Making Connections

Kansas City is a connected place for entrepreneurs and small business owners. From chambers of commerce to high-tech groups, Kansas City offers a number of places to plug in. Before you go to that next networking event, check out these three tips:

Be Prepared: Think about who you want to meet at the event. Have a plan, and ask others who will be at the same event to help you meet the people on your list. Think about what you want to say. You'll find tips on how to develop an elevator pitch at Business Know How.

Be Easy to Talk to: Listen to what others have to say. Have a positive, upbeat attitude. Wait for the right opening to enter into others' conversations.

Be Ready to Follow Up: Once you've made a connection, don't lose it. Phone or e-mail promising contacts the following day. If you promise to provide something, do it.

Several KCSourceLink Resource Partners offer networking opportunities.

Entrepreneurial Exchange
ChrisL@mailprint.com
http://www.fortheentrepreneur.com/

Think Big Partners
http://www.thinkbigpartners.com/
Phone: (816)842-5244

The Central Exchange
Email:   jackie@centralexchange.org
Phone: (913)253-0900

Women's Business Center
Phone: (913)492-5922
Email: dbrowning@KansasWBC.com

Chambers of Commerce

Go to

and search under Networking for your Chamber of Commerce.

Making the Most of Social Media

Successful social networking demands professionalism as well as a heightened sense of self-awareness and value. The KCSourceLink blog provides 5 Tips for Social Networking Success.