As a business owner or entrepreneur in the close-knit community of Summit County, Colorado, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day operations of running your company. However, making time to attend local events, from Chamber of Commerce mixers to nonprofit fundraisers, can provide some excellent benefits for you and your business.
And we get it – it may feel overwhelming to try and make time for these events in your already busy schedule. But trust us, the benefits far outweigh any time constraints. Here are our top 10 reasons why you should add local events to your calendar – and some tips on how to find the best ones for you!
1. Expand Your Network
Networking is the backbone of business growth and success, especially in a community-oriented place like Summit County. By attending local events, you have the golden opportunity to meet other business owners, potential clients, and even mentors who can offer invaluable advice and support.Â
These connections can lead to partnerships, client referrals, or a strong support system of fellow entrepreneurs who understand the business’s challenges. To find networking-focused events, check out the Summit Chamber of Commerce calendar or join local business groups where event information is frequently shared on social media platforms.
2. Boost Your Brand Visibility
In a tight-knit community like Summit County, face-to-face interactions can be far more powerful than any digital marketing campaign. Attending local events allows you to put a friendly face to your brand and introduce yourself and your business to potential customers or clients.
Make sure to wear branded clothing or bring business cards to hand out. If there are opportunities to sponsor events, consider doing so to gain even more exposure. Nonprofit fundraisers can be especially beneficial, as they often draw a large crowd and allow you to showcase your community involvement.
3. Stay Informed on Local Issues and Trends
Local events are often centered around the most pressing topics affecting Summit County businesses, from economic development to new regulations. Attending these events can help you stay informed on the issues that could impact your business and gain valuable insights from expert speakers and panelists.
Look for events hosted by the Summit Chamber of Commerce, Summit County government, or local business associations. These organizations often bring in knowledgeable speakers to discuss our community’s latest trends and challenges.
4. Discover New Ideas and Inspiration
It’s easy to fall into a routine with your business, but attending local events can expose you to fresh perspectives and ideas. Whether it’s a workshop on a new marketing tactic or a panel discussion on industry trends, you never know what lightbulb moment you might have.
Plus, stepping outside your normal circle and interacting with other business owners can spark creative collaborations or partnerships you may have never considered before. Check out the workshops and seminars offered by the Summit Chamber of Commerce or local co-working spaces for inspirational events.
5. Support Your Community
As a business owner in Summit County, you’re an integral part of this vibrant community. Attending local events shows that you’re invested not just in your own success but the community’s success as a whole.
Nonprofit fundraisers are a great way to give back while networking and gaining exposure for your business. Look for opportunities to sponsor or attend events benefiting local charities, schools, or community organizations. Not only will you be making a positive impact, but you’ll also be building goodwill and a positive reputation for your business.
6. Learn New Skills
Many local events, especially those hosted by the Summit Chamber of Commerce or Small Business Development Center, offer educational workshops and seminars to help business owners hone their skills. From social media marketing to financial planning, these events provide valuable learning opportunities that can help you run your business more effectively.
Plus, many of these workshops are low-cost or even free to attend. Take advantage of these resources to continually grow and improve as an entrepreneur.
7. Find Potential Hires
If you’re looking to expand your team, local events can be a great place to meet potential hires. Many job seekers attend networking events specifically to connect with business owners and learn about open positions.
Keep an eye out for job fairs or career-focused events hosted by local colleges, the Summit Chamber of Commerce, or workforce development organizations. These events attract a diverse pool of talented professionals who may be the perfect fit for your growing business.
8. Explore Partnership and Collaboration Opportunities
Some of the most successful businesses are those that strategically partner and collaborate with others. Local events provide the perfect opportunity to explore potential partnerships with other business owners or organizations.
Look for events that bring together different industries or sectors, such as a networking mixer hosted by the Summit Chamber of Commerce. Strike up conversations with business owners outside your direct field – you never know what innovative collaboration ideas may arise!
9. Gain Insights into Your Target Market
Attending events your target customers attend can give you valuable insights into their needs, preferences, and pain points. For example, if you own an outdoor gear shop, attending a local ski swap or mountain biking festival can help you better understand the needs and interests of your core customers.
Use these events as informal focus groups. Ask attendees about their experiences with products or services in your industry, and really listen to their feedback. These insights can help you refine your offerings and better serve your target market.
10. Have Fun and Build Relationships!
Don’t underestimate the power of simply having fun and building genuine relationships with other local business owners and community members.Â
Running a business can be stressful and all-consuming at times. Local events provide a chance to step away from the day-to-day grind, relax, and enjoy the company of others who understand entrepreneurship’s unique joys and challenges.
Some of the most valuable business relationships (and friendships!) often start with a shared laugh or casual conversation at a community event. So go ahead and attend that charity gala or Chamber mixer – you never know who you’ll meet or what opportunities may arise.
Tips for Finding the Best Local Events for You
Now that you’re convinced of the many benefits of attending local events, you may be wondering how to find the best ones for you and your business. Here are a few tips:
- Check the event calendars of local business organizations like the Summit Chamber of Commerce. We often host a variety of networking, educational, and community events.
- Follow local nonprofit organizations on social media or subscribe to their newsletters to stay informed about upcoming fundraisers and charity events.
- Read the events section of the Summit Daily and other local publications to learn about festivals, workshops, and other community happenings that may be relevant to your business.
- Join local business-related groups online, where members often share event information and invitations.
- Don’t be afraid to ask other business owners you admire which events they find most valuable. They may let you in on some lesser-known but highly beneficial events.
As a business owner in Summit County, you have access to a thriving community full of events to help you grow, learn, and connect. Take advantage of these opportunities – your business (and your social life) will thank you! At the Summit Chamber of Commerce, we’re proud to host a variety of events to support and bring together our incredible business community. Check out our event calendar and subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on all the exciting things happening in Summit County.
