Akron is full of things to do. But if you are starting a new business or if you want to get out and meet more people because you are in sales, you have to know where to go.
What many people do not realize is that not only is there an Akron Chamber of Commerce that provides business networking opportunities in Akron, but there are many other chambers as well in all the surrounding communities. I have been to Fairlawn, Kent, Stow, Ravenna, Streetsboro and more different chambers.
Beyond that, Rotary is in many of these same communities.
Then you have professional networking organizations that provide specific networking opportunities. One I was in was B to B Connect which generated a lot of referrals for our business to business marketing agency at the time. They had groups in Kent, Stow, Akron, Streetsboro, Aurora and more locations. Because the same group meets every two weeks, you get to know people better and even if you do not get business, you will probably develop some good business friendships.
Network After Work puts on events in Akron and Cleveland as well and you do not have to be a member to attend and meet some new people. The combination of events to meet new people and other events where you get to know people better is very powerful over time.
Then you can check Facebook Groups, LinkedIn and MeetUp to find even more things going on in Akron for business networking. If you want to go to something new every few days you should be able to find something.
Some tips to networking better:
- Follow up the next day – nothing is more frustrating when people do not follow up after meeting.
- Do not expect sales – look to grow your network of connections and keep them fresh (reaching out regularly) and the sales will come over time.
Sure you can go to Cleveland which has come great events as well. But chances are you can find all the new customers you want in the greater Akron area if you just know where to look.
