Working Your Network

It’s not what you know it’s WHO you know that will help you get by in life. Whether you’re looking for a new job or employee networking is the best way to make things happen.

With an abundance of networking groups throughout the country, there’s no reason you can’t find one that fits your needs. Read on to find out about some of the various types of networking organizations that you should look into.

Business Network International (BNI) - The largest business networking organization in the world, BNI is a group where members share what they are working on and let referrals flow in from other members of the group. With weekly meetings and an exclusive membership (only one person per profession is allowed to join each local group), BNI is a great opportunity to get help on your latest projects.

Professional Trade Organizations – There’s at least one professional networking group for every profession, whether you’re a chiropractor, accountant or actor. Some groups even target specific people in the industry such as the Association for Women Journalists or National Society of Black Engineers. If you want to find other professionals within your field, check out one of these.

Fraternities and Sororities

– You make think these are just excuses for 20 year-olds to get wasted and experiment but they actually serve as a very powerful networking tool. Each collegiate group brings in anywhere from 5 – 100 members a school year, thus allowing the organization to grow. Many members remain active post graduation and are willing to connect with other members for professional and personal reasons.

Alumni Networks – Every high school, college and university has one. The best part about this network is you don’t need to sign up, once you receive your diploma, you’re officially entered alum status and can relate to millions of people in the workforce. Becoming an official member of an alumni network will definitely help, as most of them host networking events and send out mass communications to members thus allowing you to check in and see where your former colleagues are and they can help you (or you can help them)!

If all else fails, stick with your social networking sites such as Facebook.com, MiGente.com, GirlfriendsGetTogether.net, or LinkedIn.com.