On Networking Groups (Part Two)

Title:On Networking Groups (Part Two)Word Count:712Summary:In \"On Networking Groups - Part One\", I spokebriefly about the four types of networking groups.Now, let's take a look at a category of networkinggroups.Keywords:business, networking, meetings, sales, marketing,

promotionArticle Body:In \"On Networking Groups - Part One\", I spokebriefly about the four types of networking groups.Now, let's take a look at a category of networkinggroups.One category that most people are familiar withis the Chamber Of Commerce. Chambers serve a longstanding role in the business community. It is arole of development and support. A Chamber OfCommerce can offer business both small and largewith networking opportunities, training programs,legislative assistance and a host of otherbenefits. A Chamber Of Commerce can be a local,statewide, national, or internationalorganization with separate memberships for each.If you belong to an area Chamber of Commerce, youdo not belong to a state or national Chamber. Eachplays their own role in the business community.

Some Chambers of Commerce take more of a role inthe community to influence policy while othersmight focus more on business development. Most ofthem however have a wealth of information for themember that goes unused by most.For example, let's say you have a business and youhave a question about a city ordinance thatrelates to your business. Most often a Chamber ofCommerce can provide you with the answer to yourquestion. Each of them has a database of membersthat can often be accessed through some point.Usually computers are made available to memberswith databases that can be searched forinformation on other members.When looking for networking opportunities withina Chamber Of Commerce, most people think only ofleads groups or the common after hours. Thereality is that any function hosted by a chamberof commerce holds opportunities for networking

with other business owners and business leaders.Chambers of Commerce generally have a yearlymembership of several hundred dollars for anindividual or company. There are various levelsof membership that can be had. Most Chambers offeran executive level membership that includesexclusive meetings between a more elite level ofbusiness people. When looking for this type ofprospect, you can often gain access to them byjoining at this level. The problem you might haveis actually paying for this level or attending thefunctions as they are provided.I and many other experts on networking recommendanyone who networks to be a member of severalgroups. This should include a Chamber of Commerce.Keep this in mind when considering a Chamber ofCommerce. If you are involved in your communityin other business networking organizations likethe Rotary Club, a local Merchant's association,or smaller networking group, you might want to

consider joining a Chamber of Commerce in anotherpart of town. This will make you a part of thatcommunity as well and open the doors to increasedprospects and opportunities.In any event, you should always attend a Chamberof Commerce function in any area several times andfind out what types of assistance they can offerfor the growth of your type of business. Do notjoin any group just for the sake of joining a group.Find out what types of members attend thefunctions that are offered to determine theamount of exposure you will have to your targetprospect.When you attend a Chamber of Commerce meeting forthe first time, look for the most popular personin the room, the one who everyone seems to wantto talk to and get to know them first. This wayyou will make faster connections to the rest ofthe group. Often the leaders of the group can helpyou to get in the mix quicker.

Look for people who do what you do and analyzetheir strengths and weaknesses for opportunitiesto build alliances with them. If they have beena member for a long time, it is likely that theyhave most of the business in their industry atthis point in time. It is hard to compete in suchcircumstances, so try an alliance before you bangyour head against the wall trying to compete orjust giving up.Chambers of Commerce have been around for manyyears and there are all types, including minorityand international. Be sure to visit many beforedeciding which to join and your membershipdollars will serve you better.