Many are unaware of the different formats for business networking. Each organization has a different purpose, and understanding what each offers will help determine which would best meet your needs.
Many of these groups have a national presence, with local chapters independently run by elected positions.
Weekly meetings are structured with an agenda, presentations, and elevator pitches.
Chapters limit each "seat" or business category to one person, and joining a referral group is a way to pass leads and explore strategic partnerships.
Examples:
BNI, LeTip, Masternetworks
A mastermind group is a peer-to-peer mentoring group used to help members solve their problems with input and advice from the other group members.
Examples:
Entrepreneur’s Organization $31,200/year
Vistage $2,250 initiation & $16,560/year
Greatness Mastermind $42,000/year
These are focused on the advancement of community, and less about business itself. Service-based groups promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.
Examples: Rotary International & Lions Clubs
Social media is a useful tool when creating connections for business. It's a two-way communication channel for building rapport. No matter how advanced technology has become, people still consider the recommendations of others.
Examples:
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn.
Typically, mentors work with 4-6 mentees at a time. The group meets once or twice a month to discuss various topics to learn and develop the appropriate skills and knowledge as it pretains to them,
or their business.
Members meet regularly to share information, discuss issues, develop standards and best practice within their industry.
Connecting with others isn’t easy for everyone,
and connecting with the right people is an even greater challenge.
If you can:
We'll do the rest!
60% of people consider themselves to be shy when speaking to strangers Research shows that within ONE hour, people forget an average of 50% of what was said & within a week have forgotten 90% of it!
So, how productive is your networking?