By Betsy Natter

It is said that it is not simply what you know, but who you know that counts and that certainly can be true in the business world when it comes to making connections and growing your business. Networking events and card exchanges are key opportunities to get your company’s name and offerings in front of others and potentially gain new clients. But they also provide opportunities to acquire management strategies, boost your customer service and people skills or find the perfect person to join in a new venture.

The business organizations listed below provide monthly events as well as other programs throughout the year to assist business owners in starting and growing their companies. While you may already be associated with a business network serving your local town, these organizations provide a broader reach and additional opportunities.

The Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce

The Upper Bucks Chamber is hosting three card exchanges for the remainder of 2017. All events are held from 5 -7 pm and are free for members. Others are welcome to attend for $15 fee. Each event is hosted by a business member of the chamber. Registrations can be online. The dates are as follows:

10/17/17 – Business Card Exchange
11/2/17 – Joint card exchange with the Upper Perk Chamber of Commerce
12/5/17 – Holiday Card Exchange

Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce

The Central Bucks Chamber hosts a several networking events during the fall in the form of lunches ($25), business card exchanges (free) and gatherings specifically for young professionals ($10). Costs listed are for chamber members. Reservations for events can be made online at the chamber’s website. The fall lineup follows:

9/28/17 – Young Professional After Hours, 5 to 7 pm
10/10/17 – Link at Lunch – TJ Smith's Restaurant – Noon to 1:30 pm
10/18/17 – Business Card Exchange – Life Aligned Upper Cervical Treatment Center, 5 to 7 pm
11/14/17 – Link at Lunch – TJ Smith's Restaurant – Noon to 1:30 pm
11/14/17 – Business Card Exchange – Bucks County Intermediate Unit, 5 to 7 pm
11/16/17 – Young Professional After Hours
12/12/17 – Link at Lunch – TJ Smith's Restaurant – Noon to 1:30 pm

Lower Bucks Chamber of Commerce

The Lower Bucks Chamber holds business card exchanges almost monthly in addition to Bucks Business Connect, an educational event with networking time prior to the speaker. The group also holds frequent morning roundtable events for small business owners and women where attendees have the opportunity to discuss challenges and successes within their business scope. Check the chamber website for these meeting dates and times. Card exchange and networking events for the fall are listed here:

9/20/17 – Business Card Exchange – Sam’s Club, Langhorne, 4:30 – 6:30 pm
10/12/17 – Business Card Exchange – Lower Bucks Hospital, 4:30 – 6:30 pm
12/13/17 – Speed Networking Event – Lower Bucks Chamber Office, 8:30 – 10:30 am; present your company for 2 minutes, hear about another company, rotate and do it again! Cost is $30 for members, $45 for non-members.

Bucks County Business Association

The BCBA offers a wide variety of services and events to businesses throughout the county. Educational classes in Excel, MS Office, Quickbooks, Grant Writing, Graphic Design and Social Media are some of the opportunities offered. Speed networking events and lunches as well as women’s and B2B roundtables are also in the lineup for fall. Check the website for a complete listing of events. Networking events are listed below:

Every Thursday – Networking lunch – Giuseppe's Restaurant, Warminster, 12 – 1 pm

9/27/17 – Speed Networking Event – The Manor at York (Jamison), 3:00 – 4:30 pm
10/2/17 – Young Professionals Networking Roundtable – Newtown, 3:00 – 4:30 pm

Professional Business Network of Bucks County

This group meets every Friday for networking and input from scheduled speakers at Michael’s Diner in Bensalem. Their goal is to promote and nourish each other’s businesses, provide business leads, support the local community and provide social interaction. Membership is limited to one member per business category to avoid competition within the group. Visit the website and contact one of the officers for information on how to join.

Greater BucksMont Chamber of Commerce

If you are looking to expand your business beyond Bucks’ borders you may want to consider networking with this group. Serving businesses with both Bucks and Montgomery Counties, this organization holds regular networking, educational and fundraising events throughout the year. This fall –

10/4/17 – Meet and Greet, AAA Warminster Car Care Insurance Travel Ctr., 5:30 – 7:30 pm

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