Good Morning, Everyone!

Through a mutual friend, I have been blessed to meet the Director of the DC Chamber of Commerce who has kindly invited me to go to a couple of sessions/events at no cost. This could be killer, because they have over 1900 companies as members (and to my knowledge, no Virtual Assistant or Outsourcing Companies)

I know that everyone has had different conclusions with their chamber of commerce, but I am fortunate to be in a position to try before I buy (I don't have to consider becoming a member for six months) but get to attend functions.

Any tips on do's and do not's?


Thanks,

Caroline

Have your elevator speech memorized and take lots of business cards. Don't be afraid to go up to someone and introduce yourself. And afterwards, send them a note saying how much you enjoyed meeting them and talking to them. Don't sell in that nate, just thank them for taking the time to talk to you. At the second meeting, go back to the same people to reinforce the first meeting. Good Luck!

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Pam
www.adminetcetera.com

THANKS, PAM! You are the FIRST person to mention going back to the same person to "reinforce". I like that (Taking notes

Whether it is Facebook, Twitter, or a face-to-face meeting, it is all about building relationships. That does not happen in one meeting.

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Pam
www.adminetcetera.com

I agree with what Pam said 100%. Diana Ennen just put that up on Twitter the other night about not trying to sell her in the first meeting.
I met a realtor the other day and he seems somewhat interested. I'll reinforce that relationship at our next meeting (when he is showing houses to my mom). People will be more open to your services if you build relationships with them first, IMO, instead of just hitting them with a sales pitch as soon as you meet them. Otherwise it's similar to being confronted with a door to door salesman, and who is really receptive to them?

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Serita Diana, the List 2 Close Assistant
REVA Academy

I agree wholeheartedly; I just wasn't thinking in the terms of reinforcing from the second meeting (I was thinking more in line with a follow up call a few days later or email)

So thanks!

Definitely, a follow up email a few days later. But then don't let it drop there. At the next meeting, go say hi. Build the relationship.

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Pam
www.adminetcetera.com

Act like the business owner you are. If you go in like you are an out-of-work employee looking for a job you sabotage yourself. You will be in the midst of professional owners and sales persons.

Take someone with you for support.

Don't appear too agressive with follow-up. Make sure the person wants more information before pressing.

Maintain a realistic perspective. Even if there are 1900 companies, you can't take on 1% of that immediately. Speak with many, concentrate on a few.

Enjoy yourself and study how the successful people work the event.

Good luck!

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Robin A. Holstein
Robin's Desktop Virtual Administrative Services
My Blog

WOW 1900 potential contacts? That's awesome. Bring a BOX of biz cards LOL

I'm going to attend my first Chamber biz breakfast next week and nervous about it. I will have my cards ready, my elevator speech drilled into my head, my little notebook in my purse for notes and a positive attitude about how I can help the people I meet.

I never thought about follow up - great idea about sending a note afterward. I'm thinking a quick, handwritten note with my card. Handwritten I can do b/c I don't think there are 1900 people for me to meet/greet haha

Let me know how it turns out! I'm interested.

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Joy Wilder
Wilder Office Approach