Networking Critical Mass

Look at my tags for this post on networking – advertising – branding – events – public relations – strategy – they all apply to getting out and involved.

Reading Mary Gottschalk’s Guest Opinion in this week’s Business Record about no-pressure networking reminded me of the power of relationships. I’ve been fortunate to build strong relationships across the business community through my passions of bike racing, running and triathlons. It helps me find a peer group to have a good time with, but also bounce business and networking ideas as well. Go where the rest of the business people are is the subtle advice – if they run – run with them.

Run with the leaders, influencers and connectors.

It also stimulated a brainstorm of how to add value to networking events.

I’ve been a regular at the Downtown Council presented by the Des Moines Downtown Chamber of Commerce meetings for almost a year now and call it my mega-networking meeting. Not only do I get the opportunity to socialize, but I meet important new people who can help drive the marketing and business development functions.

What can you do to add value to meetings like this? Consider volunteering and inviting others to participate. If you become an advocate and evangelist, others will definitely notice. Do you have a skill set you’d like to develop? Unleash it and see what you can do to build on that networking critical mass.

Once you’ve got it started, then apply the magic to other groups in the community and you’re bound to be noticed.

Check out the Des Moines Downtown Chamber of Commerce and upcoming Downtown Council meetings on Facebook.