By Judith Lee

Two of my favorite Chambers of Commerce (Southern Chesco and Western Chesco) have events geared for young professionals, and I couldn’t be more supportive.

As bright and capable as our younger associates might be, many of them are lacking in what I call “the original social.” The so called “millennials” are a bit clueless about good old fashioned business networking.

Yes, I love social media, email marketing and mobile marketing as vehicles to connect with your customers and increase your market visibility. But in my experience, they cannot replace a handshake, a smile, or a face-to-face conversation.

After all, you are your brand! How you look, what you say and what you do are powerful messages that should:

• Confirm a positive impression gained by digital means
• Reconfirm a customer’s confidence in your services
• Move a prospect toward “sealing the deal”

My thoughts here are twofold. First, if you aren’t getting out there and networking, find a way to step it up. Become active in a either the Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry or one of the several local chambers (see links below), join a direct referral group, support a community cause or join the Lions or Rotary. This is essential for business growth.

Second, when you are networking, treat each interaction as the precious opportunity it is to make a great impression and build your business.

Chester County Regional Chambers:

• Greater West Chester Chamber
• Exton Region Chamber of Commerce
• Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce
• Downingtown-Thorndale Regional Chamber of Commerce
• Great Valley Chamber of Commerce
• Phoenixville Regional Chamber of Commerce
• Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce
• Main Line Chamber of Commerce
• Tri County Chamber of Commerce

_______

Judith Lee is a marketing and communications professional who focuses on social media and email marketing based in Atglen. She is a SCORE Volunteer and the Chair-Elect of the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce. Her posts on marketing and social media are a regular Monday morning feature on VISTA Today. She can be reached at 610-368-2058 or via email at judithlee@epix.net.

Photos courtesy of Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry.