13 Types of Networking Groups

Not all networking groups are created equal.

I'm not saying that one type is necessarily better than any other type, but they are not equal in the sense that there is a difference in the rules of engagement and the expected returns on investment (i.e., of time, energy and money spent).

By my count, there are the 3 categories and 13 specific types of networking groups.

The three categories are as follows:

1. Face-to-Face Business Networking Groups
2. Business Cocktail Mixers
3. Local Chambers of Commerce

When you add up all of the specific types of networking groups that fall under the above three categories, you'll have thirteen specific networking groups.

Let's continue.

Face-to-Face Networking Groups

• Business Cocktail Mixers (e.g., various groups on Meetup.com)
• Bottom Line Business Networking Groups (e.g., Business Network International; Le Tip; and Leads Club)
• Local Chambers of Commerce

Advocacy Groups

• Community Groups (e.g., Parents Teachers Association; Civic Associations; and Community Boards)
• Faith-based Organizations (e.g., Churches; Synagogues; Mosques; and Temples)
• Trade Associations (e.g., National Association of Public Accountants; and the National Court Reporters Association)
• Women's Groups (e.g., various hybrids like Mothers Against Drunk Drivers; or the National Organization for Women)
• Cultural Organizations (e.g., Various ethnic clubs)
• Political Clubs (e.g., Republican Club; Green Party)
• Special Interest Groups (e.g., Sierra Club; People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals)

Virtual Networking Groups

• Speed Networking Over the Phone Groups (Specifically, BlitzTime)
• Video Chat Networking Groups (e.g., Web Cam Pitch Party)
• Online Referral Exchange Marketplaces (e.g., Salesconx; and ReferQuest)

I recommend that serious networkers join 2 face-to-face business networking groups, 1 advocacy group, and 2 virtual groups. However, don't join more than one of the same type. Feel free to contact me with any comments or questions.

The Pocket Stick for Self Defense

This is a business blog but if someone attacks you and tries to liberate your property or life force from you, and you can't defend yourself or your property, well, you're SOL (i.e., "so outta luck")

In this fast-paced, at times dangerous world, it is better to be prepared for something and not need it, rather than need something and not be prepared. This is how it is when it comes to violent confrontations. Hey, most people are law-abiding citizens who will not try to hurt their fellow citizens, but then you have the bullies and jerks.

In my experience as a martial artist, most fights or assaults are not "fair". Usually someone attacks someone doesn't want to fight, or a person is caught off-guard/ambushed. Also, some sort of a weapon is used against an unarmed opponent, or it is many people against one person (i.e., someone got "jumped"). Again, this is not gospel as I leave the gospel to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, but that has been what I've seen.

Well, you don't want to carry an illegal weapon like some of the exotic martial arts weapons or some knives. With knives, you especially want to leave them alone if you don't know how to properly use them!

Oh my. What to do?

Something that looks non-threating that you can carry around in your coat pocket or purse is the Yawara, also known as the Pocket Stick.

Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to introduce David Bunch (a.k.a., Sensei Buddha) demonstrating and explaining the use of this weapon.



This weapon is less-than-lethal and legal to carry, but as demonstrated by Sensei Buddha, it can be a devastating. What I like about this weapon is that when I show it to some people, they laugh at it. Well, he who laughs last laughs best, right? Also, a Yawara can really mess up your smile. Kind of hard to have a picture-perfect smile when you're missing a couple of teeth.

When looking for that extra edge, forget about mace and other dangerous weapons that may backfire on you and learn how to use the Yawara--the Pocket Stick.

To learn more about Sensei Buddha, visit his website at www.BuddhaStrike.com.