Community events are a great new way to form new connections that can significantly impact your career or your business. However, many people dismiss the importance of these events and never capitalize on the full potential they offer. There are a variety of things you can do to help you get the most out of these valuable experiences, as detailed below. 

How You Can Get the Most Out of Community Events

1. Come Prepared

Be clear about what you expect from the event. How many people do you want to meet? Do you plan to set appointments during the event? If so, how many? What types of relationships are you looking to build? Knowing all of this information before attending can help you stay focused during the event and eliminate the nervousness that can be common while networking.

2. Focus on Meeting New People

While it’s easy to gravitate toward people you know, it’s best to keep an open mind and speak with new business owners. Although approaching new people can be stressful, you can combat this by coming up with a list of questions you might ask when first meeting someone. Also, having a brief pitch prepared can help you communicate what you have to offer in a short amount of time. 

3. Create a Follow-up Plan

Making great connections won't help your business if you don’t follow-up. Set a plan for how you plan to connect with business owners after the event. Whether you’re connecting through social media, sending a thank you card, or adding them to your email campaign, the key is to make follow-up top priority. 

Community events are a great way to forge new relationships that can help you achieve new levels of success. The Huntington Chamber of Commerce in Suffolk County, NY, organizes various networking events that allow community members, businesses and organizations gain access to valuable resources. Call them at 631-423-6100 for information about their upcoming events. To see a list of events, visit their website.