Networking Tips for Small Business Owners

When small business owners need to wear a lot of different hats, networking might seem like one hat that isn’t necessary. Networking can be advantageous to the business, but it can also be enjoyable connecting with other professionals in your field and potential clients.

Here are a few networking tips for small business owners:

Set Networking Objectives

To maximize your efforts, sit down and think about why you want to expand your network. Do you want to recruit new talent to join your team? Do you want leadership skills development advice? Maybe it would be nice to talk through how to solve common issues with another small business owner in your field. No matter what you want to achieve, it is important to target your objectives.

Perfect Your Elevator Pitch

When you’re speaking with people about your business, it’s helpful to have a concise and catchy blurb. Whether you are talking to community leaders or potential clients, it’s essential to represent your business well. In your elevator pitch, make sure you include who you are, what you do, and what makes your business different. Most importantly, make sure you represent your business passionately; passion is infectious.

Find more tips to craft your elevator pitch here.

Establish an Online Presence

Like it or not, social media is here to stay. An exorbitant amount of people’s time is spent on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, to name a few. There is ample opportunity to network, and maintain connections, with peers and colleagues online. By posting about your business and new opportunity, you dispense information about your company and push your brand a little further. It also helps to get creative.

Talk, But Also Listen

While networking, it’s easy to get carried away about your objectives and mission—and that’s important. It’s also important to lend an ear to your peers. Not only is it polite, but other small business owners are a wealth of information. Networking is as much about learning and expanding your knowledge base as it is about furthering your business.

Follow Up

If you have a meaningful conversation with somebody, it’s acceptable to follow up the next day with a polite email. If you both connected and had a productive conversation, they will want to hear from you. Reaching out – while it might seem uncomfortable – is flattering, not pushy. The other person will appreciate the thought and follow through. Following up is a good way to start maintaining the relationships you are forming. Follow-ups can turn a networking event into an established professional relationship.

Join the Sartell Chamber

It’s easy to get involved and join the Sartell Chamber. We pride ourselves in providing quality networking opportunities – where we would love for you to put these tips to work. Get involved by joining an event committee. We have five with spots open in each. You can also become an event sponsor, volunteer at an event, or simply attend one of our events. By sponsoring a monthly meeting and buying lunch for our members, you receive 20 minutes of presentation time.


There are so many ways to get involved and to start networking now. A year from now, you will wish you would have started today!

2018 Summer Fun in Sartell

This year, Sartell Chamber will be involved in a couple of our community’s largest summer events. These annual festivities bring fun and fellowship with our neighbors and strengthen our city’s identity. Read on to find out detailed information about each of these events!

BankVista Rock N Block

Join in the fun August 4th starting at 6:00 pm for a concert event benefiting the Sartell Fire Department. There will be a pedal pub and music from the Fabulous Armadillos and Boogie Wonderland. This event is hosted outdoors at Bernicks arena with nearly 1800 attendees. Chamber members can sign up to be a vendor, help on the event committee, volunteer the day of, or sponsor the event! Last year’s Rock N Block Party was a big success!

Sartell Summerfest

This year Sartell Summerfest will be on June 9th starting with the Liberty Bank Parade at 10 am. In the afternoon you can visit Libertyville, a free family friendly event that features food, games, inflatables, crazy hair, airbrush tattoos, music, and more! There’s also a bike safety rodeo near the Sartell Community Center where you can bring your bike and get a free tune-up.

If you are interested in history, the Sartell Senior Connection is hosting guided bus tours of the city for free. Reserve your spot here. In the evening starting at 5:30 pm, the bands Radio Nation and DiamondBack will play for a street dance. Just south of the street dance at Blue Line Sport Bar and Grill, fireworks will be on display at 10 pm. This event is sponsored by Sartell Chamber as well as many Sartell businesses.


Between BankVista Rock N Block and Sartell Summerfest, there are some big events to look forward to in the summer of 2018! Get involved and help Sartell Chamber make these community festivities a huge success!

Five Fun Winter Activities in Sartell

It may be cold every winter, but there are still plenty of things to do, especially in Sartell. Grab a neighbor, family member, or friend and get out of the house!

If you’re looking for fun events to do this winter, check out this list:

Plan a Trip to Bernick’s Pepsi Arena

Not only can you go to Bernick’s Pepsi Arena to watch hockey, but you can also participate in other ice activities there. They offer power skating, open hockey, and open skate. Whether you’re looking to catch a hockey game or do some skating, you and a loved one will have a fun time at the arena.

Visit a New Restaurants

There are several restaurants to check out in Sartell. Check out this list and pick a tried-and-true favorite or something new. If you’re looking for pizza, check out Marnatelli's Pizza. If you’d prefer to bake and eat your pizza at home, go to Mastoni's Take n' Bake Pizza.

If you’d rather have a nice, sit-down dinner, check out Drakes Fine Food & Spirits. One of Sartell’s newest restaurants, they offer signature entree specials and cocktails.

Attend a Musical by SHS

Support the Sartell-St. Stephen Schools by attending the latest musical put on by the high school students. This winter, the SHS theatre students are performing “The Lion King.” Find more information on dates and showtimes on the Sartell Theatre Facebook page.

Go Sledding at Northside Park

Grab a sled and some friends for a fun time at Northside Park. There’s a good mix of hills to test out. You can find some smaller hills for beginners, but there are also some larger hills for thrill-seeking sledders.

Enjoy Valentine’s Dinner for two at Blackberry Ridge

On February 14th, Blackberry Ridge is offering a great dinner for 2 deal. It includes a 4-course meal, champagne, and live music by Mo & Tom’s Jazz Ensemble. Treat your honey to this amazing deal!



There are many things to keep you busy this winter in Sartell! Did we mention your favorite? Let us know in the comments!


Visit our website for more information on Sartell and other area events.

Discover Everything Sartell on our New Website!

Have you ever asked yourself, “What is there to do in Sartell?” Maybe you’ve been looking for something specific - like a place to reserve a shelter in a park or a fun boutique shop; the new Everyting Sartell website can help you out. Find info  about hospitality & venues, food, retail and fun, parks and recreation, medical, and education in the Sartell area.

Hospitality & Venues

If you’re only temporarily staying in Sartell, check out the newly-renovated AmericInn. Enjoy a 24-hour coffee bar, hot breakfast, free WiFi, and a relaxing spa and pool. You’ll also find award-winning wedding and event venues, a variety of restaurants, and spiritual centers for rent to accommodate special events.

Food

Foodies rejoice! Sartell has plenty of delicious eateries to try. From gourmet sandwiches and pizza to specialty spots for Mexican, Italian, Japanese, and All-American, You’ll find plenty of options to satisfy any taste.

Retail and Fun

Treat yourself to a fun shopping spree! Boutique shops and practical retailers are peppered throughout Sartell. Besides shopping, there are also multiple options for healthcare, veterinary clinics, banking, groceries and more.

Parks and Recreation

The beautiful thing about Sartell is… it’s beautiful! Over 40 stunning parks provide a natural escape within the city limits. Find luscious golf greens, skating rinks, baseball fields, and more. Find information about shelter rentals here.

Medical

Convenient and diverse, you’ll be relieved to see the medical options in Sartell. Chiropractors, dentists, general practitioners, and veterinarians can be found around the city. No matter your ailment, you’ll be back on your feet in no time!

Education

Sartell-St. Stephen School District #748 is open to over 17,000  area residents and includes over 4,000 students. We are looking forward to the addition of a new Sartell High School set to open in fall of 2019. From preschool to high school and beyond, Sartell is a great place to learn something new!

For more information on Sartell, get in touch with the Sartell Chamber of Commerce or visit the City of Sartell Website.

What is a Chamber of Commerce?

A community’s chamber of commerce is so important, yet many don’t understand exactly what they do; in fact, the term “chamber of commerce” is one of the oldest and most well-recognized brands in the world, but there is significant misunderstanding of its meaning, so we are going to answer it for you.

A chamber of commerce is a local association to promote and protect the interests of the business community in a particular place, which, in our case, is the community of Sartell, Minnesota. A chamber of commerce is made up of businesses seeking to further their collective interests, while advancing their community. In addition to promoting local businesses, a chamber of commerce also sponsors local business and networking events.

There are many different reasons why people decide to join their community’s chamber of commerce, including the following:

• Wanting to support their community
• Wanting to influence issues important to them and their business
• Wanting to take advantage of Chamber resources, including discounts
• It would benefit their business and act as a publicity boost
• It’s a great networking opportunity
• And so much more!

The Sartell Area Chamber of Commerce was formed in 1994 and began with a membership of 30. Throughout the years of volunteers promoting Sartell and its area businesses, and strong leadership, the Sartell Chamber has grown to a membership of over 170. 

Our members say that their membership with our chamber has proven to be invaluable for their businesses. By joining the Sartell Chamber of Commerce, you and your business will be able to take advantage of the following membership benefits:

• Link and listing on the Sartell Chamber website
• Networking at monthly meetings and social events
• Promotional community events
• Annual Chamber Gold Outing 
• Free lunch at monthly Membership Meeting
• New Release and Hot Deals Advertising
• Free radio advertising package equates to 20 30-second commercials
• Membership window decal to display your support
• Membership dues are tax deductible

Well, did we answer your questions? We hope so. What are you waiting for? Join your local chamber today!

For more details, visit our website at www.sartellchamber.com.

The Importance of Giving Back

Whether you’re a small business, or a large corporation, giving back is one of the best things you can do to distinguish yourselves from competitors, and gain loyal customers and happier employees.

According to a study by Cone Communications and Echo Research, 82 percent of U.S. consumers consider corporate social responsibility when deciding which products or services to buy and where to shop.

Another study by Ernst & Young and the Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund found that 62% of small business owners say that giving back to their community has made their company more successful in the long run.

So, how can you give back? Simple.

Volunteer.

Don’t think of it as working for free, think of it as gaining experience, meeting new people, and giving back to your community.

Donate to charity.

Whether you have more than you need financially with plenty to go around, or nothing, just give what you can. Some may give 10 percent of every paycheck, but others can donate clothing, books, supplies, toys, and more.

Host a fundraiser.

Spaghetti dinners, golf tournaments, car washes, silent auctions, live auctions, and many others are all great ways to give to a cause in a fun and exciting way that everyone can enjoy.

There are so many other ways your business can give back to the community. Bottom line is if you want to grow your business, build relationships, and have a prosperous future, then philanthropy will be your best friend.