July 2025 Business Edge by FFSChamber

June Recap June Recap

T h a n k Y o u T

ChairmanInvestor

DirectorInvestor Chairman’sCircle

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Even though being part of the chamber is one of the easiest ways to increase your network, we understand that some business pros can’t make it to networking events. But networking is incredibly important because people want to do business with those they know, like, and trust. If you don’t have the time to attend networking events, there are other ways to network.

You don’t need a name tag and a stack of business cards to make powerful connections Infact, some of the best networking happens outside of formal events (even though ourevents are lots of fun and you should check them out for yourself). As a business owner, every week is different and sometimes you just can’t get it all done. But while even tattendance may not always be possible, networking is.

Here are 7 real-world ways to build relationships thathelpgrow your business:

1. Turn Conversations Into Opportunities

You don’t need pitches just better chats Chat with the person next to you at the coffee shop Ask your neighbor about their business or projects People love to talk about their work

Later on, if you think it’s a good match, you might be in a position to offer a warm connection or keep them in mind for someone else You can even ask if they want to collaborate You don’t have to promote in the one big moment It can grow slowly by building a relationship first

2. Support Other Local Businesses (and Let Them Know It!)

Buy your birthday gift at the local boutique Post a photo of your favorite sandwich shop with a shoutout on Instagram Mention another business during small talk Customers listen when business owners show love to each other

3. Volunteer Where Your Ideal Customers Hang Out

If your ideal clients are parents, volunteer at their school fundraiser If they’re fitness buffs, volunteer to check in people at the local gym or an outdoor sports charity race You don’t have to be in it 15–20 hours per week to be helpful But you’ll naturally meet people, show up as a friendly face, and build relationships based on shared experiences rather than sales pitches

This goes for attending regular meetups and local networking hangouts too For instance, if you’re an interior designer, the contractor’s meetup might be a great place to volunteer You could be the friendly face at check-in, and refer others if they need people they know, like, and trust

4. Host Something Low-Key and Useful

If you love the idea, host your own event! But make it casual and valuable Think: Coffee & Coworking at a local coffee shop once a month

A small Q\&A-style business panel

A niche lunch (especially impactful for local businesses in related (or complementary!) industries

6. Use Your Content as a Conversation Starter

Posting regularly on LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, or even a local Facebook group gives people a chance to get to know you and stay in touch Think of content not just for sales, but for relationships What do your clients or referral partners need help with? Share a post, short blog, or simple video with real help, value, and do it consistently if you want people to recognize and remember you

7. Ask for Introductions

Nobody likes pushy salespeople Don’t go into an interaction with the question, “I want X Want to say yes to that?” Show up like a regular old friend That’s the authentic way in

But once you’ve established that trust, don’t be afraid to ask for help or connections Try something like: “I’m working on trying to grow the biz this year I’m growing region-wide, and it’s a big leap I wanted to ask if you might know any \[type of person] you think would benefit from what we do ” Or: “I’m trying to break into this market and get to know people there There’s so much talent already, so I want to be super thoughtful about it ”

Instead, try:

“Hey, I’m trying to meet more people in \[home industry or shared interest] Do you know anyone who’s in the business who does coffee in a Tuesday crew?”

Or: “I know people in Fresno And when people know what kind of connections you’re looking for, they can be strategic to help ”

Networking Is Just Relationship Building

You’re not trying to collect business cards There’s no prize for the surface-level if you’re trying to make real change in your community or your business

There is a prize for being a helpful, trustworthy human who makes good referrals, shows up, and adds value

In repeat By building a reputation as someone people trust, ask, and want to support That builds a snowball of good referrals over time One intro leads to another One coffee, one event, one relationship can change everything