How to Work Your Net!

I have been in the so called business world for many years now. I can not tell you how many networking meetings I have been to but they have always been pretty hit or miss. Some were productive and most seemed to be a complete waste of time. How is that? You have a room full of business people in one room with the same mission in mind (supposedly) and you could walk away without having advanced your career or business at all. Well part of the problem with networking is the approach that participants and organizers take.

If I went through the telephone book and randomly picked people and businesses out, then invited them all out for cocktails, what would be the result. Many would not show up, those that came may mingle with other guest and others would have no clue why they were there or what they were supposed to be doing. That's kind of how the networking functions that I have been to over the years have worked.

The way to avoid wasting your time with networking events is to have a plan. First you must create or plug into a net, then work that net and only participate in events that advance the net you are working. I know that may sound a little self-serving but it actually is a much better approach for everyone involved because the surf shop owner is not wasting the time of the manager of the local poultry plant and vice-versa.

So, how do you find a more effective networking functions to attend? Unfortunately, there are not a lot of them out here but you could always create your own. Also, the Minority Business Alliance of Virginia will begin hosting Niche Mix Events starting in October of 2007. These events will focus of specific industries or themes, so you know what you are getting into before you ever show up. There will be Real Estate Mixers, Restaurant Mixers, Health Care Mixers, and many more! So if you have any suggestions please drop me a comment and I will work on bringing that to the table as well.

Make Money, Have Fun & Be A Blessing,
Maestro