Even though being part of the chamber is one of the easiest ways to increase your network, we understand that some business pros can’t make it to networking events. But networking is incredibly important because people want to do business with those they know, like, and trust. If you don’t have the time to attend networking events, there are ways to network.

You don’t need a name tag and a stack of business cards to make powerful connections. In fact, some of the best networking happens outside of formal events (even though our events are lots of fun and you should check them out for yourself). As a business owner, every week is different and sometimes you just can’t get it all done. But while event attendance may not always be possible, networking is.

Here are 7 real-world ways to build relationships that help grow your business:

1. Turn Conversations Into Opportunities

You don’t need a pitch—just be curious. Chat with the person next to you at the coffee shop. Ask your dog groomer about their busiest seasons. People love to talk about their work.

Listen well, ask thoughtful questions, and you’ll be surprised how often the conversation turns back to your business and how you might help. If it doesn’t, you may be able to connect them with someone who can help and that goes a long way to building a relationship too.

Further Reading:

- How To Turn Small Talk into Big Opportunities

2. Support Other Local Businesses (and Let Them Know It)

Buy your birthday gifts at the local boutique. Post a picture of your favorite sandwich shop and tag them on social media. Become someone they recognize online. It doesn’t take much to become a top fan or reviewer.

It doesn’t have to take a lot of time or be hard, either – take a picture of where you went out to eat lunch and tell people about your favorite meal there. Try a new menu item. Visit a store of the first time. You don’t have to do this daily, start with an easy goal and go from there.

This can also be done from your business page, or your personal page.

3. Volunteer Where Your Ideal Customers Hang Out

If your ideal clients are parents, volunteer at the school carnival. If they’re fitness buffs, sign up to help at a local 5K. We also have plenty of volunteer opportunities at the chamber.

You’re not there to sell—just to show up and be helpful. But you’ll naturally meet people, build trust, and become that friendly, local business owner everyone remembers.

This goes for attending regular events where your ideal audience hangs out. For instance, if you own a cleaning business, look to attend events where you’ll run into real estate professionals. They are often asked for referrals, and they’ll likely refer people they know, not from an ad on the internet.

Volunteer Ideas for Meeting People:

-         The Chamber!

-         LV Arts

-         Fort Leavenworth Spouses Club

-         Camp Leavenworth (booths, information & a 5k!)

-         Leavenworth County Historical Society

-         Leavenworth Historical Museum Association

-         Leavenworth County Humane Society

-         Stronghold Food Pantry

Further Reading:

- The Leadership Edge You’re Overlooking: Why Volunteering Pays Off

4. Host Something Low-Key and Useful

If you have the time, host your own event but make it casual and valuable. Think:

·        “Coffee & Questions” at your shop once a month

·        A short Q&A on Instagram Live

·        A small invite-only roundtable for local businesses in related (or complementary) industries

No sales pitch. Just connection and value.

Consider even partnering with a location. Check out our dining listings here. Or do you have a location to host events yourself? Let us know!

The Chamber is also currently looking for coffee hosts for 2026! Contact us at Office@LLChamber.com for available dates and requirements.

5. Be Generous With Referrals

If you meet someone great recommend them. Tag them. Share their info. When you refer people without expecting anything in return, they remember you as someone who adds value. And guess who they’ll think of when they need your services?

6. Use Your Content as a Conversation Starter

Posting regularly on LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, or even a local Facebook group gives people a way to get to know you and comment, share, or reach out. Content can spark conversations that turn into real-world relationships. Just keep it real: show your face, your story, and your expertise in bite-sized, helpful ways and do it consistently if you want people to recognize and remember you.

Also consider becoming a speaker for a luncheon or informational forum.

7. Ask for Introductions

Nobody likes a pushy salesperson. Don’t go into an interaction with the question, “I sell X. Want to buy some?” or “Do you know anyone who needs X?” They don’t even know you yet and you’re asking them to put their name on the line with their network and refer you.

You want a referral to be a good thing for both you, the person being referred, and the one doing the referring. You get the sale, the person being referred gets good service or a quality product, and the referrer looks like a super star to their friend who needed something. That’s why you don’t want to go in demanding a referral. There’s too much at stake for the referrer.

Instead, try:

“Hey, I’m trying to meet more people who [insert industry or shared interest]. Do you know anyone who’d be open to a quick coffee or a 10-minute chat?”

It’s not pushy. It’s human. And when people know what kind of connection you’re looking for, they’re often happy to help.

Networking Is Just Relationship Building

You’re not trying to collect business cards. There’s no prize for that unless you’re trying to get into the record book and that’s not a record you want to go for. (The current record is over 52,000 and the most collected in 24 hours is 414.)

Instead, try building a reputation as someone people trust, like, and want to support. That happens through small, repeated actions, not by accruing piles of cards.

Start with one conversation a week. One kind comment. One helpful share. One coffee.

Before you know it, you’ll be networking without even realizing it.

And come to our next networking event as well. We’d love to hear how your connections are going.

Did you know? Our Chamber Coffees and Ribbon Cuttings are great events to get to know people. And they don’t require an RSVP! So no last minute panicking if you forgot, or if something turns up and you can’t make it after all. Ribbon Cuttings are a way for people to remember you as someone who came to help them celebrate. Chamber Coffees first have guaranteed caffeine, and second, are hosted at different locations each month. A new chance to meet people, or a good way to catch up with someone with a busy schedule.

If you’re looking for a more focused program, no problem. We also have monthly Women’s Division luncheons, Military Affairs Council meetings, as well as Government Affairs Committee meetings.

Further Reading:

-         The Referral Revival

-         Navigating Networking: When to Say No

-         Local Business Partnerships Strengthen Communities and Drive Growth

-         FORD vs. HEFE: Frameworks for Networking and Small Talk

-         15+ Creative Partnership Ideas to Boost Customer Engagement and Sales

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Christina Metcalf is a writer and speaker who believes in the power of story. She works with small businesses, chambers of commerce, and business professionals who want to make an impression and grow a loyal customer/member base. She is the author of The Glinda Principle, rediscovering the magic within.

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