BUSINESS
a publication of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce
CONNECTION
INAUGURAL TASTE OF VEGAS CASINO NIGHT “A Gourmet Taste of O’Fallon, Vegas Style.”
T
ickets are now on sale for the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce’s Inaugural Taste of Vegas casino night presented by Krey Distributing on Saturday, March 2, 2013. The event will take place at the O’Fallon Elks Lodge located at 1163 Tom Ginnever in O’Fallon, Missouri.
This black tie optional evening will begin at 6:00 p.m. with food samplings from the area’s finest establishments along with wine, beer and spirit tastings. Then from 7:30 until 10:00 p.m. attendees will be able to try their luck on several casino tables that will be available, including Black Jack, Poker/Texas Hold’em, Craps, Roulette and a Chuck ‘O Luck Wheel. Guest will then be able to trade in their winnings for raffle tickets for a chance to win some great prizes that will be drawn at Continued on pg 7
3 WAYS TO GET MORE BUSINESS AT NETWORKING EVENTS
When it comes to building contacts, quality trumps quantity. BY IVAN MISNER
B
usines speople unfamiliar with referral networking sometimes lose sight of the fact that networking is the means--not the end--of their business-building activities. They attend three, four, even five events in a week in a desperate grasp for new business. The predictable result is that they stay so busy meeting new people that they never have time to follow up and cultivate those relationships--and how can they expect to get new business from someone they’ve only just met? As one of these unfortunates remarked to me, “I feel like I’m always networking but rarely getting anything done.”
Continued on pg 12
FEBRUARY 2013
Don’t miss the O’Fallon Chamber’s
General Membership LUNCHEON Tuesday, February 26, 2012 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. @ Trigg Banquet Center 300 O’Fallon Plz, O’Fallon, MO 63366 Please join us for our Monthly Membership Luncheon where everyone will get a chance to learn more about each others businesses during this networking meeting. Bring business cards and a 2 minute informercial to share with your table. Participants will also have 2 minutes to answer questions about their company. Traci Everman will also update us on the 2012 housing stats. Don’t forget to register in advance and save $5!
Sponsored by:
O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce
Tuesday, February 12 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. HEALTHY LIFE CHIROPRACTIC & WELLNESS 1601 Bryan Rd , O’Fallon, MO 63368
Stay for 5 minutes or 2 hours, whichever fits into your schedule best. Our monthly Business After Hours are a great way to build relationships with many of your fellow Chamber Members. Average attendance at these free events is around 60 Chamber Members! 2 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | FEBRUARY 2013
O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce
Rise & Shine...
to join us for the O’Fallon Chamber’s Morning Schmooze, a FREE monthly, networking event open to Chamber members. Arrive ready to network with a pocket full of business cards and a 1 minute infomercial.
Thursday, February 21 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. Rendezvous Cafe & Wine Bar 217 S Main St, O’Fallon, MO 63366
Mission Statement: The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce is committed to promoting economic vitality in O’Fallon and the St. Charles County Region while providing members with networking opportunities, education and advocacy in public policy decisions affecting business. Vision Statement: The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce will be the catalyst for the prosperity of our community as a valued resource for businesses, organizations, and residents. Officers: Adam Hopper, Chair of the Board Jeff Arneson, 1st Vice Chairman Stacee Gilmore, Secretary Cindy Elking, Past-Chair Directors: Harold Bliggenstorfer, Missouri Baptist University Mark Crank, Marcos Productions Nina DeAngelo, Mary Kay Heather Deatz, Community News Wayne Daniels, CORD Moving & Storage Tim DeGhelder, St. Charles City-County Library Ron Epps, F&M Bank and Trust Michael Favazza, Favazza & Associates Julie Feast, Ameren Missouri Jonny Kruse, Gracie Barra Kim Michaels, Charter Business Brian Richardson, KFAV 99.9 FM Jan Stanczak, Jan’s Travel & Cruise Staff: Erin Williams, President/CEO Sara Henderson, Communications Director Sam Byers, Membership Services Director
THIS ISSUE VOL.2 IS.2 IN
2145 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr. O’Fallon, MO 63366 Phone: 636-240-1818 Email: info@OFallonChamber.org www.OFallonChamber.org
Taste of Vegas ........................ p cover & 7 Networking Tips.................... p cover & 12 Romantic Eats ....................................... p 4 Ribbon Cuttings .................................... p 5 Member Spotlight ................................. p 6 News from the Chairman ...................... p 7 New Members ....................................... p 8 Member Anniversaries .......................... p 8 Member Mentions ............................... p 10 Calendar of Events .............................. p 11 Chamber Activities............................. p 13
CHAMBER PARTNERS
&LANDSCAPE LAWN SOLUTIONS FEBRUARY 2013 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | 3
V
alentine’s Day is one of the holidays that tends to spring up on people and catch them off guard. However, it doesn’t have to be the panicked “I hope the wait isn’t too long” that it sometimes becomes. There is a lot of great Valentine’s Day dinner options right in town.
Aggie’s Closet & Tea Room 9036 Veterans Memorial Pkwy, O’Fallon 636-379-6878 Angelo’s Chicago Taste 1120 Technology Dr, Ste 109, O’Fallon 636-329-8333 Asian Cafe Bar & Grill, LLC 1260 Bryan Rd, O’Fallon 636-272-4429 Bob Evans Restaurant 8670 Veterans Memorial Pkwy, O’Fallon 636-281-1150 Bristol Seafood Grill 2314 Technology Dr, O’Fallon 636-625-6350 Cedar Lake Cellars 11008 Schreckengast Rd, Wright City 636-745-9500 Chevy’s Fresh Mex 3005 Hwy K, O’Fallon 636-379-1166
LOCAL ROMANTIC EATS FOR VALENTINE’S DAY Cracker Barrel 120 Progress Point Ct, O’Fallon 636-329-9401
Outback Steakhouse 4002 WingHaven Blvd, O’Fallon 636-625-4300
Dos Primos Mexican Restaurant 624 North Main St, O’Fallon 636-978-0130
Pasta House Co. 2558 Hwy K, O’Fallon 636-978-0060
El Tio Pepe 315 West Terra Ln, O’Fallon 636-978-9766
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers 1440 Mexico Loop Rd East, O’Fallon 636-281-0383
JJ Twiggs Pizza & Pub 1090 Tom Ginnever, O’Fallon 636-379-4446
Rendezvous Cafe & Wine Bar 217 S Main St, O’Fallon 636-281-2233
Kitaro Bistro of Japan 4551 Hwy K, O’Fallon 636-300-3399
Show-Me’s Restaurant 2509 Hwy K, O’Fallon 636-379-5388
Llywelyn’s Pub 7434 Village Center Dr, O’Fallon 636-625-8655
Stefanina’s Restaurant 8645 Veterans Memorial Pkwy, O’Fallon 636-272-3499
LongHorn Steakhouse 2102 Hwy K, O’Fallon 636-379-8620
The Brass Rail 4601 Hwy K, O’Fallon 636-329-1349
Mary’s Morsels Bakery & Cafe 107 O’Fallon Plaza, O’Fallon 636-272-1112
Timber Creek Grill 1120 Technology Dr #108,O’Fallon 636-329-0001
McGurks Public House 108 S Main, O’Fallon 636-978-9640
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RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONIES WELCOME TO O’FALLON!
The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce and the City of O’Fallon are excited to welcome these new businesses to the community and to help them celebrate with a with a Ribbon Cutting ceremony.
Thrivent Financial - Kelly Brickner, CLU, FIC 3006 Winghaven Blvd, O’Fallon, MO 63368
Elite Framing and Digital Arts 9963 Winghaven Blvd, O’Fallon, MO 63368
Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings: February 7th @ 3:30 p.m. Air Evac Lifeteam February 27th @ 3:30 p.m. USA Mortgage March 14th @ 3:30 p.m. Instant Imprints
FEBRUARY 2013 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | 5
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
W
e would like to introduce you to our February Member Spotlight, Bob Engert-Financial Advisor with Edward Jones. As many of you may know, Bob has a passion for helping people reach their financial goals and enjoys working with a diverse group of people. Whether it is saving for retirement, living in retirement, saving for education, or saving money on taxes, Bob is always looking to help the individual investor obtain their financial objectives. He believes in the personal approach to his business. On most days, Bob can be seen around a local subdivision introducing himself to his neighbors and answering any questions about the market. When calling his office you will either speak to him or his office administrator, Barb Carroll. Almost all of his business is centered in the O’Fallon and surrounding areas, and he believes this focus has separated him from his competition. Bob has recently been named a field trainer for incoming new financial advisors to Edward Jones.
EDWARD JONES - BOB ENGERT He has been investing in the stock market since he was 12 years old as his first stock purchase was made with profits from a St. Louis PostDispatch newspaper business that he managed a couple of years earlier. He has always had a passion for investing and helping others and was able to realize both passions when he was approached by Edward Jones to be a financial advisor. Since joining the Chamber in 2011, he has served as an ambassador and has met many local owners and businesses. He believes that a strong and vibrant O’Fallon will help all businesses and in this believe, he is always willing to share a story, some advice, or give an introduction to other local businesses to help everyone find success. When he is not diligently working in his office in south O’Fallon, you can find him calling balls and strikes at many of the local parks all around the St. Louis metro area. He lives in Kirkwood with his wife Laura, of 3+ years with their 2 dogs, 2 cats, and
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13 chickens (yes, they allow chickens in Kirkwood, and no, they don’t live on a farm.) He is a member of St. Gerard Majella parish where he is a greeter and a member of SGM men’s club. He is oldest of five children and grew up in south St. Louis County. His main goal in the next five years is to continue to grow his business and to meet every person and business in the O’Fallon area. His favorite quote is: “Aim for the moon even if you miss, you will land among the stars.” Bob appreciates the opportunity that the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce has given him and looks forward to meeting you. If you have any questions on how to start your savings for your main financial goal or would like a portfolio review, please call Bob’s at 636-300-8071 or stop by his office at, 6702 Keaton Corporate Pkwy, Suite #100, O’Fallon, MO 63368 (near K and 40.)
CASINO NIGHT Continued from cover
10:30 p.m. concluding the evening.
2013 is already shaping up to be a great year for the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce. I’d like to thank all of you for attending the January general membership meeting. As I mentioned then, with 152 people in attendance, we had our largest luncheon yet; however, I’d like to challenge you to beat that record this month at the February 26th networking meeting being held at Trigg Banquet Center. I’d also like to give a HUGE shout-out to Jan Stanczak at Jan’s Travel & Cruise for once again providing an incentive to attend the Chamber’s already awesome events. For those of you who didn’t make it out; allow me to fill you in. Jan’s Travel & Cruise will be donating an all-inclusive trip for two to Jamaica to the lucky member drawn at the December 2013 meeting. Jamaica has a great tag line, “once you go, you’ll know”. I think that fits very well with the O’Fallon Chamber. As a Board member I can assure you that we spend a good amount of time discussing how to make our events a better experience for all of you. I think, and hopefully you will agree, that we have been doing a good job, and while there is always room to improve; we’ve got something special going on here at the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce.
“Casino nights are a great way to try out games that you normally wouldn’t play at a traditional casino. There is no experience needed and no pressure, so you can really have fun!” says Sara Henderson, staff organizer for the event. A Taste of Vegas will truly make you think you are in the heart of Las Vegas and will draw a mix of area residents and business people. Entertainment will include a full band and both a Sinatra and Elvis impersonator to set the Vegas style mood. General Admission is $40 per person and includes tastings from O’Fallon’s finest restaurants, open bar, souvenir photo, 2 raffle entries, $5,000 in gaming money and live entertainment with dancing. Tickets must be purchased in advance by calling 636-240-1818 or online at www.ofallonchamber.org/ casino. No one under 21 will be admitted, tickets will not be sold the evening of the event. Casino night proceeds benefit the mission of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce: The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce is committed to promoting economic vitality in O’Fallon and the St. Charles County Region while providing members with networking opportunities, education, and advocacy in public policy decisions affecting business.
I encourage you to mark your calendars to attend one or all of our upcoming meetings, from the Morning Schmooze to Lunch & Legislators, featuring Senator Scott Rupp, to the Taste of Vegas Casino Night the Chamber has an opportunity for you to get involved, and as they say in Jamaica, “once you go, you’ll know”. Adam Hopper 2013 Chairman of the Board O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce
Participating Restaurants: Bristol Seafood Grill, Kitaro Bistro of Japan, LongHorn Steakhouse, Quintessential Catering, River City Catering, Stefanina’s Restaurant, and Susie G’s Specialty Cakes.
FEBRUARY 2013 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | 7
NEW MEMBERS
A VERY SPECIAL WELCOME! Adams Insurance & Financial Services LLC Insurance Services Lori Adams 2225 Bluestone Dr St. Charles, MO 63303 636-916-5555 www.trustlori.net Bates CPAs, PC Accountants & Tax Preparation Charles Webber 2031 Collier Corporate Parkway Saint Charles, MO 63303 636-947-8400 batescpas.com Citibank N.A. Mortgage Services Scott Simmons 2 City Pl, Ste 200 Creve Coeur, MO 63141 314-313-8959
Cynthia Davis Retiree Cynthia Davis 1002 Hwy K O’Fallon, MO 63366 636-281-3800
The Complete Dawg Pet Care Michelle DeNatale 652 Country Village Dr LAKE SAINT LOUIS, Mi 63367 636-439-0992
Signature Exteriors Siding & Exteriors Jeramie Beechler 2025 Zumbehl Rd Suite 106 St. Charles, MO 63303 314-827-5376 www.signatureexteriorsinc.com SSM Physical Therapy Healthcare Services Tracie Selner SSM Physical Therapy 1101 Highway K O’Fallon, MO 63366 636-379-6380 www.sssmphysicaltherapy.com
MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES THANK YOU!
Congratulations and thank you to the following companies who as of January 2013 have been O’Fallon Chamber members for... 1 Year JJ Twiggs Pizza & Pub Staybridge Suites 2 Years Amante Jewelers Doctor G’s Computer Care & Repair Hillmann Place Mass Financial Group John Weeks The Clayton Engineering Company, Inc Thomas Realty Group 3 Years Excel Performing Arts
McDonald’s - Hwy K & N McDonald’s - O’Fallon Main Proactive Money Management, Inc. Slumberland Furniture Spotlight Cleaning Service T.C. Herring & Associates 4 Years LifeWorks Business Center at WingHaven McDonalds - Main St 5 Years Claria Clean 6 Years Brunswick Zone XL St.
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Peters Rendezvous Cafe & Wine Bar St. Louis Life 7 Years Progress West Healthcare Center BJC 9 Years Waterways of Lake St. Louis 10 Years Providence Bank West Community Credit Union
11 Years Chevy’s Fresh Mex 12 Years Faith Chapel Stygar Mid Rivers Funeral Home 13 Years Costco Wholesale 17 Years Mid America Peterbilt 18 years Suburban Journals
Escape to... with
®
LUNCH & LEGISLATORS Now, there is an even better reason to attend O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce events! You’ve always had the opportunity for networking, building referrals and learning from your fellow members; now you could mwin the vacation of a lifetime! Throughout 2013 each time you attend a General Membership Meeting, Business After Hours or Morning Schmooze (35 chances), your name will be entered into a drawing. The winning vacation recipient will be drawn at the Annual Awards luncheon held on December 17th, 2013. The more you attend, the better your chance are of winning!
Call Travel Leaders/Jan’s Travel & Cruise for other great travel opportunities! (636) 561-2626 www.travelleaders-janstravel.com
J
oin us for the February 15th Lunch & Legislators program featuring Missouri State Senator Scott Rupp. The Noon program will be held at Rendezvous Café & Wine Bar, O’Fallon.
Rupp currently has eight sponsored bills, including SB1, which modifies the law relating to the Second Injury Fund and occupational disease within the workers’ compensation system. Other sponsored bills include conscience rights for medical professionals and the reauthorization of the New Markets Tax Credit. Senator Scott T. Rupp represents in the Missouri Senate all of Lincoln County and portions of St. Charles County. Elected to the Missouri Senate in a special election in April 2006, Scott was re-elected in November 2006 to serve his first full term. Previously, he was twice elected to represent the citizens of northwest St. Charles County in the Missouri House of Representatives and received more than 65 percent of the vote in 2002 and 2004. Senator Rupp was appointed to the National Coalition for Capitol (NCFC) Board of Advisors in November, 2010. As a member of the NCFC Board of Advisors his role will be to help support economic development and job creation through long-term access to capital for entrepreneurs and small businesses at the state and federal levels. Reservations are appreciated, but not required. Please RSVP to Erin at erin@ofallonchamber.org or 636-2401818. FEBRUARY 2013 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | 9
MEMBER MENTIONS NEWS FROM OUR MEMBERS
Keep up to date with news, sales, events and more from your fellow members. Contact Sara at sara@ofallonchamber.org to submit your information for future newsletters. Check out www.ofallonchamber.org for more member news and events. Mouse Races!
SunRise Church Blood Drive
Lifesaver CPR
Vision St. Charles County Leadership invites you to join us for Mouse Races on Friday, February 8th. Doors open at 6:30pm and races begin at 7:00pm. Admission is $20 per person and includes beer and soft drinks. Bring your own snacks. The race will be held at PFEM Banquet Hall located115 McMenamy Road, St. Peters, MO 63376.
To schedule a donation, contact Rick Oliver at 636-219-9949 or go online to www.bloodcenterIMPACT.org. Use sponsor code: 9256 Last date to donate elsewhere: 12/31/12 Eat before donating, hydrate, bring photo ID February 25, 2013 3:30 PM - 7:30 PM CST Sunrise United Methodist Church 7116 Twin Chimneys Blvd O’Fallon, MO 63366
Lifesaver CPR is a two day event that will teach you hands only CPR, the usage of an AED as well as the skills used to save a choking victim. This event will take place at Fort Zumwalt East High School (600 1st Executive Avenue, St.Peters MO 63376) and is designed to take no more than 30 minutes of your time! Feel free to come either Saturday February 23rd or Sunday the 24th to participate!
Register with Page Adams at 636-2192158 or email her at page.adams@ yahoo.com.
Fire District’s Citizens Planning Committee
To make this an even more exciting event, We plan on breaking the world record for most people trained in CPR in 24 hours. This means that at the conclusion of our event THOUSANDS of people across St.Charles County will have completed training allowing them to save a life!
Highlights of the American Tax Relief Act David Harrington, Registered Representative of CFG Wealth Services along with Mike Favazza, Certified Public Account with Favazza & Associates will discuss changes in the tax code enacted at the close of 2012. Food and beverage will be provided by Great Southern Bank. Please RSVP. February 11, 2013 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce 2145 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr O’Fallon, MO 63366
3rd Annual Sweetheart Dinner @ Mary’s Morsels With Music provided by William Collier Reservations Only RSVP @ 636-2721112 $30 per Couple (Lasagna, Salad, Italian Rolls, Dessert & Beverage) Mary’s Morsels & More 107 O’Fallon Plaza O’Fallon, MO 63366 February 8 & 9, 2013 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Mary’s Morsels & More 107 O’Fallon Plz O’Fallon, MO 63366
The O’Fallon Fire Protection District is looking for citizens involved in the community, that are willing to share their thoughts and express their honest opinions regarding planning, i.e., Fire Stations and new equipment, and the programs the District offers, i.e., public fire and safety education. This is not a labor intensive committee. The Fire District’s Citizens Planning Committee (CPC) meets quarterly. Every attempt is made to hold the meetings to one hour with an absolute limit of 90 minutes. Membership qualifications are that its members must live or work within the Fire District and have good standing within the community. Please contact Fire Chief Michael J. Ballmann, EFO, at mjballmann@ofallonfire.org, or by phone: 636-240-5312 Ext. 9100 if you are interested in joining this Committee, or with any questions. The CPC’s Mission Statement is: To unite the Fire District and the O’Fallon community through a collaborative effort to enhance public safety through communication and education, while striving to increase public awareness of the Fire District’s fiscal responsibility.
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We encourage you to attend with friends, family, church members, youth groups, co- workers, neighbors and all other groups alike! Visit www.checkcallcompress.com for more information or to register.
Are you looking to grow your business in 2013? The Bag Ladies are here to help! We will start walking to 500 homes each week in the OFallon, LSL/DP, Wentzville zones. For as little as 5 cents per home you can reach out to your next potential customer. This marks the 9th year of walking and increasing revenue for clients. We are exclusive only one business per profession in the bag each week. I am ready to grow your business one door at a time. Call Barb 636.734.6487, doordelivery@ centurytel.net or look me up on the chamber website.
CHAMBER CALENDAR FEBRUARY 2013 February 7, 2013 Casino Night Committee O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
February 15, 2013 Lunch & Legislators Rendezvous Cafe & Wine Bar 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
February 23, 2013 Lifesaver CPR Fort Zumwalt East High School 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
March 2, 2013 Taste of Vegas Casino Night O’Fallon Elks Lodge 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Ribbon Cutting Air Evac Lifeteam 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
February 19, 2013 Networking Works! Staybridge Suites 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM
February 24, 2013 Lifesaver CPR Fort Zumwalt East High School 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
March 11, 2013 O’Fallon Elite Leads Group Peace Lutheran Church 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
February 25, 2013 O’Fallon Elite Leads Group Peace Lutheran Church 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
March 12, 2013 Business After Hours Marcos Production 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
February 11, 2013 O’Fallon Elite Leads Group Peace Lutheran Church 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
February 19, 2013 Board of Directors Meeting O’Fallon Chamber Office 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
February 12, 2013 Ambassadors O’Fallon Chamber Office 3:45 PM - 4:15 PM
O’Fallon Jaycees Meeting 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Business After Hours Healthy Life Chiropractic & Wellness 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
February 20, 2013 Industrial Summit Old Hickory Golf Club 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
February 13, 2013 Masters of Business Leads Group Webster University 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
February 21, 2013 Morning Schmooze Rendezvous Cafe & Wine Bar 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
February 14, 2013 New Member Briefing O’Fallon Chamber Office 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Tech/Comm Meeting Spencer Road Library Branch 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
February 26, 2013 General Membership Luncheon Trigg Banquet Center 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM February 27, 2013 Masters of Business Leads Group Webster University 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Ribbon Cutting USA Mortgage 0:30 PM - 4:30 PM
FEBRUARY 2013 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | 11
NETWORKING TIPS Continued from cover
I certainly agree that meeting new people is an integral part of networking, but it’s important to remember why we’re doing it in the first place: to develop a professional rapport with individuals that will deepen over time into a trusting relationship that will eventually lead to a mutually beneficial and continuing exchange of referrals. When meeting someone for the first time, focus on the potential relationship you might form. As hard as it may be to suppress your business reflexes, at this stage you cannot make it your goal to sell your services or promote your company. You’re there to get to know a new person. A friend of mine told me something his dad always said: “You don’t have to sell to friends.” That’s especially good advice when interacting with new contacts. This doesn’t mean you’ll never get to sell anything to people you meet while networking; it does, however, mean that you’ll need to employ a different approach. Networking isn’t about closing business deals or meeting hordes of new people; it’s about developing relationships in which future business can be closed. Once you understand that and put it into practice, you’ll notice a few things happening to your business. First, you’ll stand out from the crowd with everyone you meet. People often ask me how they can get business at an event when there are so many other people trying to do the same thing. I simply tell them to be different. A good way to do that is by asking a new contact good questions and taking the time to listen to her answers. (A “good” question is one that gets the person talking about herself while helping you understand her business. It’s not an opportunity for you to vet this person as a client.) Good questions not only get the ball rolling, but they also take the pressure off you to carry the conversation. Meeting new people can be hard enough without feeling like you have to be the life of the party to do it. If you’re not sure what kinds of questions to ask, read Master Networkers Ask the Right Questions for more some ideas. This advance networking approach is especially vital for mortgage brokers, real estate agents, insurance agents, CPAs, financial planners, and others in highly competitive industries. You can’t go to a networking event without running into at least one person in some of those fields. When you network selflessly, you’ll absolutely blow away any competitors who still feel compelled to meet as many people as they can. Why? Because when you call your contacts back, they’ll actually remember who you are and will be willing to meet with you again. This is a critical next step for 12 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | FEBRUARY 2013
securing more business. With all of this in mind, let’s take a look at some specific steps you can take toward getting more business from your very next event. Limit the number of contacts per event. The most important thing is the quality of the contacts, which means the type of contact, the relevance to your business and interests, how good a connection you’re making and the individual involved. At a typical event, five to 10 might be all you can handle. This may not seem like a lot of contacts, but it’s really more than enough when you’re talking to the right people. (That’s why it’s so important to have a networking strategy.) If you attend two events per week, that’s 10 events a month, or 30 to 50 new contacts every 30 days. Continue to do that over the next couple of months--while following up with the people you’ve met--and you’ll soon have more than enough high-quality contacts to keep you busy. Spend five to 10 minutes talking to and listening to each person. Just because you’re not handing out your business card to 1,001 people doesn’t mean you should spend 20 minutes talking to just one individual. Invest a few minutes to get to know each person. Make sure to ask for her business card. Then follow up with her after the event; this is where the heavy lifting takes place. Remember, all we’re doing now is setting the stage for future business. Write notes on the backs of people’s cards. Not only do notes help you remember what the other person said at an event, but it also slows you down a bit so you’re not running around trying to meet the next person. On the front of the card, you can write the date and name of the event where you met the person; on the back, jot down a few quick notes about the conversation or anything else of note. When you contact the person later, this will give you something to refer to. Here are a few things to remember when it comes to meeting new people: You’re not interested in selling anything to this person you’ve just met; you want to find some way you can help her. You understand, of course, that what goes around comes around, usually in the form of referrals for your business. You want to create a visible identity with everyone you meet. A visible identity is the answer to this question: “How can I differentiate myself, in the mind of this other person, from the other five people she’s already met?” Keeping those two ideas in mind will give you a leg up when meeting new contacts. Using these simple approaches, you’ll see an up-tick in the amount of new business and referrals you get while networking.
CHAMBER ACTIVITIES
New members are welcomed at the January General Membership Meeting held at Morning Star Church!
Past Chair of the Board, Cindy Elking (Quintessential Catering) swears in our 2013 Chair Adam Hopper (PNC Bank).
Thank you to Training Effect for hosting our first Business After Hours of 2013 and to all of our wonderful members and guest who came out to kick off the new year right.
Our 2013 Board of Directors swears in at the January membership meeting. Welcome!
Chair, Adam Hopper thanks past Board Director, Russ Craven for his years of dedication to the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce.
Interested in Advertising in the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce
BUSINESS CONNECTION? Call Brian @ 636-219-9653 or email brian@kfav.com