Deciding where to hang your hat in Networkingland is a big decision.
It is best to try out different groups to see what you like and don’t like. Don’t commit at first if you don’t want to. Most groups will let you visit twice before making a decision.
If you have been in the corporate world the small business way of meeting and getting to know people can seem strange at first. All groups vary and it becomes easier to work out which suit you having seen the variety that is out there.
Then ask yourself : Are there people I like?
You do need to be on a wavelength with some of people present, and the organisation. The more wholeheartedly you can support the group and people in it the more you will enjoy it… and the better it will work for you.
Next question: Can me-and-my-business develop here?
Will you learn new stuff, think in a different way, become more focused, confident or just plain ole grow?
Next question: Is it fun? Is there laughter .. or the potential for laughter?
This is very important to me, personally. Where you can have fun you are also likely to create great relationships. If networking feels totally like work and a bit of a slog, the chances are you won’t be getting up early in the morning, or leaving the warmth of the family hearth on a winter’s night.
Is it in the right physical place?
For your business to be on the map it is a good idea for your networking group to be in the right place on the map. Is it near work or home? Near the train station, near my clients? Does it feel in the right place and does the venue feel right for you, too?
Is it the right environment for where your business is going now?
You can’t tell how things will develop, and of course you can contribute to that development. All you can judge is whether it is right for your business now. You never know, that potential may never happen. If it doesn’t feel right for now it could not be the place to join.
The connections you make networking have the potential to turn into the best business you could wish for and for the people to become life-long friends.
You can’t outsource face to face networking to a third party, so investing business time wisely leads to a good personal and professional return on investment. In my book that means money and fun!