From the course: The Ultimate Guide to Professional Networking

Finding unique opportunities to network

From the course: The Ultimate Guide to Professional Networking

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Finding unique opportunities to network

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- I've been a little harsh with some of the old school networking, so let me say this. If you want to go join a fraternal order, go for it. I would consider that more of a social investment and it probably won't hurt you, but the value is more likely to be closer to being a volunteer for the Scouts, helping your local church, or supporting a community group, like a group that does sports, or even things like yoga or meditation, or a conscious community. You'll be around a version of your tribe, but it won't be a tribe whose focus is centered on the same business goals you may have. For entrepreneurs and self employed people, there are some very effective networking groups. These include 6 Degrees, Vistage, EO, or Entrepreneurial Organization, BNI, Business Network International, YEC, The Young Entrepreneur Council, and industry specific organizations as well. Those who work as employees have to get a little more creative and dig a bit deeper to find great networking opportunities. Here are three ideas on how to find networking opportunities that may not be obvious. First, find the top trade show in your industry and look for the volunteers who support it, reach out to them and ask if there are smaller networks that you can join in that industry. Second, look up people within your industry on LinkedIn and see if they are a member of an online community or even offline communities that you can also join. Finally, host a small gathering during a trade show and invite whomever you know. If you only know a few people, then ask each of them to invite a few. Buy dinner or drinks and get to know the extended connections. Whatever route works best for you, know that your network is just waiting there for you. Start digging, and you'll be surprised at the unique opportunities that you'll find.

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