What Networking Group to Join?

Networking Groups are great for small businesses or franchises to 'get the word out' and share marketing ideas with other local business people. These can be joined in addition to your Chamber of Commerce but it's best to be a member of only one networking group (plus the Chamber). When you join be sure you can attend most of the meetings and the meeting time is set aside on your schedule. The more people that attend each session the more chances you have to exchange leads and get marketing information.

Now, what group should you join? I like the ones that are more local and the group uses ALL the dues for that group. The national networking groups like BNI send most of the dues to a home office and very little stays in the local area. I don't see the home office doing anything to benefit the local group for all that money that leaves town. The dues are also higher because of that and if you don't get a lot of quick leads you could have used that extra money elsewhere. So do your research before you join and decide where you will get the most for for the dues you will pay.

Barry is a business and franchise coach, www.idealetter.com