How to Find the Best Networking Group

Finding the best networking group depends on many factors.  One great question to ask yourself is “What do I want to get out of a networking group I join?”  Being able to answer this question can not only help you find the best networking group for you but also avoid those which won’t benefit you at all.

If you are like me, I’ve been burned while out meeting other professionals in the area.  And for a long time, even hearing the word “networking group” made me shudder.  The purpose of this article is to help you avoid the downsides of joining the wrong networking group. 

Networking Nightmares

Some networking nightmares I’ve experienced include

1. Being hit on and even stalked at my place of residency.
2. Being offered money to “date” someone. *gross*
3. Having money stolen from me.
4. Being sexually assaulted by someone I networked with for YEARS.
5. Joining a group, spending countless hours in meetings and face-to-face meetings with members, and not receiving a single referral despite passing referrals regularly.

I know I know.  Networking is about giving and adding value.  But honestly, business is business and as a professional, I need to evaluate where I spend my time and what activities provide me with the most ROI.

What Are You Wanting to Get Out of Networking?

First and foremost, there are different kinds of networking groups.  There are

Chambers of Commerce

Religious Organizations

Professional Networking Groups

Social Networks and Circles

Charitable Organizations

Industry-Specific Networks and

Hobby-Related Groups to name a few.

For this article, we are discussing strictly professional networking groups.  There are TONS of networking groups out there and some are going to work better for you than others.

If you are looking to get more referrals out of networking, there are referral marketing groups available in your area.  What I have found, however, is that not all of them work.  This is why We&Co was launched, but I digress!

If you are looking to get more referrals while building relationships, then it’s important to be discerning between the different networking groups. 

How Do I Find the Best Networking Group for Me?

Picking the best networking group for you is essential for career success.  Asking yourself the following questions can help you determine if a networking group is right for you:

What are the time commitments?

Some networking groups meet weekly while others meet bi-monthly or monthly.  The question you are really wanting to answer is whether you can commit to the networking group meeting days and times.

Can I commit to the rules?

Some groups have more relaxed rules and expectations than other groups.  While there is nothing inherently wrong with this, we find that having systems and rules in place actually helps the members make more money while holding them to a higher standard.

How long have the other members been a part of the group?

While every group is going to have new members, talking and visiting with some of the more senior members may be beneficial.  You can ask them why they’ve chosen to stay for so long, what value they’ve received from it, etc.

Are there industries like mine in the group?

If you are thinking about joining a construction-based networking group, but your business is tutoring kiddos, you may want to rethink joining that networking group.  Sure, you may get some referrals, but it may not be worth your time and money to join.

Do I have the same target audience as the group or at least some members in the group?

One of the things we do in We&Co is find out a potential member’s target audience and invite them to visit a Huddle that has the same target audience.  Naturally, we make sure there is no industry overlap in the Huddle we invite them to.  We don’t want two realtors to join the same residential real estate group!  We would love a realtor to check out a networking group with a P&C insurance professional, a mortgage lender, a title company, a home inspector, etc.

Do I have a friend in the group?

While you may not have a friend upon initially joining, it would serve you in the long run to make a work bestie.  Not only does this boost morale, but referrals are more easily passed between friends!

What’s the value?

I’ve been to groups that act more like a social club than a professional network, and I’ve been in groups that are 100% pure business.  A better question would be “what value do I want to get out of the group and does this networking group provide that value?”

Does the networking group pass a lot of referrals?

Personally, I love being a resource for other professionals.  I pass a lot of referrals to colleagues, friends, family, and other professionals.  However, ensuring that I, too, receive referrals is also important.  I have a business and I want to make sure I stay in business!

What is the culture of the group?

Each networking group and chapter has its’ own culture.  Is the culture in alignment with what it is you are looking for in a networking group?

Are the group’s values in alignment with my own?

I’ve experienced a lot of different networking groups, and ensuring your values are aligned is critical for success.  Do you conduct your business in a way that is legal, ethical, and moral?  If so, joining a group that doesn’t uphold this may hinder your career success and growth.

Are there other members in the group I can refer to regularly?

We all want to be of value and ensuring that you can bring value to the group is essential for your long-term success.  This is integral in finding the best networking group for you and your business.

Are there systems in place to ensure accountability?

There are several different types of networking groups, and I have found that for me personally, the best networking group for me has systems in place that keep me accountable.  I want to pass a minimum number of referrals every year, I want to be of value, and I want to reach my goals.  Finding a group that has this is an important part of my success and the success of the group!

What are the costs to join beyond simply the membership fee?

Joining a networking group means considering time cost, meals (if applicable), coffee, gas, and time out of the office.  What are ALL the costs of joining a particular networking group?

How big is the networking chapter or group?

Some professionals want to join a group with at least 50 or more members, and others want just 5-10 of their ideal referral partners that they refer to regularly.  Finding the best networking group is up to you!

After answering these questions, you can more readily decide whether a networking group is right for you or not.  The cost of joining the wrong networking group can cost you more than time and money, it could cost you relationships too (take our word for it)!

About We&Co and The We&Co Huddles

We&Co is a professional co-oping & professional networking business that was founded in Springfield, Missouri in July of 2020.  While there are many professional networking groups in and around the United States, We&Co focuses on creating small industry-specific groups with five to ten professionals who all have the same target audience but offer different products and services.

In essence, professionals come to us when they want to save time while making more money.  These industry-specific groups are pods of professionals who are dedicated to growing their own and their respective members’ books of business.  If we’re completely honest, we aren’t for everyone.  We were created for those professionals who, in the words of Patrick Lencioni, are humble, hungry, and smart.

These small groups of referral partners (called “Huddles) meet up twice a month for an hour and talk strategy on how to become that one-stop-shop for their clients.  If you are a professional who is interested in joining or launching your own We&Co co-op (or “Huddle” as we like to call them), feel free to shoot us an email at info@weandco.org and a representative will get back to you shortly!