One of the most valuable assets for your business can be found in the power of human connections. Professional connections within your local community will bring far more opportunities than social media, advertising, or cold calls ever will. Prioritizing connections within your community allows you to become a part of a network of people eager to support one another. Regardless of the industry you work in, taking the time to invest in building professional connections will uncover opportunities that allow your business to grow and thrive. 

How can you go about building meaningful connections? Here are two ideas to connect with your local community.

  1. Attending local events will naturally create opportunities to start conversations and meet other local business leaders and owners face-to-face, allowing you to build genuine connections. Take the time this week to research events in your area and plan to begin attending regularly. It takes intentionality, but it will pay off in the long-run. In a recent article, “Beyond the handshake: Building meaningful professional relationships”, Lori Apfel Cardeli highlights from her own experiences that some of her “most formative connections” came from showing up and giving back to her community. She believed that “showing up and sharing what you know- even when there is no immediate benefit” shaped a fulfilling career. 
  2. Joining your local Chamber of Commerce, a built-in network system of professionals, is another effective way to support local groups and gain connections. The chamber serves as a bridge for business professionals to come together and create a healthy local economy. Being a part of the chamber not only boosts your business’s visibility instantly but also “connects you with people who understand that grind” and “gives you a trusted space to test ideas, explore partnerships, and discover opportunities that benefit both your business and the community” (Show Low Chamber Benefits). There is no set limit to how far a connection can get you. It is important to start early, and one of the best places to start is your local Chamber. 

While fostering professional connections is essential for success, building an authentic relationship that is not transactional is key. In “Five Practices to Build Authentic Relationships at Work”, Henna Inam provides practical advice for how to go about creating a community that is authentic. Rather than building relationships solely through the intent of your own interest, authentic connections are genuine and long-lasting. When you start building a professional connection, you want to ensure that you begin with the right intentions, be curious, and be open (Inam). These actions will create connections that encourage long-term support and cultivate lasting relationships, supporting your personal and professional growth.  

Ultimately, having a strong network system will open doors and support that you cannot reach alone. Being active and engaged, either in your local chamber of commerce or local events, with the right intent in mind, you will foster authentic connections that help you and your business grow stronger.