Lakes Area Business Connections
A committed West Metro business networking group
-without the hassle of big fees and stiff rules.
Where business people are encouraged to learn the art of networking, share their expertise and grow their businesses.
Welcome to LABC (Lakes Area Business Connections) where we help business professionals develop their networking skills resulting in more leads, more closed business, more connections, and great friendships.
At our meetings, we discuss goals and share thoughts about what’s happening in our various industries. We share education and give presentations on how to better monetize your time and your connections.
LABC can help any business professional.
Whether you are in the trades, marketing and sales, professional services, healthcare, financial, etc., we are sure that you will benefit from attending our meetings.
❊ Who We Are
Meet new people. Build your business.
Weekly Meetings
LABC meets every Thursday morning at 7:00am at the Long Lake Fire Dept, located at 340 Willow Dr in Long Lake, MN. We spend an hour and a half sharing referrals, passing business, making connections, learning new ways to develop ourselves as a person and as a business professional. We take time, each week, to take a deep dive into a member’s business to learn more about what they do and how we as fellow members can help them.
Thursday mornings 7:00am -8:30am
No location rental dues
Spacious meeting room - amenities close by
Discord Channel to stay connected in the week
Outside Events
LABC also enjoys socializing. We have a number of events we like to put on throughout the year including a few Visitor Days, a few Happy Hours, a Breakfast or two, and member sponsored events like Discover Plymouth, Fall Back to Health, and the Snowball Open. We are always looking to do more events and as we get new guests and new members, we see more and more opportunities for that.
Celebrate others’ successes
Check out fun locations in the West Metro
Come if you are able
Get to know partners in an informal setting
Camaraderie
The members of LABC started this to grow their business, but could never have imagined the amazing friendships and partnerships that have come as a result of this group. When you have someone who you know, like, and trust, passing referrals to them is not only easy, it makes you look good because you know that these people are going to treat your referrals and customers the way they treat you. Having a friend in any given industry is an advantage, and we’re here to capitalize on that.
One-to-one meetings to build relationships
Learn together
Support each other in ups and downs of life
Laugh alot
❊ Testimonials
Loved by Members, Trusted by Referrals.
Seriously! But don’t take our word for it, here are some things people have to say about us.
A group of people willing to refer their family, friends and associates to your business once you teach them how to do it and why they should. Everyone is accountable for the referrals they receive and give since they see each other regularly. You'll not only grow your business, you will have a connection for just about every situation you run into. I spent 15 years as a member of the group, it was great for my business and I made a lot of friends along the way. I still call the members when I need to get something done.
— Dan K.
“
"Local connection & local friends are the best way to grow your business and to make long term relationships in your community. Belonging to this group over the years has enabled me to not only create long term local friendships, it also helped me create great business relationships that you know you can count on when they are needed. Trust, friendship, caring relationships & community bonding are just a few of the great rewards you will get by becoming a member of this great group."
— Denny W.
“
"I really enjoyed my networking with Lakes Area Business Connections. It was my first time as part of a networking group and I’ve never felt so welcome. It also unexpectedly gave me the opportunity to practice my stump speeches in front of a group, I always got good feedback and never felt intimidated."
— Jeff S.
“
❊ FAQs
You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers
-
Joining LABC is a great way to grow your business and build real connections in the community. Here’s what you can expect:
More Referrals & Clients- Members often pass along leads and referrals to one another.
Meaningful Connections- Meet other business owners and professionals who get what you’re working toward.
Shared Knowledge- Swap insights, get advice, and stay in the know on local trends.
Collaborations- Find people you can team up with on future projects, events, or promotions.
-
We mix things up to keep networking fun, helpful, and never boring. You might see:
Networking Dinners- Casual get-togethers where conversations flow naturally.
Happy Hours- Relaxed socials to unwind and connect.
Business Meetings- Sharper focus on business growth, sometimes with guest speakers.
Fun Outings- Golf, seasonal events, or other local happenings to bond outside the boardroom.
-
$300 first year. $200 renewals subsequent years.
We do charge membership dues to keep the group running smoothly and to offer great experiences. you’ll also want to budget for any special events or meals. Think of it as investing in your business and relationships- it usually pays off in more ways than one.
-
Life happens! If you need to step away, just follow our cancellation process (usually just a quick written notice). Keep in mind, depending on timing, some fees may be non-refundable. Your cancellation may also open a spot for someone on the waitlist.
-
We’re all about helping local professionals and business owners connect, grow, and support each other. Whether you’re looking for new clients, trusted partners, or fresh ideas - you’ll find it here.
The group is designed to help you succeed and feel part of something bigger.
-
Easy! Come to an event, say hello, and start chatting. Here are a few tips:
Join Events- Show up, and we’ll make sure you feel welcome.
Start Conversations- Ask questions, share your story, and be curious about others.
Follow Up- Send a message or set up a coffee with someone you clicked with. That’s where the real magic happens.
-
Not sure how to start a convo? Here are a few go-to questions:
“How did you get started in your business?”
“What’s your favorite part of what you do?”
“What challenges are you working through right now?”
“Any advice you’d give someone newer to the field?”
“What’s something exciting coming up for you?”
Have more questions about LABC? Just ask!
We’re always happy to help you get plugged in and make the most of your membership.