15 Best Business Networking Groups To Belong To In 2022
Business networking means building mutual relationships with other business people.
Its benefits are mainly the intangible gains formed from the communication you establish with other professionals or industries.
Establishing a strong network is truly the right key to business and professional success.
However, finding the right people to connect with isn't easy for most people, especially those who are more conservative in business.
We help you find the best business networking groups to belong to while you run or start your business .
We've rounded up the different types of professional networking groups for all business niches. By joining them, you will greatly boost your business or improve your career.
What is Business Networking?
Business networking is the act of building a mutual relationship with other professionals like potential clients or clients.
Often it is the networking efforts of a business owner and customers that yield the most results, especially in small businesses.
In another way, business networking refers to meeting other business owners, potential suppliers, or other experienced professionals, to help you grow your business.
Networking gives you a pool of experts that range from competition to customers and allows you to offer them something. Hopefully in exchange for their services, advice, knowledge or contacts.
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How does business networking work?
Networking events or local business lunches give you the opportunity to meet others in similar circumstances as you work to grow your business.
These events are usually organized with the aim of showcasing new concepts and methods in use while providing a platform for local entrepreneurs to meet and exchange ideas.
When you meet someone, be sure to exchange business cards and then follow up by discussing any points or topics that came up in the conversations you had with that person.
After a few conversations, you may be able to talk about the issues you are facing.
By opening chats first, you may be able to start exchanging information, seeking acquaintances, or exchanging business contacts.
Most business people are optimistic and positive. Regular association with these people can be a great morale boost, especially in the difficult initial phases of a new venture.
You will find that many, if not all, business owners have experienced similar proof of ownership.
Not only do you need to attend your networking group meetings regularly, but you also need to be prepared to offer something of value to the group.
Therefore, choose the network medium that best suits your needs.
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Types of Business Networking
Business networking is basically of different types, depending on your business niche.
An event planner and a digital marketer may not have the same type of business network due to their respective niches.
Therefore, getting the right type of business networking group to join is very important for the success of your business or career.
Here are the different types of business networks:
Networking groups
Business seminars
social media network
Professional Affiliations
community service club
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What are the benefits of business networking?
Developing relationships as a business owner and offering help to others does more than just bring you leads or generate referrals.
Networking helps you identify opportunities for partnerships, joint ventures or new areas of expansion for your business.
In addition, professional networks can allow you to promote yourself or keep up to date with the latest trends or technologies in your industry.
A network can also provide you with professional mentors or contacts who could help you with any issues you need help with.
For example, if your company needs the services of an accountant, accountant or lawyer, you can find the perfect candidate through your network.
If your business is in need of equity financing, you may be able to find an angel investor or venture capitalist through networking groups.
Networking is great for expanding your knowledge by tapping into the perspectives and past experiences of others.
For example, if you are considering exporting your product or service, you may be able to get valuable advice from someone else who has done similar business internationally.
15 Best Business Networking Groups To Belong To In 2021
Networking groups bring together like-minded individuals who hope to advance their business by cultivating new strategic relationships.
Not only can your network help you reach more potential customers, but it can also help take your business to the next level as a small business owner or freelance professional.
But how do you build a professional network beyond your existing contacts?
Small business networking groups can bridge the gap by bringing together entrepreneurs who want to advance their business.
Of course, not all network groups are the same, and not all groups are suitable for all small businesses.
Here are 15 of the best networking organizations for small business owners, both online and offline.
#1. BNI – International Business Networking
BNI is one of the largest business networking groups in the world.
Basically, they operate on the giver gain philosophy. This means that the more referrals you give to other members, the more referrals will be returned to you.
Your BNI membership is designed to develop lasting relationships that deepen and evolve through their core value - Givers Gain®.
Each member of your referral network contributes to your success and you to theirs.
Your BNI membership gives you access to mentors, other professionals, and a host of courses through our exclusive learning center, BNI Business Builder, to help you build your skills and confidence.
Plus, you'll benefit from the power of a global support team to help you grow.
Now more than ever, building trusting relationships is critical to business success.
Register
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#2. Chamber of Commerce
Your local chamber of commerce is a great place to start.
These exist almost everywhere, so the chances of you having access to them are pretty good. There are a variety of chapters in different regions, cities and towns.
Most cities have one, so you can start networking no matter where you live or what other business networking groups may or may not be available.
The Chamber of Commerce is a more community-based networking group. The number of members varies from a dozen members to tens of thousands.
Depending on the size of your room, there will be plenty of networking opportunities.
While every chamber of commerce is different, many offer small business networking events, mentoring opportunities, and other tools to help you grow your business.
Subscriptions are affordable and I'm confident you'll get the net benefits they provide.
Register
#3. Brain Networking Group
Getting involved in a mastermind group doesn't just limit you to business matters.
The main goal here is to motivate, share diverse viewpoints and help with the available skills members have within the group.
Additionally, MasterMind groups bring people together around a common goal or set of shared goals, such as a better business.
Additionally, MasterMind Groups allow you to tap into other perspectives, gain support for achieving your goals, and create a level of accountability for taking action to achieve them.
In a Mastermind group, they have the opportunity to brainstorm and get instant feedback and suggestions.
They can cultivate an inner camaraderie and hold each other accountable for setting and achieving goals.
You can find more information about Brains Group here.
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#4. The board
TheCouncil is the oldest and most trusted business networking group in the world.
Lead generation and word of mouth are LeTip's strengths.
This organization aims to cultivate strong business relationships and provide many networking opportunities.
The LeTip website also offers a wealth of additional resources for you to peruse so you can get an idea of what this group is all about.
More importantly, LeTip reduces competition by inviting only one representative from each industry to the chapter.
Business advice is given in an environment without competition.
Show your value and be part of a golden circle that generates leads.
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#5. international rotary club
Rotary Club International is not a traditional contact group.
Rather, it is a global service organization focused on hyperlocal projects.
However, it tends to attract many entrepreneurs who want to give back to their community, which can be a great place to meet like-minded small business owners.
The Rotary Club is not strictly a group of business contacts, it is much more than that. The goal of this cooperative is to promote positive change in local communities while developing strong leadership skills.
Different chapters exist all over the world, so access shouldn't be a problem.
Through Rotary, you will gain hands-on experience in changing local economies, as well as personal growth as an active member of society.
Doing something for a good cause will connect you with other people who are motivated to positively impact the world.
In this way, great personal and professional relationships are born that will have a lasting impact on life and work.
If you prefer to build your own network while helping your community thrive, Rotary may be the right choice for you.
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#6. Young Entrepreneur Council
This business networking group is for entrepreneurs only and is strictly by invitation.
To qualify as a potential candidate in this pool, you must meet certain criteria.
The Young Entrepreneur Council gives you access to a wealth of resources that can help you promote your business and a quality list of potential candidates to network with.
You can access and communicate with thousands of YEC members, as well as view upcoming events through the mobile app.
It is one of the most exclusive business networking groups.
Register
#7. American Marketing Association
The American Marketing Association is one of many business networking groups you may want to join.
You cannot run a successful business without a proper marketing approach.
Whether you work for a large marketing company or run your own business, marketing will play a huge role in your ability to succeed.
The American Marketing Association is here to introduce you to marketing prodigies and successful entrepreneurs.
There's no better way to learn than to interact with those who have risen to the top of your industry; this is where the AMA shines.
Build new relationships with innovators and advocacy experts who will make you an extraordinary marketer.
Register
#8. LinkedIn
The giant of virtual networks is LinkedIn. LinkedIn is an online business networking group.
It is a social media platform like no other that is meant to connect budding professionals and industry veterans all over the world.
Recently, LinkedIn has become a great place to connect with other professionals online as it has over 600 million users, 165 million of which are in the United States alone.
Whereas it used to be a place to just create a profile. Which could work more like a CV, LinkedIn has become a platform where many people are active every day.
You can connect with up to 30,000 other users, join groups, follow threads, send private messages, post articles and much more.
You can also search for connections using a number of filters, including job type, location, and industry.
Similar to other social platforms, there is a News Feed where you can share content related to your business and interact with updates from others.
Once your profile is established on the platform, you will be able to market your business, promote yourself and your skills, build professional relationships or join specialized groups.
It's a space where you can grow your network, establish authority in your industry, meet new people, and form meaningful relationships.
Registration is free – you have nothing to lose, but a lot to gain.
Register
#9. Facebook groups
Although you can usually use Facebook to check updates from family and friends, you can use it as a place for professional networking.
If you use Facebook, you will know that more and more entrepreneurs are creating communities on the platform in the form of Facebook groups.
You can click the icon in the menu bar with three people in a circle to search for groups on Facebook in your industry, location, profession, etc.
Within these groups, there are usually daily messages and conversations related to the purpose of the group.
You can ask questions, give advice, find partners and even find work, although direct mail is often prohibited.
For example, the Facebook Small Business Networking group. it currently has over 90,000 members, publishes an average of over 1,500 posts per month and aims to connect businesses, share knowledge and grow together.
You can find more general and larger groups, as well as very specialized and more intimate groups.
Also, you can search locally, nationally or worldwide. Facebook groups can be a great place to meet new people and grow your network.
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#ten. GOAL
SCORE, the Service Corps of Retired Executives, has been a valuable resource for small businesses for more than half a century.
The organization is a Resource Partner of the US Small Business Administration (SBA) and offers free training and business advice.
You can connect with a mentor through the website (remotely or in person). Similarly, you can find small business networking opportunities and attend local workshops, live webinars, recorded webinars, and on-demand courses.
If you want to share your experience, you can also volunteer.
Over 10,000 volunteers trained to dedicate their time to SCORE and its members.
These volunteers help organize workshops, webinars and one-on-one conferences that will make you much more competitive in the business environment.
SCORE tops the list of the most effective business networking groups.
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#11. Women in Business Networking
If you are a female small business owner, you may want to join the female entrepreneur community.
This international organization offers training workshops as well as digital and face-to-face conventions designed to help women succeed.
The very active community offers plenty of networking opportunities to find referrals and gain valuable support as you grow your business.
Register
#12. organization of entrepreneurs
As the name suggests, the Entrepreneur Organization is exactly a union of driven entrepreneurs and driven businesses working together to achieve greatness.
EO has attracted over 12,000 successful businessmen and women from around the world to share ideas, promote collaboration and support each other.
EO organizes networking events, business conferences and programs to help you grow as an entrepreneur.
You will need to apply if you want to join your local chapter.
Feel free to be part of something big and in no time you will be enjoying the benefits it offers.
Register
#13. Local merchant associations
Many cities have development or merchant associations that focus on growing business districts in different neighborhoods or cities.
If you have a store downtown, your local downtown development association can be a great place to find local business networking opportunities.
Depending on your location and the nature of your business, you may even be able to participate in an existing event. For example, a Friday evening art walk or a monthly farmer's market sponsored by a local association.
Also, depending on where you live and what industry you are in, you may find a local business, merchant, or industry-related association in your community.
For example, if you are a general contractor, there may be a local association that focuses on your trade.
Many of these groups exist and hold weekly or monthly seminars and participants often choose to go out for dinner or drinks afterward.
If you're looking for an easy way to grow your network without the pressure of a few professional networking groups, your local professional association may be the place to start.
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#14. Dating groups
Meetup.com is a massive platform for creating local community groups based on common interest.
An entire section of the site is dedicated to small business networking, listing groups around the world that come together for the sole or primary purpose of networking.
Each group is free to set its own program, times, membership requirements and other details. So you may have to try a few to find the one that works best for you.
Register
#15. CVB
Your local convention and visitor bureau is responsible for serving tourism. So if you don't have a business that also caters to tourists, you may not be a member.
You can join them and stay active, for two reasons:
First, build local business relationships that can generate new business for you.
Second, an improved tourism industry means an improved local economy, which means more profits for you.
Register
Conclusion
In a professional environment, it is essential that we surround ourselves with quality people who stimulate growth and development.
In this sense, a business networking group can help fill this gap.
Networked workgroups come in all shapes and sizes. They are there for you to use as a resource to help you build strategic relationships.
I've compiled a list of networking essentials – an oasis of knowledgeable people who will set you up for success.
References
invoiceberry.com – Networking groups you should join to grow your business
nextinsurance.com – 9 Best Business Networking Groups for New Businesses
business2community.com - Top 10 Business Networking Groups You Should Join
thebalancesmb.com – What is Business Networking?
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