02/ 25/ 2008
by Maggie Flynn
Being a part of industry associations can be a key to success for small business owners, as they serve as life lines to industry news and events and help you connect with colleagues and keep an eye on your competitor.
Yet you'll find the most successful entrepreneurs networking outside of their industry as well. Why? Joining and actively participating in associations outside the realm of your industry will not only make you a well-rounded individual, it will ultimately help your business as well. Here are a few types of groups you can join when you're ready to take your networking to the next level.
Your customers' industry associations
Let's say your business sells specialty cookware. Get online and find out where and when the chefs and restaurant owners in your area will be networking next. Getting involved with the groups that serve your target customer base will have a direct and positive impact on your business. Not only will you get your business cards into the hands of potential clients, you'll gain direct insight into changes and happenings within their industry, which will help you better tailor your services to meet their needs.
Community groups
Standard networking advice says that it's important to network broadly but smartly. So where will you find other motivated, interesting, passionate people with whom you'd like to associate? Many of them are probably members of community-minded organizations.
Your local Chamber of Commerce and neighborhood organizations may be worth checking out. You can also utilize community message boards to find groups that serve special niches within your community, or ask friends and associates which community groups they feel are making a difference.
Professional-level classes
Hitting the books after a long day of running your business might not sound like the most relaxing idea, but taking a continuing education class at your local college could be a good use of time. If you take a business or management course, you'll have an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals who could become valuable links in your network.
Hobby groups
What do you like to do best during your time off? Read a book, play Scrabble, play hoops in the back yard? Chances are, your hobby contains a hidden networking opportunity. Join a book club, play competitive Scrabble games or sign up with your local recreational basketball league. Not only will this ensure that you actually take time for your favorite relaxation activity, it will bring you into contact with new friends and associates. Another bonus: Hobbyists tend to be loyal to their own kind, so you'll probably get a few new customers out of the deal.
Charitable work
You have a rare Saturday morning off, and while you might dream of spending it in your pajamas drinking coffee and catching up with your magazines, you might consider spending the day volunteering. This is another great way to network among outgoing and positive-minded people who want to make a difference in your community. It also gives you a chance to connect with your favorite causes in a more profound way than writing a check.
Not sure where to start? Visit www.volunteermatch.org where you can plug in your zip code and read about various volunteering opportunities by distance and areas of interest. (I was presented with 368 opportunities within 5 miles of my Los Angeles zip code.) The site even has virtual volunteering opportunities if you really don't want to leave the comfort of your home on your day off. However, if networking is your goal, then changing out of your pajamas and meeting new people face-to-face is a must.
