Being a member of the Kirkwood-Des Peres Area Chamber of Commerce, I have learned one key, yet intuitive thing: you will gain equally as much as you put in. Meaning, I believe there is a direct correlation between what you will personally be able to gain from becoming a member, to the amount of time you input and spend into actually being a member. Being a member of an organization indicates that you are willing to set aside time, and more importantly effort, into achieving a unified goal. On an individual basis, the more effort one is willing and able to put forth into being an active member of the organization, the more he will ultimately be able to gain. By actively participating in the organization, you are given the opportunity to not only meet a larger variety and number of people, but you are also able to establish significant and meaningful relationships with those people. The more time spent cultivating these relationships will directly yield a greater result, not only for you but also for the Chamber as a whole. If we individually strive to input more time and effort into the organization and to expanding our respective networks, it ultimately translates into an even greater unified goal. And the work pays off: the larger ones network is, the more likely it is that people will want to get to know you, and see what advice you have to offer.

Think of the word: Network. You have to bear only one thing in mind. A wise businessman told me that the second word in network is work. You cannot show up to a networking event, and expect people to come to you. You must be the one to initiate contact; you must be active and open to meeting and mingling with people, and ensuring you follow up with the people you meet on a consistent and regular basis. All of that work will pay off. There are two possible outcomes: they will decide to do business with you because you have been persistent, or they will cut off contact. But you will never know unless you really put in the work into networking with them. By being a member of the Kirkwood-Des Peres Area Chamber of Commerce, you will have the great opportunity to meet plenty of diverse people who come from varied backgrounds and have a smorgasbord of differing careers. Not only will you be exposed to seasoned professionals but you will also most likely make a friend or two along the way.

According to the Kirkwood-Des Peres Area Chamber of Commerce, Chair, David Collin, "The Chamber is where business and community leaders meet to shape a better tomorrow." I know I will be a member of the Kirkwood-Des Peres community for a long time due to the friends and family I have here, both in my personal and professional life. Consequently, I have a direct interest in maintaining and making this community a place where everyone wants to better their business. The only way to do this is to start somewhere, and get involved.  

John  Reagan, Financial Advisor    

Edward Jones    

206 N Clay Ave    

Kirkwood, MO  63122    

(314) 822-3297 

Start your holidays in style at the Happy Holidays Boutique! The Boutique is a 80+ vendor, 9-hour shopping extravaganza for the whole family. Come and shop the best of Kirkwood and Des Peres for the perfect holiday gift for everyone on your list. This event is free and open to the public. Each attendee receives a free Boutique Bonus Book filled with coupons to your favorite stores. For more information, call the Kirkwood-Des Peres Area Chamber of Commerce at (314) 821-4161.

Click Here to Visit the Official Happy Holidays Boutique Website