The 7 Different Business Networks

Have you ever wondered where you might network? For business people there are so many different networks available that sometimes it's a challenge to know where your time would be best spent.
Here's a list of 7 different types of business networks, with a couple of suggestions to help determine which ones may suit you best.
1. Casual Contact Networks are networks like your local Board of Trade. Generally speaking members get together monthly and mingle socially. Many people from various professions attend. This type of network gives you the opportunity to become a visible business person in your community.
2. Strong Contact Networks meet weekly and limit the number of business people to one person per business category. The purpose for meeting is to refer each other business. BNI is this type of network and the value lies in the fact that you will get business and develop powerful long-term relationships by participating in this kind of network.
3. Community Service Clubs do exactly that, serve their communities. An organization like Rotary is an excellent example. In this network you have the chance to give something back to your community and generate positive PR.
4. Professional Associations exist to for the exchange of information and ideas. they are industry specific and give you the tools to ensure that the knowledge you share with your clients is accurate and recent. The value in this network is it builds your confidence as a professional in your field.
5. Social Business Groups are more casual in nature. They may meet less frequently and participants are people who share a common interest. Meetup.com lists many of these special interest groups. Networks like this are perfect if you're new to networking as they offer an excellent platform to home your networking skills.
6. Women's and Ethnic Organizations are very diverse in their structure and make up. They tend to offer education and professional development as well as networking. They're offer a supportive way to develop a network of contacts.
7. Online/Social Media Networks are ideal to build your brand and your credibility with the people you are connected to. Business relationships don't necessarily start here but can be supported here. These networks can be an excellent resource for cataloguing your accomplishments to build credibility with new relationships.
One of the most important skills in developing a profitable business network is to decide what you want to accomplish and then choose to fully participate in the network that best meets your objective.
For more about successful networking, I recommend reading the World's Best Known Marketing Secret, by Dr. Ivan Misner.