How Much Networking Do You Do?

Eleven years ago, I was a member of zero networking groups.  I didn’t think about them, business just came my way. I was lucky.  In 1998, someone suggested that since I had a new business, I should attend one to see what it was all about.  I did, and my business survived my poor planning.

I am still in that networking group (BNI) and it is a weekly commitment.  If you are not sure how it works, all chapters meet from 7-830am.  We fine tune our sixty second commercial and we pass business to each other.  I have been a member for over 10 years and I have found my best clients and friends there.

(photo credit: Shashi Bellamkonda)

I also do SuperNodes with Theda and Raquel.  In the summer it is weekly, then monthly after that.  That one is more social…those that want to network can.  Those who are looking for mates, do.  Those that just want to drink, well it is a wine bar.

I am part of the board of the Business Briefing Network, which is a monthly networking lunch.  And soon, I hope to take the sports networking group out of hiatus…that one is also a monthly lunch.

And there’s my film club and my book club.

Some folks aren’t so ready to go out there and mingle.  But in today’s economy, it is imperative that you do.

I suggest trying Meetup and finding a social group that will make networking less painful.  You can find a knitting club, or a beer drinkers group, or a moms group. Then once you are good with that, go to a local Chamber of Commerce meeting.  That should prepare you for attending a BNI meeting  and get a sense of what dedicated networkers can and will do for you.

The online networking groups are very good.  I started doing Ryze, then LinkedIn. Now I find Facebook, Twitter, FriendFeed, et al are great places to drop your name and meet new people.  But that should never substitute for going out and meeting people.

When you are a small biz or one person shop, there are not a lot of people around you to bounce ideas.  Getting out there keeps you sane and you get to see what is working/not working for other professionals.  And that bit of education is worth the hours (and in some cases, the fees) that networking will cost.

And don’t hesitate to ask the most “networkingest” person you know for advice.

Remember, the more people you know, the more opportunities you will receive.

Tagged as: BNI, Business, Business Network International, Chamber of commerce, Facebook, FriendFeed, LinkedIn, Meetup.com, misstheda, networking, Online Communities, raquel sanchez, Social network, social networks, Twitter