It’s time to put aside any feelings of being shy or reserved and put yourself out there with likeminded business people at the Outdoor Business Expo on May 24^th at Claytor lake State Park. It’s all about making the right connections and building your own business network so you can solve anything from knowing who to call for plumbing issues to legal issues. A business expo brings it all together and gives you the opportunity to make connections that you might not otherwise have had the opportunity to do. 
 
What do you need to do to take advantage of this opportunity? First off, start with a can do attitude. Yes, attitude is everything and no one wants to talk to someone that is a negative Nelly so put it in a positive gear and let your inner passion come out. The second thing you want to do is put together a display that showcases; who, what, when, and where your business is located. Pull out all the stops to make a great first impression. Make it something memorable. Next invite your special customers or clients that you would like to bring into this network. Send out an e-mail and invite them to come out and see you. Run a raffle or offer something special that puts your name in their hands. Make them feel welcome and show them “a just your business” experience like no one else can just from visiting your set-up. 
 
Remember the quote from Maya Angelou,“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Next be in the moment with social media. Post on Facebook, twitter, Instagram. Use your social media to put your business in the now with your customers. Most importantly visit the other vendor and get to know them. Get their contact info because at one time or another we all need each and every business that is at the Expo. As the saying goes, “people do business with people they know”. 
 
Work hard, be productive and above all else stay positive.
 
Peggy White
Executive Director
Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce
peggywhite@pulaskichamber.info