By Julia RABAGO

“Networking and ‘word of mouth’ advertising together are 7 times more likely to bring in business than all forms of traditional advertising and direct mail combined.”

— Jane Attard

On www.businessknowhow.com, Janet Attard states that networking, whether through business associations or other means, is the most prevalent and cost effective way for small and home businesses to attract new and repeat sales.

The Chamber of Commerce is one of the most reliable business associations that you could join to network effectively.   On July 14 we have our monthly networking business mixer at American Softub, 2520 Foothill Blvd., La Crescenta. This is a beautiful place to network with other professionals. Their garden showroom features six Softub spas in different backyard settings and is truly a relaxing place to join the CV Chamber to do some serious networking. At American Softub, they offer factory direct pricing. They are able to do this since it was the owner Todd Thornbury’s family that revolutionized the spa industry by inventing the Softub spa. For nearly 20 years now, American Softub has been selling and servicing only Softub spas and they stand behind each and every Softub they sell. This is the place to be on July 14 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. to network with other professionals in the area and support a local business owner.

On www.businessknowhow.com they offer five keys to effective business networking: 1. Select a few key associations or organizations and participate actively. Go to meetings as often as possible and work on one or two committees. Your goal: to be the first person everyone remembers and suggests when others ask, “Do you know anyone who….” 2. Get to events early and plan to stay late. If you spend too much time with any one person, you can’t meet others. 3. Greet people you’ve met in the past. Ask how projects they are working on are going. Sales grow out of relationships, and this is a good way to establish relationships with key contacts and prospects. Be sincere, though. If you’re not, you’ll be written off as an opportunist.

4. Follow up on leads. All the leads in the world are worthless if you don’t follow up on them. Make that phone call or send the information you promised. Then, at the next meeting you attend, ask if your contact got what you sent. 5. Be generous about sharing business tips, referrals and leads with non-competitors.

Join us on July 14 and test these keys for yourself. You may just surprise yourself and go home with a new client, new friend or maybe even a new Softub.

Also today, Thursday, is the absolute last day to get your name on all the promotional materials for the Foothills Community Business Expo which will be held Sept. 8 at the Verdugo Hills Hospital.  Call our office today to get your name listed in all three chamber publications promoting this grand event.

Important Chamber dates: July 8 – Grand re-opening ribbon cutting at Curves.

July 10 – Grand re-opening open house at Chevy Chase Country Club.

July 14^th – Business mixer at American Softub. 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 the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce

  American Softub, Chamber of Commerce, crescenta valley, La Crescenta