Prompt Proofing Blog: Networking for Entrepreneurs 101
What does networking even mean? Networking, if you work in the IT industry, has a whole different meaning from what we'll be talking about in this week's blog post.

VANCOUVER, BC, March 25, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- What does networking even mean?

Networking, if you work in the IT industry, has a whole different meaning from what we'll be talking about in this week's blog post. So get any ideas of computers talking to each other, cables, wires or any of that paraphernalia out of your mind, as what we actually are referring to is connecting with other individuals.

The idea of networking can be quite daunting to new entrepreneurs, or to those who are not naturally what you might call 'sales people'. It can be difficult to even know where to start, and how to find opportunities to network.

While opportunities will almost certainly arise in random situations from time to time, such as in the supermarket checkout line or at a party with a friend, these are not the times to look for networking chances. You will become known as the person to avoid at social events, because you just talk about work all the time or - even worse - try to sell your product or service to people in a setting that is otherwise purely social. If any networking does end up happening at such an event, let it be because it arose in conversation organically and naturally.

There are plenty of organized events that allow for individuals to get together in an environment designed to foster and encourage the growth of connections. If you've read The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell, you will know his term "Connectors". He coined this term to refer to members of a community who know a large number of people and who are particularly good at making introductions. This is what the networking group is - a Connector. Now you just need to find the right Connector for you.

1) CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

If you live in a big city, you can guarantee that there are hundreds of groups set up specifically to organize and coordinate networking opportunities. However, no matter what the size of your home town, it is almost guaranteed to have a local Chamber of Commerce.

Chambers of Commerce are fantastic organizations for the simple fact that they tend to put on a number of different events, from formal galas and dinners to informal coffee mornings or educational breakfasts. They also often offer discounts for small business owners and opportunities for you to advertise to your fellow Chamber members.

The downside to Chambers of Commerce is that they often have annual membership fees of approximately $100 - $500 and sometimes even more. They also tend to charge additional fees for their events - though they do usually discount these for members.

2) MEETUP.COM

Meetup.com is a website that has seen tremendous growth in popularity because it literally has something for everyone. That is, of course, the point of Meetup.com - people can find a group that matches their specific hobby, from book clubs to hiking groups and social groups for young mothers, retirees or singles. Then there are shared interest groups such as politics, languages, and, yes, business. Just log on to Meetup.com, enter your location and search for "networking" or "entrepreneurs" and you will no doubt see a whole host of groups listed close by.

The benefit of Meetup.com is that it is absolutely free to join and many groups are completely free as well. If they do charge annual dues they are usually minimal, perhaps only $5 to $10. Their meetups will usually cost only what is needed to host the event - no one is looking to profit from running the group.

You create a profile on Meetup.com when you sign up, with a headshot and some basic information about yourself and your business, interests and so on. This way you're able to get to know people a little bit before meeting them face to face and you are even able to connect online with them by sending private messages or posting on their profile. This extends the networking possibilities beyond the specific events hosted by the group.

3) LINKEDIN

LinkedIn is every entrepreneur's best friend, as it utilizes social media in the best way possible for small businesses, allowing you to make connections with your customers, superiors, colleagues and contractors, as well as total strangers whose line of business interests you. You can request recommendations from clients and postyour job history so that people can have a more accurate and complete idea of your experience and skills.

One of the best functions LinkedIn offers users is its Groups function. Just like Meetup.com, a quick search will garner many results of groups nearby that share a particular interest, though - unlike Meetup - these are all specifically business-related. Some focus solely on networking and others are just groups from people who work in a similar field to you who can offer advice and share expertise. Some are localized while others are global - you may find yourself talking about marketing with someone in Croatia.

LinkedIn is also free to join.

These are only a handful of "Connectors" to help you find the best networking group for you. Don't limit yourself to one - try out as many as time will allow, and if you find it too time-consuming to keep tabs on a number of groups, whittle it down to just a few, the ones that you felt most comfortable at and you felt got you the results you wanted.

In next week's blog post we will discuss a few different types of networking meetups that you might have the chance to attend, and the best strategies to employ when you do so.

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Pat Wootton
Prompt Proofing
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