by Jayla Martin-Beasley

Key Takeaways

• Every interview, whether or not it leads to an offer, builds valuable communication and professional skills that carry over into future opportunities.
• Exploring different organizational structures—nonprofits, startups, and corporations—during an internship helps interns identify the work environments that best fit their career goals.
• Programs like Campus Greensboro extend networking beyond the internship itself, offering workshops, seminars, and leadership training that build long-term professional connections.
• Keeping a portfolio of projects, accomplishments, and supervisor feedback during an internship creates a valuable resource for future job searches.
• Staying in touch with internship contacts after the program ends helps interns nurture relationships that can support their career for years to come.

Interns are often told by supervisors and mentors that “Networking is key!” and that “Networking will set you up for a good career!” But what does that really mean?

Networking has always been important. Learning how to connect and build a network is essential at every point in a career, from business owners and entrepreneurs to CEOs and other executives. People build connections to find out about opportunities and form mutually beneficial relationships.

So how should you go about networking as an intern? Here are six key principles to keep in mind:

1. Be in the Room Where it Happens

To meet people, you’ve got to be where the people are. Asking to sit in on meetings and attend events with your supervisors lets you be introduced to their associates and connections. You can also look up social and networking events in your area and attend those.

Just putting yourself out there is a great start. The more people see you, the more likely they are to remember you later on, even if it’s just a “Hey your face seems familiar!”

And remember: summer internships can pave the road for a lifetime of success, which is why it can be helpful to learn how to make the most out of your summer internship.

2. Start with Other Interns

If you’re nervous about meeting new people, especially higher-level executives, start your networking journey with other interns in your company or area. It can be much easier to relate and connect since you are in the same place career-wise, so don’t be shy about introducing yourself and asking them about their internship experience.

By showing solidarity and helping each other grow, you can make connections that will last throughout your growing careers.

3. Move Outside Your Circles

Networking within your industry is a no-brainer, but many roles and positions interact from job to job. You will work with and cross paths with people of all industries and roles, so don’t dismiss a networking opportunity just because it’s not in the industry you intend to work in.

Arming yourself with connections and knowledge from all kinds of people will make you a more well-rounded and knowledgeable person.

4. Keep a Portfolio of Your Success

Throughout your internship, keep a mental list of successes so you can work them into your portfolio. Part of an internship means taking on projects and assignments to build your skillset and develop yourself professionally and being able to share those accomplishments and demonstrate your abilities is a big part of marketing yourself.

It is incredibly rewarding to be able to point to specific projects and successes that you had a hand in, and it will help you to stand out.

5. Keep Track of Information

Even if you talk to a hundred people at an event, it doesn’t help you if you don’t have their names or contact information at the end of it. It can be hard to remember people’s names, faces, and roles, so it’s never a bad idea to keep a list of the people you meet. Always ask politely for a business card or email and offer your own in return.

Social media sites like LinkedIn make this part a lot easier! Most professionals these days exchange LinkedIn profiles like business cards, so it’ll be crucial to have one and keep it updated.

6. Circle Back, Circle Back, Circle Back!

Connections are like plants; Once you’ve got one, keep nurturing it. Coming back to the connections you’ve made thoughtfully and regularly ensures those relationships stay strong and help people remember you. Hit up that Linkedin connection you made a while back when you’re in town and see if they want to get lunch! Even if they aren’t available, it’s good form and shows that you remember them.

Another way to circle back is to put names forward when you can. If your organization has a vendor or other procurement need, reaching out to your connection and putting their name forward is a thoughtful way to stay well-connected.

 

There are many benefits of networking. Being well-connected can help interns stand out in a competitive job market. Maintaining connections with professionals in your industry can make you more memorable and increase your chances of being considered for employment. While you look for other networking events in Greensboro, focusing on these principles will help you connect, stand out, and reap the rewards.

Greensboro Chamber of Commerce: Helping Entrepreneurs of All Ages Succeed

Looking for more advice on networking and getting started in the world of business? Greensboro Chamber of Commerce is here to help, whether you’re starting your own business, looking to expand your referral network, or if you’re getting started in the business world.

Contact our team to learn how we can help you!

Key Takeaways

• A mastermind group brings together local entrepreneurs to discuss goals, brainstorm solutions, and hold each other accountable as their businesses grow.
• Beyond networking, mastermind groups help entrepreneurs identify blind spots, receive honest feedback, and improve business practices through peer collaboration.
• Regular participation in a mastermind group can boost confidence, spark new ideas, and provide real-time advice on challenges as they arise.
• Mastermind groups offer localized insight that generic online advice can’t match, since members can share strategies tailored to the Greensboro market.
• Launch Greensboro’s programming, including LaunchCamp, LaunchLab 101, and LaunchLab Growth, connects entrepreneurs to mastermind groups, mentoring, and access to capital.

Small business entrepreneurs understand just how important their community and fellow local entrepreneurs are when launching their businesses. Whether it’s taking part in local events to get their business’s name out or networking with other entrepreneurs to find new growth strategies, connecting with others is an essential step for small business entrepreneurs. While it can be difficult to know where to start, meeting other entrepreneurs and collaborating with them can be simple when you join a mastermind group for small business owners.

Learn more about small business mastermind groups and the many benefits they offer to entrepreneurs:

What Is a Mastermind Group for Small Businesses?

A mastermind group for small businesses refers to a group of local entrepreneurs who gather to discuss their business goals, brainstorm, collaborate, hold each other accountable, and help each other navigate challenges.

21 Benefits of a Mastermind Group for Small Business Entrepreneurs

When you join a small business group and play an active role in it, you can receive several benefits. From forming new business partnerships and identifying weaknesses to receiving advice from other entrepreneurs and finding new markets, small business mastermind groups offer several advantages. Learn more about the top 21 benefits of a mastermind group below:

1. Creating Meaningful Relationships

When you’re starting off as an entrepreneur, it can be hard to meet people, especially those who share your passion for creating a small business. At mastermind groups, you can meet likeminded entrepreneurs in your area who you can freely share your goals and challenges with.

2. Potential Business Partnerships

While mastermind groups aren’t all about networking, they can help you meet other business owners who have a product or service that could complement your business. By meeting with these business owners regularly, it’ll be easier to form partnerships that benefit both of your businesses.

3. A Way to Receive Advice

Every business owner likely brings some expertise to the table while also having some areas where they could improve. Whether you’re looking for tips on hiring practices, advertising, managerial strategies, or other elements of your business, going to a mastermind group can help you connect with experts in those areas and receive advice from them.

4. A Community to Hold You Accountable

Holding oneself accountable can be difficult, but having trusted peers and other business owners hold you accountable can give you the extra push you need to take your business to new heights. Since many mastermind groups have regular check-ins about how members are meeting goals and improving their business, you’ll have built-in accountability when you join one.

5. Identify Your Weaknesses and Blind Spots

Like holding yourself accountable, it can sometimes be hard to spot your weaknesses and take action to fix them. Fortunately, mastermind groups are designed for honest, constructive criticism from others who may have had to learn how to identify their blind spots. With feedback from your group about how you’re running your business, you can ensure you’re addressing your weaknesses to grow your company.

6. Learn How Others Solve Problems

Though you can find lots of information online, it’s always great to have real human beings with whom you can talk to about how to properly solve problems. At a mastermind group, there’s a high chance are you’ll find other entrepreneurs who have faced similar issues and can show you how to solve them.

7. Boost Confidence

A lack of confidence often comes from feeling overwhelmed or like you don’t know enough about your field. Mastermind groups help build confidence by exposing you to many perspectives, challenging you to learn more about entrepreneurship and connecting you with mentors who can help you replicate their success.

8. Brainstorm New Ideas

If you’re feeling like your business is stagnating, mastermind groups are a perfect place to go to brainstorm ideas. Your fellow business leaders can give you new ideas, discuss potential pitfalls to ideas you might have, and encourage you to implement new strategies.

9. Broaden Your Creativity

Some people are better with cold-hard facts and numbers, while others are more equipped to flex their creative wings. At a mastermind group, you can meet creatives who can open your mind up to fresh strategies and creative ways to market your business.

10. Discover Cross-Promotion Opportunities

Most entrepreneurs can benefit from promoting their business at other small businesses in their area. When you attend a mastermind group, you can find other businesses to partner with. For example, you might agree to promote your businesses at each other’s physical locations, social media pages, and on each other’s sites.

11. Increase Profits

While small business mastermind groups won’t directly increase your profits, collaborating with others can assist with finding new markets, products, and services that can lead to higher profits. Members of the group can also provide invaluable advice, connect you with local events, and inspire you to continue to grow your business, which can all lead to financial rewards.

12. Improve Your Motivation

Almost everyone goes through ruts where it becomes far more difficult to really push yourself to reach your full potential. When you’re feeling down, a mastermind group meeting can be a great place to get inspired by others and talk with local entrepreneurs about how they keep their motivation up.

13. Get a Leg Up on the Competition

By meeting with other business owners in your area, you can find out what they’re doing to stay ahead of the competition and what strategies haven’t worked for them in the past. Learning from their past mistakes and becoming more aware of who you’re up against in the area can all help you get a leg up on the competition.

14. Improve Satisfaction in Your Work

When you’re connecting with other business leaders and implementing their advice, you’ll likely be more satisfied with how you’re running your business. Plus, the camaraderie at these meetings can be another way for you to see the value in what you do and how it benefits your community.

15. Tap Into New Markets

Whether you sell a service or a product, finding new markets can do wonders for your company’s growth. Meeting other business owners and creating strong relationships with them will often translate to them sharing tips on how to identify and establish yourself in new markets.

16. Discover Local Causes to Support

Alongside aiming for profits, many businesses make community engagement and supporting local causes a core part of their business. At mastermind group meetings, you’ll likely hear about local causes other business owners are supporting and have the opportunity to join them. Supporting local causes can also be a great way to form relationships with your community and make your business a household name in your area.

17. Improve Your Current Business Practices

Bad or ineffective business practices can lead to disgruntled employees, dissatisfied staff, wasted money, and poor sales. Checking your current business practices against the practices of other successful business owners at meetings can help you spot any red flags in your approach and adjust your practices to better serve your customers and employees.

18. Learn How to Scale Your Small Business

Scaling your business is essential to your long-term growth and success. Seasoned business leaders at a mastermind group can assist with scaling your business, ensuring you’re not putting too many irons into the fire or taking a too-conservative approach to growth.

19. Cut Through the “Noise”

Since much advice found online doesn’t apply directly to you, your region, and your specific customers, a mastermind group is a great opportunity to cut through the noise. By receiving local entrepreneurs’ insights about your area at mastermind group meetings, you can receive actionable advice that actually applies to your business.

20. Real-Time Advice on Issues

Many mastermind groups don’t just collaborate at meetings. Instead,  participants often keep the conversation going outside of their sessions with calls, texts, or emails. If you have a question or need advice, this chance to reach out to others for real-time advice can be invaluable and help you fix issues far faster than if you tried to solve them on your own.

21. Improve Customer Experience

Having an outside eye evaluate your business’s customer experience can be a great way to identify blind spots. At your mastermind group, you can get ideas about how to improve your customer experience and learn about ways other successful businesses have made their customers feel valued.

Greensboro Chamber of Commerce: Helping Small Business Entrepreneurs Succeed

If you’re interested in joining a mastermind group in Greensboro, North Carolina, the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce can help. At the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, our team has many years of experience helping small business entrepreneurs succeed and connect with other business owners in the area.
Launch Greensboro accelerates growth for local entrepreneurs and small business owners through mastermind groups, mentoring, and even access to capital. Our three education experiences, LaunchCamp, LaunchLab 101, and LaunchLab Growth have served thousands of individuals and hundreds of companies.

Learn more about our Launch leadership programs and other events for small businesses in Greensboro, NC. If you’d like more information about our events or mastermind groups for entrepreneurs, please contact us today.

Key Takeaways

• Every interview, whether or not it leads to an offer, builds valuable communication and professional skills that carry over into future opportunities.
• Exploring different organizational structures—nonprofits, startups, and corporations—during an internship helps interns identify the work environments that best fit their career goals.
• Programs like Campus Greensboro extend networking beyond the internship itself, offering workshops, seminars, and leadership training that build long-term professional connections.
• Keeping a portfolio of projects, accomplishments, and supervisor feedback during an internship creates a valuable resource for future job searches.
• Staying in touch with internship contacts after the program ends helps interns nurture relationships that can support their career for years to come.

Summer internships are more than just a bullet point on your resume; they’re invaluable opportunities to gain hands-on experience, make industry connections, and refine your professional skills. Whether you’re interning at a prestigious corporation or a local nonprofit, maximizing your internship experience can significantly impact your career trajectory. Here are 6 tips for maximizing your summer internship.

6 Summer Internship Tips to Set You Up for Long-Term Success

1. Embrace the Power of Interviews:

Even if you don’t secure the internship position after an interview, view it as a valuable learning experience. Use interviews as opportunities to hone your communication skills, practice articulating your strengths, and showcase your professionalism. Every interaction is a chance to make a positive impression, regardless of the outcome. Remember, networking begins the moment you walk through the door.

2. Explore Diverse Organizational Structures:

Your internship isn’t just about the company you’re interning with; it’s also a window into the broader professional landscape. Take the initiative to learn about different organizations within your community, including nonprofits, startups, and established corporations. Understanding various organizational structures and cultures will broaden your perspective and help you identify the type of work environment that aligns with your career goals.

3. Network Strategically:

Networking extends far beyond merely accumulating business cards or LinkedIn connections. It’s about fostering authentic relationships that can propel your professional journey forward.

Leverage networking opportunities not only within your internship organization but also through programs like Campus Greensboro and other internship initiatives. These platforms frequently host events, professional development workshops, informational seminars, and leadership training sessions.

Seize these opportunities to expand your skill set and broaden your industry knowledge. By actively participating in such programs, you not only enhance your summer internship experience but also gain valuable insights and connections that extend far beyond the duration of your internship. Remember, investing in your professional development now can yield long-term benefits for your career trajectory.

4. Document Your Achievements:

Throughout your internship, keep a detailed portfolio of your accomplishments, projects, and accolades.

Document successful initiatives, positive feedback from supervisors, and significant contributions to the organization.

Your portfolio can include project reports, performance evaluations, and samples of your work. Not only will this portfolio serve as a valuable reference during future job searches, but it will also boost your confidence and sense of achievement.

5. Nurture Meaningful Relationships:

Building lasting connections is not just a short-term endeavor; it’s an ongoing investment in your professional future.

After your internship concludes, stay in touch with key individuals you’ve met during your internship, whether it’s through email, text, or face-to-face meetings over coffee or lunch. Cultivating these relationships is particularly crucial if you aspire to work for the same organization or within the same community after graduation.

Keep the lines of communication open, express gratitude for their guidance and support, and continue to seek opportunities to collaborate and learn from one another.

6. Treat Your Internship Like an Investment

A summer internship is more than just a temporary job; it’s an investment in your future career. By approaching your internship with intentionality and enthusiasm, you can transform it into a transformative learning experience.

Embrace every opportunity to grow, connect with industry professionals, and showcase your skills. Remember, the skills and connections you cultivate during your internship can pave the way for future success. So, seize the moment and make the most out of your summer internship journey.

For more business advice, check out our resources on the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce blog. We’re here to support entrepenuers of all kinds, whether you’re just starting off, opening a small business, looking to discover your local business community, or more.

Key Takeaways

• Small business growth requires balancing short-term daily actions with long-term strategic planning, rather than focusing on just one time horizon.
• Retaining and deepening relationships with existing clients—through outreach, testimonials, and word of mouth—can be just as valuable for growth as acquiring new customers.
• Joining business leads groups and networking organizations helps small businesses build partnerships, find leads, and form connections that support long-term growth.
• Effective social media growth relies on authentic user-generated content and data-driven decisions about which formats (video, photos, stories) resonate most with an audience.
• Seeking mentorship and attending small business training seminars, whether through local Chamber events or organizations like SCORE, can provide guidance for navigating major business decisions.

Building a successful small business is a massive undertaking that comes with its fair share of challenges. From scaling operations to securing financing and implementing effective marketing strategies, the journey can be overwhelming. However, with the right tips and strategies, the path to success becomes clearer. Check out these key business growth tips that encompass scaling, financing, and marketing, aiming to help local businesses thrive.

How to Make Your Small Business Grow: Short-Term & Long-Term Strategies:

Developing a thriving small business requires a delicate balance between short-term and long-term strategies. It’s essential to incorporate daily actions that contribute to immediate success, as well as those that set the stage for sustained growth. Consider creating a series of checklists that include tasks to benefit your business today, next week, and next year.

7 Tips to Help You Grow Your Business:

1. Develop a Marketing Strategy

Even as a new or small business, having a clear marketing strategy is crucial. This could involve mapping out plans to gradually expand into your community or targeting specific communities and clients intentionally. There are many resources that can help with this, whether by Google search, a local small business summit, or through entrepreneurship programs such as Launch Greensboro.

2. Focus on Your Current Client Base

Growth doesn’t always mean attracting new clients. Reinforce relationships with existing clients by reaching out with sales, new products, or simply to stay in touch. Prioritize customer experience, encouraging satisfied clients to spread the word and provide testimonials. Word of mouth is a powerful marketing tool that can passively build a client base– people love to share good experiences they have had with a small business!

3. Join Business Leads Groups

Networking is a valuable tool for building partnerships and discovering potential leads. Joining business leads groups can enhance your reach and foster collaborative relationships within your community. This can help to connect with both potential clients and customers, as well as make valuable business connections that will benefit a small business as it grows. Check out ways to Get Engaged with local business organizations, through their business networking groups

4. Elevate Your Social Media Game

Boost your reputation with User-Generated Content (UGC) – the key to authenticity! Encourage clients to share their experiences and tag your business, creating a compelling narrative. Share their posts to build a community people want to follow. Research successful businesses in your industry, learn from their social media strategies, and adapt what works best for you. Leverage analytics to decipher what resonates – whether it’s short-form videos (SFV), photos posts, stories, or something else.

5. Engage in Community Events

Establishing connections with your community is crucial for broadening your customer base. Actively participating in community events not only promotes your business but also highlights your dedication to community engagement. Consider expanding your involvement by incorporating company volunteering, sponsoring events, and attending business gatherings, demonstrating a holistic commitment to fostering meaningful relationships within your local community.

6. Small Business Training Seminars

Discover the advantages of participating in small business training seminars, both in-person and online, to gain valuable insights and knowledge. Online seminars offer convenient access to resources for further education. Explore reputable virtual training sessions, tapping into the expertise of organizations such as SCORE, Udemy, or the Small Business Administration. Local business organizations often host Lunch and Learns, Business Bootcamps, or other seminars that delve into specifics about overcoming the challenges faced by small businesses.

7. Ask Advice Before Making Big Business Decisions

When making important business decisions, seek advice from a mentor. Identify specific needs, network locally and online, and attend industry events. Request mentorship formally, emphasizing the value of their guidance. Explore online platforms, professional organizations, and local Chamber of Commerce events. Prioritize compatibility and establish a mentorship relationship for ongoing support in your business decisions and growth.

Grow Your Business in Greensboro, North Carolina

As a concrete step towards growth, consider joining the business growth community offered by the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber is committed to supporting small businesses through community events, networking opportunities, business leads groups, and more. If your business needs help creating a plan, or scaling, consider looking to Launch Greensboro Programming for classes, mentor opportunities, and one-off sessions that can help with creating a concrete plan that will help any small business soar. Contact us to join our business growth community today.

 

 

New Year’s Resolutions are easy to make. The sense of community and camaraderie is exciting in January, yet it can be hard to keep the excitement for a fitness mindset past the first few weeks of the year. Greensboro offers a wide variety of creative fitness options that can help you find a community of people who enjoy unique and varying types of exercise, helping make this year’s resolution into a lifestyle.

There are plenty of options for fitness and wellness resources, including traditional gyms, engaging group exercise classes, creative classes, personal training, and even free options that can allow you to test the waters before committing to a gym bill. Embarking on a fitness/wellness journey is a deeply personal experience, and the prospect can often seem daunting. However, in Greensboro, there are diverse options available that cater to individuals of all comfort levels, ensuring a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone to pursue their well-being goals.

Local Greensboro Businesses to Help Your 2024 Fitness Resolutions

For those seeking a gentle and holistic approach to their wellness journey, welcome to Find Your Flow Fitness & Wellness Studio. Created for individuals overwhelmed with the idea of starting their wellness journey, Find Your Flow offers a safe and supportive environment to enhance not only physical fitness but also mental and emotional well-being. From strength training and yoga to mindfulness practices and nutritional guidance, the studio provides a variety of group classes, personal training, and wellness workshops. Whether one is a beginner or an experienced fitness enthusiast, they can join the inclusive community at Find Your Flow and discover the power of finding their unique flow.

Downtown Fitness on Elm, centrally located in downtown Greensboro, is more than a gym—it’s a fitness destination. Specializing in long-term relationships, they provide high-quality personal training for the Piedmont Triad area. With a focus on continuous education and professional certifications, their approach emphasizes safe and scientific fitness instruction. Flexible training times cater to individual schedules, all under the supervision of experienced professionals. Join them for a transformative fitness experience in the heart of the city.

Greensboro Sports Performance stands as a holistic wellness destination, transcending the conventional fitness paradigm. Offering a diverse array of services, including chiropractic care, acupuncture, Pilates, cryotherapy, physical therapy, and IV hydration therapy, they are committed to innovative thinking. They bring a personalized touch to get you back to the activities you love. Their approach is not confined by performance levels; rather, their goal is to identify the root cause of any pain or discomfort, providing a tailored mix of therapies to heal, strengthen, and enhance mobility. Greensboro Sports Performance redefines wellness, making it a journey tailored to individual needs.

The Greensboro YMCA and Parks and Recreation Offerings

The YMCA of Greensboro makes fitness and wellness into a community. When you join, you become not just an attendee, but also. The Y takes pride in fostering personal connections, walking beside each member through every stage of life. Offering more than just a gym experience, the Y caters to diverse needs, ranging from childcare and youth sports to adult fitness classes and senior activities. With seven locations, your membership extends across all of them, ensuring access to a wide variety of classes and flexible schedules. At the Y, it’s not just about fitness; it’s about finding a place where you truly belong.

From April to October, join the YMCA of Greensboro and Greensboro Parks and Recreation for free outdoor fitness classes. Every week brings new opportunities to engage in invigorating sessions such as HIIT, Pilates, yoga, Zumba, and more. All ages and abilities are welcomed to participate in these dynamic outdoor workouts. As you immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, remember to bring your water, a yoga mat, and a friend, turning each session into a shared celebration of well-being and community.

Even More Greensboro Fitness Options to Start Your 2024 Strong

Other great options in the city include Fitness Together, a facility dedicated to providing personalized training experiences, tailoring workouts to individual needs. For those seeking high-quality fitness equipment, Extreme Training Equipment offers setups suitable for home gyms, professionals, and more, promoting a comprehensive approach to physical fitness. Additionally, Pure Barre introduces a unique dimension to the fitness scene, combining strength training and grace through barre workouts. These diverse offerings reflect Greensboro’s commitment to providing varied and accessible avenues for individuals to embark on their fitness journeys.

Greensboro Chamber of Commerce: Supporting Local Businesses in 2024 and Beyond
The Chamber is committed to supporting the health and wellness of Greensboro residents and the economic development of our city as a whole. If you’re interested in learning how the Chamber supports local entrepreneurs, start-ups, and small businesses in Greensboro, contact us and consider joining our membership community today.