Little Networks, Inc.

7 Types of Business Networking Opportunities

If you’re serious about building a local business, you should join in at least two or three groups, and participate regularly.

·         The Casual Contact Networks:

These allow many people from overlapping professions and usually meet monthly. They’re often geographically organized. Check your local newspaper’s business announcements section for locations and times.   

• The Strong Contact Networks: 

Allow only one person/business from a profession; t heir primary purpose is actively exchanging referrals. They usually meet weekly; require annual membership and substantial participation via attending meetings, interacting with other members outside the meetings, using each other’s services, when possible, for personal and business purchases, and recruiting to fill empty slots. 

• Online Networks:  

Social networks for business, sometimes called Web2.0, these sites let you chat with people around the world with similar interests. You can feel free to quiz people who, in the local area, are considered competition and you’ll often get some very frank answers because it’s a bit anonymous.  

The forums can become real time wasters so use a disciplined approach. Asking questions and posting thoughtful comments will pay-off much faster than simply “lurking”. 

Some sites to check out are: 

• Community Service Clubs:  

P rovide an opportunity to give back to the community you do business in while making contacts and getting PR. You’ll be expected to contribute time and donate goods and services for charity fundraisers. 

• Professional Associations:  

Focus on one specific industry. Their primary purpose is to exchange information and ideas, allowing participants to keep up with new developments and make personal contacts within the industry. These can be your best source for employment opportunities or recruiting employees. 

• Social/Business Organizations:  

These combine social activities with business or networking. Typically include golf or other sporting clubs, alumni associations, and some political groups. They can be very time consuming but in the long-term these type of connections can be invaluable. 

• Women’s business organizations:  

Tapping into the growing influence of women in the business community, these groups may be less- threatening place for women to learn networking and help increase business. Many also allow men but it’s better to send a female associate, at least initially. 

Don’t leave it up to chance or a convenient meeting time/location to decide where you’re going to spend your networking time and effort. Diversify your activities and consciously select a well-rounded mix of organizations. If you have associates, partners or employees, enlist their help to cover more ground and manage your businesses’ participation, targeting the groups most advantageous to your growth.