Local Chamber of Commerce Meetings

**YourData1st** · May 6th, 2008, 14:01

Anyone care for going to Chamber Meetings? I went to one today over lunch, and enjoyed it. I only got to hand out 3 business cards, but I think that is pretty good being that it was the first one I’ve attended. One was actually a good lead being that she works for a local broadcasting company and knows someone running for office that needs a web page done. Another person I talked to gave me some real good ideas about where to go for quality help [for small businesses]. Just wanted to know what others feel about them and what their experiences are.

**DavidsAwesome** · May 7th, 2008, 22:01

Sounds like a good idea. Any advantage you can have over a competitor will pay off.

**Corazu** · May 7th, 2008, 23:03

Interesting idea..I'll have to try that.

**YourData1st** · May 8th, 2008, 01:47

There is another networking event coming up on the 15th called "Business After Hours". It's said that more people attend these ones because it's after normal work hours. If nothing else there is free food there

**Decker** · May 8th, 2008, 03:12

Originally Posted by YourData1st

It's said that more people attend these ones because it's after normal work hours. If nothing else there is free food there

It's the second part that's more correct

Some CoC's can be great, but some I've been to are not so good as they form almost private groups but love to see themselves as community leader figures.

Go a couple of times and see if they approach you for anything (except free advice or work), if not you'll have to become 'one of the lads' for it to be of any use to you

**YourData1st** · May 8th, 2008, 03:48

Originally Posted by Decker

some I've been to are not so good as they form almost private groups

yeah, that was the first thing I realizes when I arrived. They were all sitting together talking like they've know each other forever [maybe they have]. They were having the kind of conversations you don't want to interrupt being the new guy. Anyway, I figured I would grab a plate and plop myself down somewhere and just smile and nod allot. I almost couldn't take the singularity anymore, but forced myself to stay a little longer, and finally someone approached me.

I think the smiling and nodding thing worked out because I got a lot of s & n back. Even though I was nervous as heck, I tried to be as personable and confident as possible.