Where to Network?
Whenever people congregate, networking opportunities exist. Therefore, most good networkers join groups where they can make new contacts and incorporate them into their networks. Through groups, networkers can expand their reach and make connections with those it might otherwise take them considerably longer to meet. As a result, many accomplished networkers concentrate the bulk of their networking efforts on groups.
Originally, many of the groups started to promote business, social, community, religious, charitable or other endeavors. They also can include youth, recreational and athletic teams, fraternities, sororities, and alumni organizations.
Trade Industry associations provide outstanding networking opportunities, their key mission is to lobby for legislation that will help the industry and defeat proposals that might do it harm. Trade associations also provide forums for the education and welfare of their members and, at many of these forums, association members meet fellow members, exhibit their wares, discuss mutual problems and provide help for one another via networking. Although trade and industry associations were not founded as networking organizations, they have evolved into networking Meccas.
In addition to trade associations, other major networking organizations include Chambers of Commerce, CEO Space, Consulting Alliance (the Entrepreneurial Edge), and Shared Vision Network. Service Organizations — which include the Masons, Kiwanis, Elks, Lions, Rotary Clubs, and Soroptimists, also provide ideal venues for networking.
A few years ago some groups popped up everywhere that exist primarily to help their members network; we call these organized networking groups or network-focused groups. Large network-focused groups include national organizations such as eWomenNetwork, LeTip International, Inc. BIN International (almost 7,000 chapters internationally, over 145,000 members), and Ali Lassen’s Leads Club (5,500 members, 400 chapters) to name just a few. These organizations have local chapters and also hold national meetings, conventions, and training sessions.
In addition, numerous local networking groups operate throughout the country. Some of these groups may be affiliated with national, state, or other local organizations, but many are simply single units that were created to facilitate the building of relationships on a wide range of interests. Besides those dedicated to business, other networking groups focus on interests that range from dating to promoting book sales.
Today the majority of the networking is done virtually making it easier to everyone from anywhere to attend, you may be located in Scotland and attend a USA Eastern group, and vice-versa. Some groups will combine virtual networking events with in-person events from time to time.
Jill Lublin — Short Bio
(Pronounced Loob-Lynn)
Jill Lublin is an international speaker on the topics of Radical Influence, Publicity, Networking, Kindness and Referrals. She is the author of 4 Best Selling books including Get Noticed…Get Referrals (McGraw Hill) and co-author of Guerrilla Publicity and Networking Magic. Her latest book, Profit of Kindness went #1 in four categories. Jill is a master strategist on how to position your business for more profitability and more visibility in the marketplace. She is CEO of a strategic consulting firm and has over 25 years’ experience working with over 100,000 people plus national and international media. Jill teaches a virtual Publicity Crash Course, and consults and speaks all over the world. She has spoken on many stages with luminaries such as Tony Robbins. She also helps authors to create book deals with major publishers and agents, as well as obtain foreign rights deals. Visit publicitycrashcourse.com/freegift and jilllublin.com
