It is a fact of life for most entrepreneurs and small business owners – you need to get out and network for your business! One of the great things about Charlotte, NC is that there is plenty of opportunity to do just that. I have heard that you could dine out in NYC for 3 meals a day, everyday, and not go to the same restaurant twice for around 5 years! Here in Charlotte, it feels like the same  is true for networking events instead of restaurants.
Recently ranked as one of the fastest growing cities in the country and a top place to start a business, Charlotte has come a long way in the last decade or so and is poised to become a true 21st Century global city. As more people flock here for the quality of life and business opportunities more and more networking events pop up around Charlotte.
Here are 3 networking opportunities I have found to be fun and fruitful so I thought you might like them as well.
Charlotte Chamber Meet & Greets
The Charlotte Chamber of Commerce is extremely active and hosts events all over the city and in Mecklenburg County. From Happy Mixers in Uptown to Lunch and Learns in Ballantyne, The Chamber is consistently hosting events. One of the more enjoyable ones, I have found, are the breakfast meet and greets. These event are “power” or “speed” networking event for busy professionals in Charlotte.
The events are designed to promote one-on-one conversations so you can effectively market your business. There are door prizes and a continental breakfast is provided. Designed for busy professionals, you can make it to a breakfast and not have to interrupt your busy work schedule. I hope to see you at the next breakfast.
Toastmasters International
YourOffice-Ballantyne is located in the Ballantyne Corporate Park area of Charlotte. Within a 2 minute drive of our offices, there are 2 Toastmasters International Chapters. If you are unfamiliar with Toastmasters, it is a group dedicated to helping people become better public speakers.
Toastmasters isn’t a business networking event, it is a public speaking club. But you will find professionals and business owners in the clubs, usually to enhance their presentation skills. The benefits to Toastmasters are 3 fold. First, you will meet other entrepreneurs and professionals. Secondly, you will get a chance to work on your presentation and pitching skills which will certainly benefit your business. And lastly, Toastmasters is a ton of fun.
The groups are always supportive and you public speaking skills will improve considerably if you take advantage of the opportunities to speak. Go ahead…your business needs you!
Charlotte Area Business Owners Meet Ups
There are 34 Meet Up Groups matching the term “entrepreneur” in or around Charlotte, NC. That is a lot of networking opportunity! From the Business Owners & Entrepreneurs Network that meets uptown in the Charlotte City Club to Freelancers CLT, a community of freelance professionals spanning all types of fields – there is a meet up for everyone!
One of the biggest benefits to browsing meet ups is that you find one specifically tailored to benefit your business. If you need to speak with B2B companies you can find a meet up. If you are looking to meet with Start Up Founders, you can find a meet up. There truly is something for everyone and the events are always a good time when you arrive with an open mind.
Charlotte is great place to be in business
So there you have 3 easy and fun ways to promote your Charlotte NC business. If you are just beginning to explore Charlotte as a location for your business, you couldn’t choose a better city. It truly is a great place to be in business!
