Did you know Erie, Colorado, was #1 in the search term 'networking' in the past 90 days on Google Trends? To put it into perspective, Denver was #11, which makes it apparent that many people in Erie are searching for more ways to create local networking opportunities.
Networking is the art of building and maintaining relationships with people who can help you achieve your goals. While it's easy to hop on social media and network globally or join an online mastermind, local networking has many benefits that you won't get online. The EEDC is a great place to find a community of like-minded people who work together for the greater good of businesses in Erie.
Create Personal and Professional Connections
Building relationships within your community will allow you to create personal and professional connections. The EEDC's vision is to create a sustainable and balanced community by attracting primary employers and supporting the Town of Erie businesses with information, resources, and professional networks. We do this through member and community mixer events where we can get to know the people behind the businesses and developments.
When you attend events through the EEDC, you get the chance to meet people face to face, which can help you create a stronger bond than you would through online interactions. In addition, by attending our events regularly, you can become a familiar face in the community, leading to more opportunities and personal referrals.
Creates Opportunities for Business Growth
Local networking can also be an excellent opportunity for business growth. When you attend local events, you get the chance to meet potential customers, partners, and collaborators. Additionally, by building relationships with other local businesses and business owners, you can create a network of people who are invested in your success and the Town of Erie as a whole—leading to referrals, new partnerships, and increased exposure for your business.
Personal and Professional Development Opportunities
Networking isn't just about career and business growth. It can also be an opportunity for personal development. The EEDC often hosts Coffee & Connection and Lunch & Learn events, where we bring in professionals to speak on various topics. Some of these topics may be specific to Erie, such as local development opportunities, funding, grants, or legislation affecting local businesses. While in other cases, some topics focus on entrepreneurship, finance, business organization, or marketing. Want another great way to get involved with the EEDC? Please contact us to find out more about speaking at one of our learning series events!
Increases Marketing Opportunities
Local networking goes a long way with organic marketing. Why? People love to refer other local businesses... especially in Erie, CO. The people in our town LOVE a good personal recommendation. Also, you'll increase the visibility of your business when you join the EEDC. Of course, your options will vary depending on the membership you choose, but regardless, it's another great way to gain credibility with customers and get more visibility on your business, as we post about our members on our social media, website, and some even in the footer of our emails and website. Learn more about membership levels here.
Local networking is a valuable tool for both personal and professional growth. By building relationships in your community, you can expand your social circle, gain new insights and skills, and grow your business. With the right strategy and mindset, local networking can be a fun and rewarding experience. Want to see what the EEDC has to offer? Join today, or keep an eye on our events page for our next community event so you can do some networking and get a glimpse of what it's like to be an EEDC member.
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