Some Groups in Rochester, NY

There are a lot of great networking groups in Rochester, NY. Here are just a few:

The City Walk
Rochester Area Twenty Somethings
Regional Innovators' Participation Network (RIPN)
Rochester Young Professionals
Digital Rochester
High Tech Business Council
Association for Women in Computing
Black Business Association of Greater Rochester
eBusiness Association
Rochester Jaycees
Rochester Professional Consultants Network
Rochester Women's Network
Rochester Young Professionals

Home Base

The following is an excerpt from “Confessions of an Introvert - The Shy Girl’s Guide to Business Success” by Meghan Wier. Preorders of "Confessions of an Introvert" will be taken starting in September 2005. For more information, write to meghanwier@meghanwier.com .

FINDING A COMFORTABLE “HOME BASE” FOR NETWORKING

There are almost as many different ways to network as there are people. You may find that you like only one type, or you may like them all, and you will find vast differences between groups, even within chapters of the same organization. So, shop around for the best fit. This will be your “home base”—the place that you can feel most comfortable, on your own turf and meet with the most people at once.

Generally group networking they can be categorized into three types, formal, semi-formal, and informal.

Formal Networking Groups
Formal groups meet for the purpose of networking and sharing leads or referrals. Often these groups offer new friendships, support, and other important information about things going on in business or the community or advice. These groups generally require regular attendance, and dues. The benefit to a formal Networking Group is that you are able to build strong networks with the other members. You will see the same people each week/month and get to know them well. They may only allow one person per industry to be a member, so there is no competition. The downsides can include the time commitment, strict policies, and dues. I have found that the right formal group can make a huge difference in both my ability to increase my networking skills, but also to the growth of my business. These groups are a great source for referral business.

Semiformal
The Semiformal groups meet usually for education and also include some sort of networking element, such as a seminar, or discussion. There are many groups such as “Women in Communications” or the National Association of Women Business Owners, (NAWBO), or Alumni Associations fit into this category. These are great groups especially for networking within your industry, or amongst your peers. The downsides may include non-exclusivity in your industry, and a lack of referral business because others in the group do what you do, and the meetings don’t specifically call for referrals.

Informal Groups
Informal groups tend to create themselves, a mother’s group, a bunch of friends that get together for coffee, or buddies from school. These types of groups provide a great networking opportunity, especially if you pay attention. Your friends, family and co-workers all have information they need and information you want, sometime you just need to listen harder, and ask the right questions.

Informal groups are beneficial because leads and referrals come naturally, and the environment is very casual. But you may also have to work to keep the group going, as attendance generally isn’t required and the meetings unstructured. Expect that not everyone in the group will have the same agenda, and don’t be afraid to express your objectives for the group to keep it productive.

You may choose one type or multiple types of groups. The best way to find the place for you is to visit several different types of meetings, but choose based on your interests. Go to a “BNI” meeting, or a “West-siders” group. Many times these groups have a “visitor host” or greeting committee. Connect with these people immediately. I recommend also bringing a friend, especially an outgoing friend, or going to a meeting with someone who is already a member and who will introduce you to the other members, and answer any questions that you have.

No matter what kind of group, make sure it makes sense for you to be to there—your time is valuable, make it worth it! The agenda must fit your needs and the people in the group must have similar goals and interests.

(c) 2005 Meghan Wier

Networking Group Dynamics

My main networking group- the group I go to every week, and get the most business from ( apoint not to be taken lightly), is a large group of about 30 people. However, when we started, the group only had about 9 regular members.

We are business professionals from all over Rochester.

Over the last three years I have watch this group grow and grow - but it didn't happen over-night. And now, as a bigger group - one with interesting, well-connected people, we are continuously attracting others.

And the members are constantly inviting new contacts, because we are proup of our group... and want to share our networking success!

Each week I sit around this table of friends and wonder how I got here. I probably wouldn't have joined a big group. Having a small group at the start was important to me to be able to get to know the others, and feel comfortable with them. I see other people come in now--and some love the fact that the group is so big, and to others it is overwhelming. There are a lot of people to meet.

One of the great things about having been small - and now being big, is that we are still a very close group. Most of us have worked together now for at least 2 years, we trust eachother, and the testimonials from the other members. The group dynamic is strong, the group is friendly - and they are there to do business.

If you want to check us out...we meet Friday AM at 7 - Hawthorne's Restaurant, Rochester, NY.

BRIGTON'S BEST BNI - www.brightonsbest.com. If you are not in the area, and are looking for a networking group to join, check out the BNI main site at www.bni.com.

Meghan Wier
VP Business Development
BIZNETIX, Inc.
www.biznetix.net
www.meghanwier.com

Business Networking Groups

There are many different types of Business Networking Groups all over the world--some formal, some informal. Many people are very comfortable in the larger "mixer" networking events, but for some this is overwhelming, and something more structured suits them much better.

The key to business networking is finding the groups or events that work best for you.

One of the great business networking groups is BNI, (Business Network International). With groups meeting all over the world, usually several per city, this group has the strength and system that works for just about any person, in any business.

Please post any information Business Networking Groups that you would like, or what you find useful about them.