Mediaboss Marketing

Recently, I was asked to share some of the things I did to start and grow a successful company that is now celebrating its 20th year in business. Without hesitation, I said that the ability to network and make in-person connections in the local community may be the single most important contributing factor to our success.

When we started the business in 2003, I sought the advice of others. A mentor of mine gave me two pieces of advice to help jumpstart my entrepreneurial efforts join the Chamber of Commerce and volunteer with a non-profit or civic group. I did both, and Im glad that I did. If your business or non-profit organization supports, serves, hires, solicits, or sells locally, then its essential that you know whos in the community, and that they know who you are.

Networking allows you to meet like-minded people, identify those who can help you, find people you can help, and is one of the best ways to maintain a connection to whats what and whos who in the local community. Because of its size and sense of community, Fayette County is a great place to network and make connections.

Social media really didnt exist as we know it in 2003, so most of my networking was, and continues to be, in person. I think the ability to stay connected via social media is a great way to maintain relationships once established. On the other hand, theres nothing like making connections and friends in person.

Ive been told that I seem to know everyone, and its true that I enjoy meeting new people. What follows is a laundry list of tips Ive accumulated over the years that may help you network and make connections:

That last point is the most important one have fun. The purpose of networking is to meet people, not make sales or get donations. If you meet enough people, relationships will naturally form, and thats the way it should work. I know that some of you are introverted and dont necessarily enjoy large groups of people. Thats perfectly fine; be authentic and meet people in a manner thats more suited to you.

Id like to give a shout-out to my friend Colin Martin, who has served as President and CEO of the Fayette Chamber for the past four and a half years. Hes an incredible networker, and our community is a better place because of his leadership and efforts to help people make connections. Unfortunately, Colin is leaving the Chamber at the end of this month to be closer to his family in Columbus, GA. Thanks for all youve done for our community, Colin.

[Joe Domaleski, a Fayette County resident for 25 years, is the owner of Country Fried Creative an award-winning digital marketing agency located in Peachtree City. His company was the Fayette Chambers 2021 Small Business of the Year. Joe is a husband, father of three grown children, and proud Army veteran. He has an MBA from Georgia State University and enjoys sharing his perspectives drawing from thirty years of business leadership experience. ]

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How to network and make connections in the local community - The Citizen.com