The Word is….Networking

by Kate McAlister, President/CEO

Networking (n) – The exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions.

Whenever the Chamber puts out a survey asking our membership what they would like to see more of, we always hear ‘Networking’.  Which we offer at least three opportunities a month with the Women In Business lunch the first Tuesday of the month, our General Membership Luncheon the second Thursday of the month,  and our 5:01 Business After Hours the last Wednesday of every month, hosted each month by a different Chamber member business. In addition to these regularly scheduled opportunities we also have events throughout the year also offering networking opportunities through volunteering and attendance.

Beyond the items identified above, there are a multitude of FREE opportunities throughout your day and week to informally network with others.  Every time you are anywhere, it’s an opportunity to tell people about your business. Informal networking includes friends from a former job, people you meet when recreating, volunteering and community events.

You can also join networking groups online like LinkedIn, where you can connect or link your business and personal contacts as well as join a group specific to your business and interests. In writing this article I went to Google search and typed in “online networking groups”, the Google machine came back with, and I’m not kidding, 129 million results. Now that’s a lot of networking.  Some groups required a fee to join, but most were free and out of 129 million results I’m sure there is something for everyone.

If you don’t know where to start, or you are a little shy, you can follow Dale Carnegie’s basic rules for networking:

• Smile – be approachable.  If you walk round always looking serious and scowling, no one will want to talk to you.  Be friendly, people like to talk to friendly people.  Say ‘good morning’ when you meet someone on the street or at a restaurant or  while attending a community event.

• Ask a question – Think of a question of interest and pose it to the group. It will start a conversation and you never know what the outcome will be.

• Listen - This is often the most difficult lesson since we all like to hear ourselves talk about what we want to talk about.  If you can actively listen and get others to discuss their experiences and opinions you will be amazed at what you might learn about business and even yourself.

• Business Cards – Always, always, always carry your business cards.  You never know when you might need them.  Have your 30 second commercial ready to go.  How do you expect others to understand what you do if you can’t articulate it in a concise manner?  See yourself.

• Remember and say the person’s name – People like to hear their own name.  When you meet someone, use their name, maybe several times during the conversation.  It makes the other person feel more comfortable and willing to share information if you attempt to get to know them.

With all these opportunities available to Network, you will make strong connections wherever you go. 

See you at Farmin Park on June 27^th for Sandpoint’s kickoff to summer, the Summer Sampler.  Let’s Network!  

Chamber Honors Jon Sayler as June 2013 Volunteer of the Month

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce honored Jon Sayler as June’s Volunteer of the Month for his service to our community and many of our non-profit organizations. Jon brings his passion for a project into everything he does, whether it's designing someone's dream home, assisting in the design and building a medical facility in Swaziland, raising funds for exchange student programs, installing lighting and advising on building issues at his church or making the dream of community access to a lakeside trail a reality.

Watch Jon accept his award, click here>>

‘Jon's passion is like a force of nature and his joy in the project sweeps his friends and colleagues along with him. Before you realize it, you've rolled up your sleeves alongside him and are in the middle of something wonderful.  He doesn't coerce, wheedle or bribe, his enthusiasm invites you to be a part of something and you find yourself as enthusiastic participant. Case in point, this woman standing before you refuses to apply anything to her car that requires a razor blade to remove and yet my car proudly displays a "Friends of Pend d'Oreille Bay Trail" sticker on the back window.  I guess you could call Jon Sayler the Pied Piper of volunteerism,’ said Anita Aurit.

Jon's community mind set is a gift to Sandpoint. He's that rare form of volunteer, a servant leader. He’s someone who's motivated by a passion for the cause and determined to put project above ego and self-promotion, rolls up his sleeves and invites others into the opportunity to serve. 

Jon's vision and passion has moved a dream of many to make the scenic Pend Oreille Bay Trail accessible to all into a reality. His ability to bring the right people together to make the project happen has resulted in a $75,000.00 grant, a $12,000.00 recent trail fundraiser and the momentum continues. Recently, they were awarded a large influx of grant funds totaling more than $650,000 and the dream of a community lake access trail is far closer than ever before.  

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in congratulating Jon Sayler for being honored as the Volunteer of the Month and thanking him for all of his contributions to our community. Jon’s hard work has done a lot for many organizations in our community. From the Greater Sandpoint Chamber, as well as the whole community, Thank You!

Photo: Jon Sayler accepts her award from Anita Aurit.

Chamber Honors Rotary Club of Sandpoint

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Rotary Club of Sandpoint as June’s Business of the Month. Sandpoint chapter of Rotary International is striving to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise. In 2011, Sandpoint’s Rotary Club has 70-plus members and is part of the larger Rotary International organization, with 1.22 million members in 33,976 clubs in more than 200 countries. The Rotary Club of Sandpoint has two states and two countries in their district.

Watch Rotary Club of Sandpoint accept their award, click here>>

‘When Sandpoint and Nelson, BC became Sister Cities, the Rotarians became dearest friends,’ explained Jerri Anderson, Past-President of Sandpoint Rotary Club.

This year, they have stepped up to take on and facilitate the CHAFE 150 bike ride, benefiting the Lake Pend Oreille School District. They give $12,000 a year in scholarships for high schoolers. Recently they gave $48,000 project in India to provide medical equipment to those in need. Currently, they are embarking on a $10,000 Friends of Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail and a SPOT Bus Shelter project. Also, they donated and built the beautiful Bandshell in Farmin Park, recently turned over to the City of Sandpoint.

Among the many local past projects they’ve completed are playgrounds at Travers Park, the patio at the library, stairs from Bridge Street to the boardwalk, outdoor bathrooms at Farmin Stidwell, the clock tower at Farmin Park, assisted with funding for bathrooms at Jeff Jones Town Square, assisted with patio installation at The DayBreak Center, and a picnic shelter at Memorial Field. Host the Great Sandpoint Flatwater Regatta.

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in congratulating Rotary Club of Sandpoint for their success and thanking them for their commitment to our community. For more information, connect with them on Facebook www.facebook.com/SandpointRotary. They meet Wednesdays at 12:00 PM in the Panhandle Bank Community Room, located at 414 Church St.

In photo: Sean Fitzpatrick and Jerri Anderson accept the award with Chamber President, Kate McAlister.