Where To Network Part 2

Paul Johnstone

As promised here are other places to network. The O - Z

Hope it stimulates you to get out there and Network.

Opening ceremonies:
Opening ceremonies, especially for notable new buildings, attract many local business people and dignitaries. You will be amazed what a smile and an introduction can get you at these events.

A note of caution the celebrity opening a new shop is unlikely to get you too many good business connections.

Other clubs:
We must all have heard about the business deal done on the golf course. Clubs exists for every hobby and interest you can imagine. By joining a local club that interests you, you will meet some new interesting people.

Pressure groups:
Pressure group meetings are strongly connected and usually attended by very active and energized people. If you are interested in the subject there will be opportunities to meet some interesting people. These situations often also have scope for volunteering and becoming involved at a strategic level.

Product launches: Product launches invariably offer at least one situation when attendees mingle. Often there are receptions afterwards. If you are able to attend where the subject is relevant to your aims, then you will find opportunities to network. The same applies to book launches and similar publicity events.

Professional body websites:
Every profession and trade is represented and connected by at least one official body. These are used for members and also offer various opportunities for outsiders to get involved and make helpful connections.

Public meetings: Public meetings are held for all sorts of reasons. Local planning consultations; presentation of local development plans.

They attract business people. At meetings like these, most attendees sit and listen for quite a while, and consequently are ready for conversation during breaks and at the close of the meeting.

Pubs: Not all pubs are good for networking, but some are great, because they are the regular haunts of local business-people. For a very long time indeed, lots of business has been done in pubs.

Seminars: Seminars attract business people of all sorts. Again there are usually coffee breaks which are ideal for making introductions and getting to know people. Try your 3X3X3

Shareholders meetings:
If you have company shares, you will tend to meet a lot of business people at shareholder gatherings. Many shareholders do not invest just for financial reasons - many invest because they have an enthusiasm for the company's technology or culture. In some cases can offer a relevant target group for your business networking aims.

Societies and associations:
Every specialist subject has its own society or association. These organizations offer various ways to meet their members.

Speed networking events:
Speed networking is a highly structured type of networking event, in which an organizer (there are several, of varying type and quality) coordinates quick introductions among a group of typically between 20-40 people. The concept is similar, and probably modelled on speed-dating formats.

But the word speed and networking should not be used in the same sentence. They are best viewed as door openers.

Sports clubs: Lots of business people enjoy sport, and enjoy mixing sport with business. Golf is the classic example for sports club networking. If the group is relevant to you and you enjoy the activity, concerned, consider becoming a member.

Training courses: Are excellent for meeting other business people. Many will encourage informal networking among delegates because this adds value to the quality of the event.

Some types of training bring people together in work teams, making it extremely easy to get to know all attendees and an opportunity for further networking.

Trains, boats, planes, etc.: Business-people tend to travel around a bit. When you are travelling too, keep your eyes and ears open and be ready to start conversation. Delays are particularly useful for making introductions. So are long plane and train journeys when you could be sat next to another business person for several hours. Make the most of these opportunities.

Twitter:
Twitter is a great way to get your business message out to thousands quickly. The only downside is that you can get caught up and unless you are disciplined, the hours can slip away.

Universities and colleges:
Universities and colleges are like villages. Some are like towns. They are also now run like businesses. For the past twenty years or so, these educational establishments have been increasingly keen to engage with business people of all sorts. It's a matter of talking to them and discovering what opportunities exist for getting involved.

Website forums:
Website forums exist for every subject you can think of. Each offers a networking opportunity for the subject matter concerned.

Website user groups: User groups are typically within the websites of major internet corporations such as Google and Yahoo. Many user groups are specialised, and by implication, internet networking is second-nature to most of these people. But a lot are general business and worth investigation


And many more opportunities.

Helping Real People do Real Buisness through Real Networking