Star Networking: The Seven Best Networking Events For Growing Your Business
by Nicole Smartt /Photo: Townsville Chamber
People often think that positive career change happens only in the workplace. But in fact, stepping outside of your comfortable office confines can boost your career in a multitude of ways. When you exit the building to meet new people, you’re opening the door to new business that doesn’t require any sales pitch, and that will help you create strong relationships and win awards.
When it comes to networking events, the goal is to be a leader, not just a member, so participate. Share your ideas. Spread your wings—and your influence. Here are seven kinds of events to attend for the most return on your investment in time and effort.
1. Chamber of Commerce events
Chamber events are tried and true and always attended by some important people. Use them to practice your introductions and conversational skills, and to perfect your 30-second personal commercial.
2. Age groups
When I became a sales representative at age 22, I joined the local Young Professionals Network (YPN). I gained friends with shared interests, and also built a strong network of future leaders. I highly recommend this group but if you don’t fit into the “young professionals” category, there are other great groups out there that may be right for you.
3. Gender groups
I attend Women in Business lunches through the Chamber and other events and organizations for professional women. Sharing common ground, as women, always gets the conversation going.
4. Business Journal events
This includes industry-specific events, award ceremonies, and so on. Many business journals have “Forty Under 40” meetings, celebrations for best places to work, and other such events. All include movers and shakers. Even if it’s not your industry, attend.
5. Trade/professional association activities
I participated in our trade association’s meetings, and eventually sat on the board. This gave me a valuable opportunity to build strong relationships with prospective clients and show them my commitment to the community and the industry. It was very successful and produced a huge return on my time. When I went from a sales role to owning a company, I had to cut back on networking events (after four years of networking almost every night), so I left the board when my term ended, but I still return to attend events regularly. If I can’t make it, I send a colleague. I always make sure to attend big association events—and you should too! You’re never too well known to stop networking.
6. Charities
At the start of my career, I joined a few charitable organizations. I took it seriously and gained strong relationships with the committee members thanks to our regular monthly meetings. I learned how to run a meeting and watched how others participated. I demonstrated my own work ethic and commitment by always being on time, participating, and sharing. The experience helped me facilitate my own meetings later on.
7. Trade shows
Industry-specific trade shows are excellent places to get acquainted, get sales, and get ahead. Not in a sales role? That’s okay! This is one of the best venues to meet potential mentors and like-minded individuals, and to learn from your competition.
Take my advice. Get out there and meet new people. It will enrich your life and the lives of others, and it will help you build a stellar career!
Nicole Smartt, author of “From Receptionist to Boss: Real-Life Advice for Getting Ahead At Work” (www.nicolesmartt.com), is co-owner and vice president of Star Staffing in Petaluma, CA. She also is co-founder of the Petaluma Young Professionals Network and was the youngest recipient of the “Forty Under 40” award given by the North Bay Business Journal.