In Brian Hilliard’s “Networking Like a Pro,” he reminds us that during most conversations people like to talk more about themselves and tend to talk more than they listen. So if you are at a networking event and you are listening while they’re talking, and then you ask a good follow-up question based on the information you just heard, you’re going to be more likely to stand out in their minds from the other people they have met at the mixer. To get people to talk about themselves, ask questions such as, “So what do you like best about what you do?” Or “So what got you started in that direction?” Remember networking is less about meeting new people and more about having them remember you.

Keeping these techniques in mind is a great first step in helping you stand out from the crowd. Standing out in a crowd is what will turn these mixer opportunities into possible clients and customers.

Another way to avert this summer crisis would be to not miss the deadline for our Best Business Directory. There is only two weeks left to advertise in our directory that is mailed to 10,000 businesses and residents in the Crescenta Valley.  This is a great advertising opportunity to get your business in the hands of  many local people. Please call Mike Riley at (818) 521-6406 to make sure your advertisement is in the book.

Please join us in celebrating the 20th anniversary of The Copy Network. The ribbon cutting to commemorate this occasion will be on Friday, June 17 at 5:30 p.m. and they are located at 3600 Ocean View Blvd. Everyone is invited to join us and congratulate The Copy Network on 20 years in business.

Are you a golfer or know one? Want to help local high school students get money for college? You can do both by playing in our Scholarship Golf Tournament at the Verdugo Hills Golf Course on July 9. Visit our website or call our office for more information.

Hope to see you soon!

Important dates: June 17 – Ribbon cutting at Copy Network at 5 p.m.; July 4 – Fireworks Show at La Crescenta Elementary; July 5 – Dine Out Night at Frank’s Famous; July 9 – Scholarship Golf Tournament, Verdugo Hills Golf Course; July 13 – Business mixer at BIS Computer Solutions.

Please call our office for more details on any event. How to reach us (818) 248-4957 / crescentachamber@aol.com / www.LaCrescenta.org / 3131 Foothill Blvd., Ste D.

Julia Rabago is the executive
director of Crescenta Valley
Chamber of Commerce.