All About the Mission - May 11

Watching over 200 golfers and business development professionals networking on a golf course this week for our Security Federal Golf Classic reminded me of how much business does get done during 18 holes of golf.  In fact, one of our golfers who had a team and sponsored a hole commented at dinner just how effective outings like the Chamber’s golf tournament are at building new relationships, thanking existing clients for their business and just basically, giving folks the opportunity to leave the office behind for a day to get centered. 

It was refreshing to hear that opportunities like this have not been forgotten or gone out of style.  After all, the Chamber serves to be a facilitator for business connections and its one of the main reasons business owners invest in the Chamber.  It’s also our focus to make sure members have access to resources and information that will keep those networking skills polished up, especially since we haven’t been able to use them that much over the past two years.

Just as employers are now overwhelmingly understanding the benefits of their teams having at least some in-person connectivity in the workplace, they are equally as keen on making sure their business development team does not just depend on email to drive new business.  While clearly the pandemic has taught us that customer acquisition can be driven digitally, it is equally true that unless your business is completely digital, nothing will ever beat the art of face-to-face networking.

One of our recent Women in Business Programs focused on how to rebuild the “people skills” in a post pandemic world.  Things like eye contact, body language and when was the last time I had to use my elevator speech?  If these things still elude you, helping you get back in the game with the multitude of Chamber events and programs is all about the mission.  We hope you will take the time to join us at one of our next programs.