I get asked quite a lot about whether going to chamber meetings are recommended or even worth it. Sometimes they seem to not be but you have to remember that networking is all about contacts and not about selling something. Ivan Miser, the founder of BNI, says that the very best networkers are in 3 different types of networks. The first needs to be a ‘strong contact’ network group, which BNI is one. The second is a chamber, not just a paying member but actually an active member. Large chambers can have ambassador programs and smaller ones may have leadership positions available. The main thing is to be active and seen. The third group is some type of professional or womens organization. These are typically full of people in the same type business but you never know who can help you.

The most important thing is to get out and meet people on a regular basis. You never know who someone knows, and when was the last time you met someone new and it hurt your business?