue Mission opened its third shelter in the Denver metro area, the Holly Center, in November. With the addition of these 228 beds, they can sleep more than 800 men each night. These are the first permanent shelter beds for men in the Denver since 1989, Meuli said.
“We’ve heard feedback that staying at the Holly Center has helped many men find more stability because they’re able to sign up for a bed for one week at a time (instead of every night) and leave their items in storage while they go to work,” he added. “This facility is important to our ongoing mission to help the most vulnerable in our city.”
To address challenges like homelessness, working together is critical. “You truly need a team effort from the entire community,” Meuli said. “In particular, our membership in the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce has made a significant impact.”
Volunteers are their “life blood.” In fact, there are 16,000 active volunteers for the Denver Rescue Mission helping do everything from serving meals to tutoring children. “Our volunteers make a tremendous impact on the people we serve,” Meuli said. “When our guests and program participants see that these volunteers – strangers, really – show care and concern for their wellbeing, this lifts their spirit and helps gives them hope.”
And, you can give back to the Denver Rescue Mission at Net90 – or anytime during the year.
Here’s how you can get involved:
They’ve spent the last year reflecting on the past, but they’re looking to the future. “The mission’s vision for the future would continue to look like this, helping thousands of people each year, reconnecting families, educating those who missed the opportunity, establishing life-skills and connecting people to employment,” Meuli said.
Sara Crocker is the communications manager for the Chamber.
‘Tis the season for office holiday parties. While the festive atmosphere can be full of business opportunity, it is important to keep in mind some do’s and don’ts for your upcoming social calendar. Check out our holiday survival tips to keep you off the naughty list.
Look dashing in the snow. While the holidays are a great time to add a festive touch to your outfit, you should still treat a holiday party like any other business event. And, career and author of The Essentials of Business Etiquette advises that dress code is important no matter where the party is held, “you don't want people talking about what you wore the day or night after the party.” Read more of Pachter’s tips.
Spread holiday cheer. Try not to cling to the same co-workers or supervisor you spend most of your time with at work. Take this chance to make new connections or get to know the people you otherwise wouldn’t work with on a daily basis.
The more the merrier, usually. While a holiday party may be a great occasion to introduce your coworkers to a friend or significant other, make sure guests are invited before you bring them in tow. The host of the party has likely planned for an estimated number of people and the addition of unexpected guests can really throw things off. When in doubt, ask.
Don’t make it a silent night. Have fun and get chatting, but don’t only talk business. It’s natural to talk briefly about what’s happening at work, but this relaxed atmosphere is the perfect opportunity to get to know your boss or co-workers on a more personal level (but avoid the trinity of gossip, politics and religion).
Sip some holiday cheer, but not too much. Enjoy a glass of wine or two but don’t forget the reason you’re there. The last thing you want is to negatively impact the reputation you’ve worked hard to build at your company. Find out how to avoid other holiday faux pas.
Watch the clock. Some of your higher level executives are likely to attend the festivities, but chances are they’ll have to leave early to make it to another engagement. Don’t miss your chance to get some one-on-one time with the leaders of your organization by arriving on time.
Want to build more connections over the holidays? Join us for the Chamber’s annual Net90 Holiday Party on Thursday, Dec. 21, at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science to practice these six holiday survival tips.
Kathryn Goggin is an associate at Barefoot PR.
“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.” ― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh
Our hearts, while not as small as Piglet’s, I hope, hold much gratitude – and at the top of that list of what we are grateful for is our members. It’s even more special this year as we turned 150 years old.
We only exist because of our members – it’s what makes us so strong. Our 3,000 businesses and their 300,000 employers come together to grow our economy, improve our region and support each other’s successes. And by doing so, many of you are hitting your own milestones and going stronger than ever. Here are those who’ve told us they’re celebrating:
We are so proud of our members and the work you do. Congratulations to you all.
We hope each and every one of our members has as much to give thanks for as we do. May your Thanksgiving be filled with family, friends and food. (Did someone say pumpkin pie?)
The Chamber wants to keep helping you grow your business’ pie and your impact, so I hope you’ll join us and hundreds of member companies to ring in the holiday season at our Net90 holiday party on Dec. 21 at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.
Kelly Brough is the president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber.
‘Tis the season for office holiday parties. While the festive atmosphere can be full of opportunity, it is important to keep in mind some dos and don’ts for your upcoming office parties. We scoured the web for your primer on how to impress without stress.
Look dashing in the snow. While the holidays are a great time to add a festive touch to your outfit, you should still treat a holiday party like any other business event. And, as Intern Sushi co-founder and CEO Shara Senderoff advises, “leave the clubbing attire at home.” Read more of Senderoff’s tips at Forbes.
Branch out. Try not to cling to the same co-workers or supervisor you spend most of your time with at work. Take this chance to make new connections or get to know the people you otherwise wouldn’t work with on a daily basis. Find out who is on the guest list and do some research, suggests the Huffington Post.
The more the merrier, usually. While a holiday party may be a great occasion to introduce your coworkers to a friend or significant other, make sure guests are invited before you bring them in tow. The host of the party has likely planned for an estimated number of people and the addition of unexpected guests can really throw things off. When in doubt, ask. And, read more tips from Monster.
Don’t make it a silent night. Have fun and get chatting, but don’t only talk business. It’s natural to talk briefly about what’s happening at work but this relaxed atmosphere is the perfect opportunity to get to know your boss or co-workers on a more personal level (but avoid the trinity of gossip, politics and religion). And, per Fox Business, put away your phone and put in some face time.
Sip some holiday cheer, but not too much. Enjoy a glass of wine or two but don’t forget the reason you’re there. The last thing you want is to negatively impact the reputation you’ve worked hard to build at your company. Find out how to avoid other holiday faux pas on Bloomberg Businessweek.
And, we have a tip of our own: watch the clock. Some of your higher level executives are likely to attend the festivities, but chances are they’ll have to leave early to make it to another engagement. Don’t miss your chance to get some one-on-one time with the leaders of your organization by arriving on time.
Whether you love work-related events or dread them, try to see your upcoming holiday party as an opportunity to advance your career. Take advantage of access to important leaders, make new connections and have some fun. Just remember: everything in moderation.
Don’t forget to join us for the Chamber’s annual Net90 Holiday Party on Thursday, Dec. 15, at LBA Realty. In addition to all our holiday cheer, we’ll have a fantastic line-up for this year’s silent auction, which will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado.
Kathryn Goggin is an events specialist for the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.
