How to Build Business Connections (Even If You Hate Networking)

Even though being part of the Chamber is one of the easiest ways to increase your network, we understand that some business pros can’t make it to networking events like our Business After Hours Mixers. But networking is incredibly important because people want to do business with those they know, like, and trust. If you don’t have the time to attend networking events, there are other ways to network.

Here are 7 real-world ways to build relationships that help grow your business:

1. Turn Conversations Into Opportunities

You don’t need a pitch—just be curious. Chat with the person next to you at the coffee shop. Ask your dog groomer about their busiest seasons. Listen well, ask thoughtful questions, and you’ll be surprised how often the conversation turns back to your business and how you might help. If it doesn’t, you may be able to connect them with someone who can help and that goes a long way to building a relationship too.

2. Support Other Local Businesses (and Let Them Know It)

Buy your birthday gifts at the local boutique. Post a picture of your favorite sandwich shop and tag them on social media. Become someone they recognize online. It doesn’t take much to become a top fan or reviewer. Need ideas for new local businesses to check out? Visit our Membership Directory.

3. Volunteer Where Your Ideal Customers Hang Out

If your ideal clients are parents, volunteer at the school carnival. If they’re fitness buffs, sign up to help at a local 5K. We also have plenty of volunteer opportunities at the Chamber.

You’re not there to sell—just to show up and be helpful when it works for your schedule. You’ll naturally meet people, build trust, and become that friendly, local business owner everyone remembers.

4. Host Something Low-Key and Useful

If you have the time, host your own event but make it casual and valuable. Think:

• “Coffee & Questions” at your shop once a month
• A short Q&A on Instagram Live
• A small invite-only roundtable for local businesses in related (or complementary) industries
• Or consider hosting a Greater Eureka Chamber Business After Hours Mixer. If hosting seems like too much of a commitment, you can always donate a branded gift basket to one of our mixer raffles to get exposure!

No sales pitch. Just connection and value.

5. Be Generous With Referrals

If you meet someone great recommend them. Tag them. Share their info. When you refer people without expecting anything in return, they remember you as someone who adds value. And guess who they’ll think of when they need your services?

6. Use Your Content as a Conversation Starter

Posting regularly on LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, or even a local Facebook group gives people a way to get to know you and comment, share, or reach out. Content can spark conversations that turn into real-world relationships. Just keep it real: show your face, your story, and your expertise in bite-sized, helpful ways and do it consistently if you want people to recognize and remember you.

7. Ask for Introductions

Nobody likes a pushy salesperson. Don’t go into an interaction with the question, “I sell X. Want to buy some?” or “Do you know anyone who needs X?”

Instead, try: “Hey, I’m trying to meet more people who [insert industry or shared interest]. Do you know anyone who’d be open to a quick coffee or a 10-minute chat?”

It’s not pushy. It’s human. And when people know what kind of connection you’re looking for, they’re often happy to help.

Networking Is Just Relationship Building

You’re not trying to collect business cards. There’s no prize for that unless you’re trying to get into the record book and that’s not a record you want to go for. (The current record is over 52,000 and the most collected in 24 hours is 414.)

Instead, try building a reputation as someone people trust, like, and want to support. That happens through small, repeated actions, not by accruing piles of cards.

Start with one conversation a week. One kind comment. One helpful share. One coffee.

Before you know it, you’ll be networking without even realizing it.

Christina Metcalf is a writer and speaker who believes in the power of story. She works with small businesses, chambers of commerce, and business professionals and is the author of The Glinda Principle, rediscovering the magic within.

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