5 Simple Steps to Choosing Networking Groups

[Cindy Rold]

5 Simple Steps to Choosing Networking Groups

Just this week we were at a networking event and someone asked,
with so many networking events to choose from, how do I decide
which ones to go to and how many should I go to?

What a great question! Yes, there are a lot of networking
opportunities and events to choose from and all of us have limited
time, and money, to spend on our networking activities. So, how do
you best choose the events for you?

Here's how we work with our clients when they choose the strategy
of networking as part of their marketing mix.

1. Narrow Your Choices
a. What's your goal or purpose in networking?
Is your goal to find new business?
Become known in your industry?
Are you looking for a group to join and get involved with?
Are you wanting visibility? Skills to increase your confidence?

b. Who do you want to meet?
Are you looking for clients? Prospects?
People in your industry or a related one?
Are you looking to form referral alliances?

2. Create a List of Groups that Suit Your Purpose
For a list of Networking Organizations:
http://www.thenetworkinggurus.com/resources.html
For an article on Networking Groups:
http://www.thenetworkinggurus.com/articles.html
For Networking Events, see the events listings in The Networking
Gurus News.

3. Gather Information
You can read the event descriptions in The Networking Gurus News,
contact the groups directly or visit their websites.
Find out:
Where do they meet? What time? How often?
Cost of attending and/or joining?
What kind of people attend? What is the usual structure?
How much time is there for actual networking?
How many people typically attend?
What other activities does the group participate in?
What are the groups' goals or mission? Age range?

4. Create a Plan
Schedule one or two visits per week into your calendar until you
have visited all the groups on your list. This may take a few
months. When you find a group you like, visit 2-3 times before joining.

5. Evaluate and Join!
When you're at an event, look around.
Do you like the people? Are they interesting and interested?
Are you made to feel welcome?
Are there ways to meet people, both formal and informal?
Do you like the group's mission and what it stands for?

If you're going to take the time and expense to join an
organization, make sure it's a good fit for you, your profession,
your interests, your time and your budget. Also make sure it will
help you meet the people you want to meet while meeting your
networking strategy goals.

Our challenge this month is to use the 5 simple steps above and
create a plan to find the networking groups that are best for you.

For a comprehensive list of business networking events in the Denver area, go to http://www.thenetworkinggurus.com.

Donna Feldman & Cindy Rold are coaches who help business
professionals grow their businesses, be more successful and achieve
their goals. If you're curious about how coaching can help you,
call us to schedule a complimentary consultation.

Copyright 2006 The Networking Gurus