Networking can actually be fun, as I’ve experienced myself over the last year. I’ve joined business and social networking groups in New York and here in London and found them useful, as well as a great place to meet new people.
Here are a few groups I personally recommend:
Business Networking International (BNI)
The largest business networking organisation in the world (according to its website), the BNI is well worth joining. The meetings are usually held early in the morning (7am start) but there are some groups that meet lunchtimes or after work. I went to a couple of ‘chapters’ in central London and enjoyed both immensely. Each group has its own flavour and identity, so I recommend visiting a few before making your pitch and putting down the £400 joining fee. BNI works on making referrals for its members. So those who don’t make the effort are politely – or not – asked to get their finger out, or they are asked to leave. This is serious business networking with a very worthwhile and effective philosophy of ‘Givers Gain’.
Here’s some press on the BNI: What The Press Say About BNI
The Athena Network
A worldwide networking group specifically for women, Athena was founded by Jacqueline Rogers who could see a gap in the market for entrepreneurial women who wanted an environment that catered more to a female business perspective. Only four years old, the Athena franchise already has 130 groups across the UK. Its aims include:
- Providing opportunities to make strategic connections with professionals in a wide range of industry sectors.
- Developing members’ business skills through a choice of interactive workshops and training courses.
- Encourage women in business to inspire and support others for greater success.
I visited a local Athena group in central London and met a diverse and interesting range of women – of all ages – many of whom were small business owners. The format follows the BNI (Business Networking International) model of lunch, followed by sixty-second pitches and the handing round of business cards. Each meeting, one member gives a short ‘workshop’ on their particular business. Athena groups are held monthly and there are now groups in Australia, with plans to expand to the US. If you are in the US and would like more information on starting your own Athena franchise group, then contact Jacqueline at:
+ 44 845 004 9262
Email: jacqueline@theathenanetwork.com
Blog: www.jacquelinerogers.co.uk
This is a brilliant way to meet other people and business network – not just for business but the organisation has meetup groups from everything to horse-riding to whale watching to knitting. I recommend the New York Entrepreneurs Business Network based in New York. Run by a super efficient Andrew Wong and his staff, I enjoyed some super productive networking at great locations around the city. From a cruise around the harbour to outstanding views from some cool rooftop bars, you are guaranteed to meet an eclectic range of people – not all of whom are about sell, sell, sell. It’s a great opportunity to meet new folks, share inspiration and advice with other solopreneurs, practice your networking skills and perfect your elevator pitch.
Happy networking! I’d love to hear your own experiences. Please drop me a line in the box underneath this post.
Thank you for including The Athena Network in Networking Groups To Join Gina. I appreciate the recommendation that individuals visit a group before making a decision to join. It’s important that the membership decision is reciprocal so that the most benefit can be derived.
Each organisation is individual and has it’s own benefits; as such each individual should ensure that the organisation they choose matches their values and beliefs so that the relationship is long term.
Happy Networking!
Thank you for your feedback Jacqueline. Congratulations on creating such an inspiring and successful networking organisation!