Let’s talk small business networking!
The ultimate networking question for a small business is, “where do I start”?
The answer I have for you is a little unconventional.
I’m not going to tell you to visit every event under the sun. I’m not going to tell you to sign up for conferences until the cows come home.
Instead, I want you to take a different approach:
Get involved in your community. There’s no better way to get to know the movers and shakers in the Denton community than by taking advantage of service opportunities.
Here’s The Key—Match Your Passion With Your Profession
Are you passionate about business? Community? Service?
In Denton, there’s a place for everyone.
Start by finding opportunities to engage and interact in the community—look for opportunities to combine your professional skills and business offerings with your passion.
Here’s a quick snapshot of all the vibrant networking opportunities in Denton:
If You’re All About That Business, Then the Denton Chamber of Commerce Is the Perfect Fit for You
I mean, come on—their hashtag is #DentonMeansBusiness!
The chamber staff does an amazing job of putting together a variety of opportunities for engagement, from socials to seminars.
If you want to welcome new businesses into town, then check out a ribbon cutting.
Are you looking for something more traditional? Network with a small group and stick to the traditional 30-second commercial at the monthly small business networking luncheons.
Quarterly membership events like the mixer or membership luncheon are more of a large group atmosphere, but pretty much everyone involved in the chamber makes an appearance. You should still probably dress to the nines—well, maybe not to that extreme—it’s really more business gear, but what I mean is it’s a ton of fun and you don’t want to miss it!
Got A Young Professional? Send Them To DCYP
Small business networking isn’t limited to older folks—young professionals can get in on the action too!
For the young professionals in your business, send them over to DCYP (Denton County Young Professionals).
At DCYP, you can join the self-proclaimed #yopros for coffee every Wednesday morning. Each week, attendees have the opportunity to connect with other young professional members while learning valuable tips from the leaders and business owners throughout Denton County.
These coffee programs can definitely be a great resource for development or just to grab a cup of java.
Do We Have Any Service-oriented Folks Out There?
You should check out the Denton Rotary Club for lunch one Thursday. They meet every week at El Chaparral for good food, fun and fellowship.
The rotary motto is “service above self.” The Denton Rotary club participates in projects throughout the community, like food drives, scholarship programs, youth leadership programs, veteran-honoring projects, environmental projects, homelessness prevention, and other initiatives across the globe.
Rotary International describes their clubs as a group of, “Dedicated people who share a passion for both community service and friendship.” Does this sound like you? Then come on by!
Want To Combine Passion And Profession? Join A Board!
Small business networking isn’t limited to cocktail parties. Joining a nonprofit board allows you to apply your professional skills, exercise leadership, and give back to your community at all once.
Some might even say it’s the holy grail of volunteering—they might say that. We are fortunate enough in Denton that we have many nonprofits waiting for someone just like you to help bring their mission to life.
No matter what gets your heartstrings pulled, chill bumps revved up, or a little tear-duct action going, Denton has you covered!
You can help Giving Hope transition people from homelessness.
Or help Denton County Friends of the Family move victims of domestic violence from crisis to confidence.
Maybe you want to feed the hungry with Our Daily Bread, or advocate for abused children with CASA.
If art is your thing, then Greater Denton Arts Council could be your canvas.
You can even build a playground with the Denton Parks Foundation.
You can find larger lists of other nonprofits in Denton here and here.
If You’re Looking For Small Business Networking Opportunities In DFW, Denton Is The Place To Be
What I love about quirky, creative “Little D” is that there really are networking opportunities everywhere — you just have to look in the right places. So go out there and be passionate!
Now that you’ve got a plan for finding small business networking opportunities, you need a strategy in place for the events themselves. Click here to learn my go-to strategy for making the most out of a small business networking event.
Maybe you’ve been going to networking events for a while, but you’re not quite sure what to do with the connections you’ve made. Learn how to move leads from your last small business networking event into the funnel.
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