SMART Networkers Join the Right Networking Groups for their Business Needs!

How many times have you attended a networking event where you had absolutely nothing in common with anyone there? Perhaps you service the corporate market and you've found yourself in a room full of home based business owners (or vice versa). Perhaps everyone is there to socialise and you want to make business connections. Or perhaps there were just too few opportunities to meet other people at the event. Read on for 5 top tips for finding and joining the right networking groups for you…

Here are our 5 top tips for joining the right groups:

1. Know what you want to achieve - what are your goals and objectives? - Different types of groups will suit different goals.

2. Be aware of your personal strengths and weaknesses - if you are a self confessed introvert avoid cocktail party type events and look for groups that run events with a structured process.

3. Know what you can commit - what is your budget? How much time can you commit? Do you have restrictions on when you can attend?

4. Research a number of groups thoroughly before making a decision.

We suggest that you ask the following questions:
a. Where do they meet?
b. When and how often do they meet?
c. What is the cost?
d. What are the time commitments?
e. Are there any membership requirements?
f. What kinds of businesses/people attend?
g. How many people attend?
h. What happens at a typical event?
i. What are the group's objectives?

5. Before you commit to joining a group attend at least twice (if they won't let you do that then perhaps you shouldn't join them). Ask other people in your profession or with similar goals to your own what benefits they have gained from membership. Make sure that you feel comfortable with other group members.

Looking for networking groups to join or events to attend?
Networking World is Australia's most comprehensive directory of networking opportunities for small business owners.