In today’s fast paced information age people are constantly bombarded with messages and requests. However the bottom line still remains that people like to do business with those that they know. The trick is to be known by a lot of people. Networking is using your contacts to get what you want. Successful networking requires you to keep yourself in regular contact with your customers and potential customers so they remember you at the right time, when they are ready to buy.

Following are 10 working tips;

1    Collect business card of others and distribute yours. Distribute your cards freely, even to friend and business associates. Write notes on the backs of cards you collect.
2    Keep your telephone and mailing lists up to date. Update lists weekly 3    Use your list to make calls and send post cards. Make personal calls or comments as often as possible.
4    Talk to everyone. Regularly introduce yourself both in personal and professional settings. Mingle at all events.
5    Get others to talk. Ask questions and try to get to know the person you’re speaking with. Find common areas of interest and definitely obtain a clear idea of his/her line of work.
6    Be helpful and offer advice. Be a mentor and confidant. Be willing to offer help even to a competitor. Your good turns will be returned.
7    Visit new organizations regularly. Become actively involved in at least one civic or professional organization.
8    Stay informed of local happenings in your industry.
9    Be memorable and concise. Say something funny, clever or different that helps people remember you but keep it short.
10    Make networking a priority. It requires you to leave your office or store. Set aside time to build your network.

The Chamber of Commerce offers many opportunities to network, Rise n Shine Redlands, Business to Business, Business After Hours, participate on a committee, volunteer for an event, use the membership to your advantage, the opportunities are endless.

Paul Barich
Barich & Associates
408 East State Street Redlands, CA 92373
909-793-0385

Gregory Brittain
Gregory Brittain, Attorney at Law
707 Brookside Avenue Redlands, CA 92373
909-335-7335

Jeff Thalmayer
Arrow Staffing
499 W. State Street Redlands, CA 92373
909-792-1252

Alan Ricard
Alta Vista Credit Union
1425 W. Lugonia Avenue Redlands, CA 92374
909-809-3643

Dan Scherneck
Safeway Electric Company
1474 No. Miller Drive Colton, CA 92324
909-824-6075

David Thayer
Eadie & Payne LLP
300 E. State Street Suite
350 Redlands, CA 92373
909-793-2406

What three independently owned businesses would you miss if they disappeared? That is the first question that will be asked by 3/50 Project founder Cinda Baxter when she comes to speak at Redlands March 2, bringing with her answers to saving locally owned business through her grassroots effort of 3/50.

What is 3/50? It is a simple concept. Pick those three businesses you would miss if they disappeared. Spend $50 in each of them each month; knowing that it is customer dollars like yours keeping that business alive. And not only did you support that specific business with your dollars, but you supported the local businesses in your community. $68 out of every $100 spent at locally owned businesses goes back into the community. Win- win.

Wondering how the 3/50 Project can benefit you and your business? Wondering how working the 3/50 Project principles into your consumer habits will benefit the community and the economy? The answers to those questions and more will be offered by Baxter during her only Southern California speaking engagement.

Who is Cinda Baxter? She is a retail consultant and motivational speaker who took what started as a blog post and turned it into a nationwide movement to save small business. Baxter will share the history of the project, how it grew and what it could mean to the Redlands business community.

Sponsored by Redlands Community Hospital, Epic Management, Redlands Daily Facts, Citrograph Printing Co., Redlands Chamber of Commerce, this event is free but will fill up quickly. Reserve your seat by calling the chamber office at (909)793-2546.

Conveniently located between Los Angeles and Palm Springs, Dynasty Suites Redlands is a welcome oasis in the beautiful historic city of Redlands. Conveniently located off the I-10 and the newly completed 210 freeway, you’ll be minutes away from the University of Redlands, ESRI Corporate Headquarters, Loma Linda University Medical Center and the San Bernardino Convention Center.

The staff knows that even the best locations and offerings would be meaningless without outstanding guest service. Within a Dynasty Suites experience, every guest is offered a warm welcome and is made to feel special, valued and appreciated. Genuine hospitality is achieved when engaging service and attention to detail elevate each stay into cherished memory. The friendly staff assures you that you will find Dynasty Suites Redlands Hotel your „home away from home….!

Located at 1235 West Colton Ave. Dynasty Suites offers Tempur-Pedic beds in every room; a fireplace and flat screen TV in every room, deluxe continental breakfast, shuttle service to Ontario Airport with a minimum of four nights stay and much, much more.

For more information about the Dynasty Suites call 793-6648.