network

I’ve removed this from my list because I think I’ve got this down now. Considering the fact that I created and run two networking groups, and belong to several others, this is something I don’t need to track on 43T

Ive now experienced groups that are “leads based” and “industry exclusive” and I am so glad that I created a group that’s soooo different than that. I can’t believe I started my group almost a year ago!

I think I am starting to get int a groove now. Some months I would wonder what our topic would be. Right now, I have too many ideas and I have every thing planned out all the way through January!

I’m in a couple of other worthwhile groups and occasionally I will go to other meetings and events. I’ve met some interesting people…in some cases, that’s a good thing. In others…

I feel weird yay-ing myself, but oh well.

So I created a networking group for l.a. area small business owners. the first meeting was in january and there was a small turnout, but for the first meeting AND the fact that they all signed up online – I’m just happy anyone showed up!

well, we had our second meeting this past wednesday night, this time on the west side of los angeles. About 14 people showed up. it was great. Everyone seemed really excited and interesting and I got some amazing feedback. It was a great success, so that was pretty exciting.

This is probably the goal I am having the most success with lately. And I have no complaints with that!

I decided to form my own networking group – The Los Angeles Small Business Owners Group (and any of you in SoCal are welcome to contact me if you want to join!!!!!!). We had our first meeting on the 24th of January. I was afraid that no one would show (I had an experience where I put together a group of people before, all of them people who found out about the group and signed up through the internet) and had only one person show, though at least 7 said they would. But this time, 13-16 people said they’d show. The time of the meeting hit and I was still alone. But slowly they trickled in and 6 people showed. I was pretty thrilled. They all seemed like people who were really interested in the group and would be dedicated.

I’ve scheduled our next meeting on the other side of town in the hopes that people who didnt want to drive to the first meeting will show. A bunch of people said they’d go if the meeting was closer to where they live. This could be a bunch of bull, but I’m willing to try it out.

Also, I joined a networking group exclusively for female business owners. The organizer of the group is great and has a lot of excellent ideas. She has a client she is going to introduce me to who might be able to provide me with several leads. Also, she’s going to help me create some brochures, possibly put together some video presentations, and give me some time on a podcast she’s going to to do. She’s also developing a newsletter and I’ve finished 3 articles and have 4 or 5 more in progress.

Another member of that group has already provided me with a lead and another has told me about another great advertising opportunity.

So, so far, so good!

So, I’ve been working on networking for my business. I have been posting on CL as usual. But I also decided to post in the “Barter” section to see if I could get some help in the areas I need (web design, logo design, legal advice, marketing advice, etc etc).

Yesterday, a guy emailed me. He needs help getting organized. He happens to be a software pro and might trade my services for help with my website. Then today I got an email from a women who needs help getting organized as well. We were talking on the phone tonight… she happens to live close to me and might be able to help me out with several things. She’s totally a “pay it foward” kind of person.

So far, so good. I’m excited!

In general there are many areas in which I’d like to network and meet more people:

Quakers
People interested in the idea of simplicity
Pacifists
Professional Organizers
Small Business owners/entreprenuers (god,Im sure i spelled that wrong).
People in LA with similar interests as me
Professionals I can get affiliated with so we can refer each others services
Writers
and many many others.

So, any ideas on how I can start??

Any of my 43 pals out there on the LinkedIn network?

I think this site is really great. I joined in summer of ‘05 and haven’t utilized it to it’s full potential. I’m currently looking for a new job and also looking for clients for a business I’m trying to start up.

I always hear that networking is a great way to make things happen. My network is so small. I’d like to expand it and utilize LinkedIn more. I know what it’s like to wish “god, I wish I knew more people!” so I’d love to help out others as well.