Home Based Business Connection Offers Networking Tips

Some 40 Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce members attended the Home Based Business Connection event Monday at the Comfort Suites in Leesburg.

Topics included Step Away From The Wall by Deb Wilks of Wilks & Associates; Never Leave Home Without It by Kathy Renton of Lighthouse Concepts, LLC; and Show Up, Shut Up, Follow Up by Jared Melvin of New York Life Insurance Company.

Goose Creek Financial of Leesburg, Heartland Payment Systems of Waterford, Constellation Business Development of Ashburn, Cardinal Bank of Purcellville, BB&T and the Small Business Development Center, were among the many businesses from around the county in attendance.

Wilks offered some tips on how to improve an entrance into a networking event, including:

Look and then approach people sitting by themselves

Act like a host instead of guest

Focus on the person you speak with, not yourself

The magical three: a statement, question and self revelation, which initiate conversation, will help instigate conversation. An example of this includes, "Wow, it's packed. Is it normally like this?"

Networking helps visibility, then credibility and finally the company's profitability, Wilks said. "It can enhance your career opportunity," she said.

Melvin said networking helps build trust with future contacts. "Listen with your eyes and ears. If you don't give someone your attention, they won't want to give you theirs."

Renton focused more on some practical tips, which have helped her network and build business. Pockets for business cards, a camera, a memorized 45-second speech about you and your business, were among some tips Renton offered. Renton also sends creative thank you cards with photos of herself and the client, leadership cards or positive quotes.

The mission of the HBBC is to exchange ideas, troubleshoot problems and share success stories. Any home-based business that is a member of the Loudoun Chamber is welcome to attend. Other goals include providing a resource for home-based business owners for support, feedback and networking. It also encourages members to share their business expertise through educational panels about legal, tax, technology, marketing and other issues that may reduce risk and liability and increase revenue-producing opportunities. Ultimately the group seeks out and creates alliance opportunities with other members of HBBC.