I am new to the "networking" thing. I am considering a memberhip to help me along, but I am not sure which one would best suit me. I am considering a chamber, Automation Alley, or LBN.
We are a real estate appraisal firm and work for attorneys, legal professionals, insurance companies, mortgage brokers, lenders, and appraisal management companies.
Welcome to the wonderful world of networking. I checked out your website, and it looks like you are a boutique Michigan firm. Congratulations on being here, a lot of folks haven't figured out yet how important networking is.
Chambers, AutoAlley, and LBN all are good organizations, but are very different. The most important thing is to find the right group.
To quantify that; a chamber may have four or twenty four realtors/mortgage/ and other real estate people. Whereas LBN or BNI will only have one per category, one advantage to LBN is that you can have a membership to one chapter, but jump to any other chapter to visit, as long as there is no one in that chapter who does what you do. A chamber will also have many options of different people for you to talk to. Not to say others don't but chambers are better know for networking so usually the " new networkers" will gravitate there, as well as the "O'l boys Club" will be there. This is just my opinion but if you're looking for people in the real estate market, I don't know that Auto Alley is the right venue. Your membership will be pricy, and there will be to many "other" people there. But if you're looking to get into institution like banks and things like that AutoAlley may be able to help. You don't need a membership, just go to the events.
If I were you, I would; take advantage of your free MCC membership, and come to events. visit a few LBN, and BNI chapters to see how you like them check out the REIA Macomb, REIA Oakland and Oakland Business Forum Call Terry Bean and ask him to mentor you in Networking
Here are a few people you can call and feel free to use my name; Keith stonehouse ( title insurance and great networker) , Danielle workman (5 B's Chamber person) , Mary hanser ( LBN coordinator), Drew sygit ( mortgage maven), Adam Davis ( real estate networker/ Oakland business forum), and Josh norber ( short sales group/ real estate networker)
Perhaps before making investments into various chambers, networking groups, etc. drop by a MCC live lunch. You will meet people in the real estate industry at the lunch and can begin building relationships with them. Getting to know a few key people through MCC might help slim down your list of networking investments to those that will work best for you.
Welcome, Jennifer and thanks, Ben, for your response!
As mentioned, I work with LBN and would be happy to share with you (and anyone interested) the benefits of our group. Each chapter has meetings only 2x/month with additional industry exchanges and mixer events. Please call me at 586-764-1429. You can also learn more at www.locbusnet.com
Another practical idea is to visit a group's event/s before you join. It's usually only $5-$10 more, and that way you can get a sense of the group and its "fit" with what you're looking for.
Once you join a group, my advice is to show up to EVERY event. It will take a goodly amount of time (could even be 6 months!) before people will really remember you and truly listen to what you have to say. The more you get to know people in the group one-on-one, the faster this process will go.
And never forget that people are always watching you! So your showing up to every event, the way you speak, the way you comport yourself, and the way you relate to everyone else there all adds up to everyone in the group's sense or experience of you - and that is what will open or close doors to you and your business.
If this sounds too serious, it really isn't. Networking can be the most fun part of your job - it is mine. I love meeting people and getting to know them. I love finding out how I can be of support to them - and (of course) I'm always looking for how they can be of support to me (a la, how can I use their services - NOT how can I get them to be a client). I have met some very dear friends through networking. I hope you do, too!
I am preparing for our semi-annual conference in Houston...I will be out of town until next week. Once I return & get settled, I will come out & meet you great folks!
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