This recap blog was written by the various members of our Networking & Connecting Panel, members of the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce as a part of our Coaching Hour Series.

Networking Tips by Caroline Chiaia

General Manager, Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop

Despite popular opinion, it is okay to be human!  It’s okay not to be comfortable in large groups or putting yourself out there for the scrutiny of your business peers. What matters is acknowledging and pushing past those fears for the sake of growing your business.  If networking is uncomfortable for you, start small. Start a conversation with others who seem as uncomfortable as you and laugh at the tension of it all.  Find people you vibe with and break the ice by complimenting them on their elevator pitch or their fantastic fashion sense. Practice makes proficiency. In the year and a half since I have been fully active in the Chamber, I have never been ridiculed to my face, and that shouldn’t happen with you either.  Go to events, get used to talking with people, develop a memorable elevator pitch, and step away to have a mental breakdown whenever you need to.  You are human but you are also a boss, so step into a bathroom stall, hyperventilate, pull yourself back together and then put on your boss panties and get back out there because you ARE your business and you can’t run it crying in the bathroom all day.  You’ve got this.

For more information contact Caroline at arlingtontx@buttermilkskypie.com or visit her online at buttermilkskypie.com.

Networking Tips by Corey Callaway

FinancialAdvisor, Callaway Financial Services

Years ago, a sales coach encouraged me to be “that guy who is everywhere,” establishing a broad presence and making connections wherever I go. Networking and civic involvement have been pivotal in my journey. I learned early on that networking groups offer the chance to meet people and build lasting relationships. Many business owners, however, expect immediate referrals when they join these groups, which is unrealistic. It often takes about a year of consistent engagement to build the trust needed for referrals.

Civic groups, such as Rotary clubs and community organizations, allow you to cast a wider net and build connections that transcend professional boundaries. I’ve organized a fun shoot for my Rotary Club for four years, initially not expecting any business outcomes. Yet, I landed a $1.6 million account because my involvement in Rotary and the Masonic Lodge created a double connection with a new client. This experience underscores the importance of being active in your community; it’s not just about giving back but also about creating a web of connections that can lead to unexpected opportunities.

Recently, my role as the president of my HOA introduced me to neighbors I had never met before, expanding my network in ways I hadn’t anticipated. This involvement has opened up new circles of friends and professional contacts, making Arlington feel like the biggest small town in the U.S. The connections I’ve made through various roles highlight the value of building relationships across different contexts.

One-on-one meetings are also crucial for deepening these connections. They provide an opportunity to share stories, discuss challenges, and learn from each other, laying the groundwork for meaningful relationships.

In closing, remember that networking is about more than just business; it’s about connecting with people, creating lasting relationships, and having fun along the way. Life is too short not to enjoy the journey.

For more information contact Corey at corey@callawayfinancial.com or 817-274-4877  or visit her online at https://www.callawayfinancial.com/.

Networking Tips by Rod Floyd

Owner, CMIT Solutions of Arlington

Networking isn’t just a strategy—it’s a vital skill that can propel your career and company to new heights. Effective networking helps you build relationships, enhance your business’s visibility, and establish your credibility in the industry. Here are some tips for making meaningful connections that drive your business forward:

1. Define Your Objective Before attending networking events, clarify your goals. Are you seeking clients, partners, mentors, or investors? Clear objectives help you stay focused and maximize your interactions.
2. Attend Various Events Research and select events relevant to your industry where you’re likely to meet valuable contacts. Industry conferences, trade shows, professional meetings, and local business gatherings are great starting points. Consistency is key—make networking a regular part of your routine to increase your visibility.
3. Perfect Your Elevator Pitch Develop a concise, compelling elevator pitch (30 seconds to a minute) that clearly articulates who you are, what your business does, and what makes it unique. Practice until it feels natural and confident. Also try to have a memorable tagline, kinda like….. “We take the S…H..out of………Well you get the point…………I got lucky with that one. 😊
4. Be Genuine and Authentic Approach networking with genuine interest in others. Authenticity builds trust and lasting relationships. Embrace your uniqueness and be unapologetically you.
5. Listen More Than You Speak Effective networking involves active listening. Ask open-ended questions to encourage others to share their experiences and insights. This shows respect and helps identify potential areas for collaboration.
6. Follow Up and Stay in Touch Networking continues after the event. Follow up with new contacts via personalized emails or LinkedIn messages referencing your conversation. Regularly stay in touch to strengthen these relationships.
7. Provide Value Networking is a two-way street. Look for opportunities to help others by sharing knowledge, making introductions, or offering resources. Providing value builds goodwill and encourages reciprocation.

By setting clear goals, perfecting your pitch, being authentic, listening, and providing value, you can create a strong network that enhances your business’s visibility and credibility. Successful networking is about building meaningful, mutually beneficial connections.

For more information contact Rod at RFloyd@cmitsolutions.com or (682) 277-3932 or visit him online at cmitsolutions.com.

Networking Tips by Sandra Green-Cadet

Agent, New York Life Insurance Company

1. It’s Not About You
   1. It’s critical to focus on your audience rather than yourself and I believe every introduction is an opportunity to make a positive impact on someone’s life
   2. Just as the saying goes; “You never get a second chance to make a first impression” your first encounter can be a memorable experience so make sure it’s a good one
2. Build a Connection
   1. Find a way to relate to your audience through common interests.  Having a topic you can both relate to makes for a more meaningful conversation and can set up a foundation for a lasting relationship
3. Add Value to the Conversation
   1. Once you’ve successfully built a connection, look for opportunities to add value to the conversation
   2. Be mindful, this is not necessarily the time for an elevator pitch, rather, offer suggestions regarding ideas and/ or referrals that may be appropriate for the topic at hand
   3. Being helpful is a great strategy for building trust which can lead to more specific business related conversations down the road
4. Focus on Quality Instead of Quantity
   1. Having an impactful conversation with two to five individuals is much better than trying to work a room and handing out business cards to everyone.

For more information contact Sandra at sgreencadet@ft.newyorklife.com or 817-798-7533 or visit her online at www.newyorklife.com.