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.

Automate Follow-up and Get More Done

A lot of us home-based entrepreneurs still have a full-time job. That sure does make growing one's business kind of difficult. However, difficult is not impossible. Especially in 2010 and beyond.

After reading books like Tim Ferris' The 4-Hour Work Week and Scott Fox's e-Riches 2.0, and joining great online communities like The Perfect Biz Finder and Click Millionaires, I picked up a couple of ideas on how to automate your initial contact and follow-up.

I discuss a few of them in the below video.

Check out the video and click through the links for more information on these free and low-cost services.



RECOMMENDED RESOURCES

• GetResponse
• uReach
• Phonevite
• Send Out Cards
• Ping.fm
• Post Scheduler
• Desk Ping

Let me know how these tools work out for you.

Let's NOT Be Partners, Okay?

Glenn Garnes is a sought after speaker and trainer on a variety of topics relating to business relationships, including partnerships. Voted as "America's Most Influential Business Connector" at the U.S. Small Business Conference, Glenn has positioned himself as an authority on building quality business relationships. Glenn's book, Let's Not Be Partners, Things You Must Do Before You Tie the Knot ('not')! lays out a simple, but effective process for making better partner choices, and achieving more in business.

I had the opportunity and pleasure of interviewing Glenn on Tuesday, December 8th, 2009. Wow! What an info-packed interview that was. Here are some of the things Glenn touched on:

• How to determine if you need a partner
• How to choose the right people for the right reasons * How to structure your relationship to maximize effectiveness
• The importance of structuring your deal in writing
• What to do if you're already in a bad relationship

Folks, I've got to tell you, I so wish that I spoke to Glenn before I started my last two companies. I've made a lot of the mistakes that Glenn discussed on the call. Ever been in church and feel like the preacher was speaking to you? Well, that is how I felt when I was interviewing Glenn!

Here is the interview.




Make sure to visit Glenn's website at www.GlennGarnes.com.

All the best,

It's How Much You KEEP That Counts!

Daniel Stoica, Accounting Consultant, helps you explore and discover your passion and turn it into a successful business, as this is his passion. "Minimizing your tax liability and maximizing your net worth at the same time by providing you with professional accounting and tax preparation services" is his profession. He goes beyond his own expertise and uses the resources of his professional network to meet the needs of his clients. He is incredibly passionate about helping others.

I have to tell you, bookkeeping, accounting, and taxes and the like are not the most exciting topics, but when you don't have a seasoned professional like Daniel on your side, you can really lose your shirt - or more!

Sometimes, it is not about how much you earn, but how much you keep that counts.

In the Tuesday, November 24th, 2009 podcast I did with Daniel, here are some of the topics we discussed:

• Where you should be spending your hard-earned dollars
• What you should not be spending money on
• What the best business structure is for your business
• How taxes can really add up depending on the nature of your business
• Some of the the deductions that home-based entrepreneurs qualify for
• And a lot more!

This was a general accounting overview and Daniel has agreed to visit with us again to focus on specific aspects of accounting and taxes to optimize your profits.

To listen to the 60-minute interview that is certainly a must-listen to, click on the player below.



David is based in Chicago and his website is www.DanielStoica.com

All the best,

Big Los of the Urban Comedy Series

Carlos Gonzalez (aka "Big Los") is the owner and operator of Los Entertainment. His company organizes and promotes urban comedy shows and dance parties. He has been creating quality entertainment events since the early 1990s. Some big urban comedy names like Ruperto Vanderpool, Rob Stapleton, Freddie Ricks, and "The Gangsta of Comedy", Capone have graced the stage at his events. Join us for this show to learn how Big Los has been able to stay in the fore-front of bringing quality urban comedy and entertainment for more than 15 years.

Los's events are recession-proof - they only cost $10. That is a sweet deal! You get a buffet, live comedy, and slamming dance party.

Check out Los' website at to stay abreast of his upcoming events -

Here is an interview I did with Big Los on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009:



If you're into urban comedy and you're in the NYC tri-state area, you definitely want to check out Big Los' events. His website is http://www.myspace.com/losentertainment007.

See you at the party!

Laughing out loud,

Pick the Right Biz for YOU

Wow...

A lot of people want to start their own business but don't know where to start. I don't mean how to start making money but how to get started at square one by actually picking a business. Hopefully, an entrepreneur picks the right business. Not the right business according to me or anyone else. But what is the right business according to that entrepreneur. Even if you are the already operating a business, perhaps you can maximize your fun and profits by taking on a different function within the business.

This is where Steve Little comes in. Steve Little is the President of Zero Limits, Inc. He is truly a renaissance man. He has been an entrepreneur since 13, he's a champion athlete, and has made tens of millions of dollars and he's still going! He's been rocking and rolling as a successful entrepreneur for more than 40 years now. Steve’s mentoring has helped hundreds of people to break the barriers sabotaging their success and have created their dream life as a result. He has put his knowledge into a program called The Perfect Biz Finder. What it does is help you find your perfect business in 21 days or less. Step by step resources and blog take you by the hand and show you the perfect business that is genetically matched to your DNA.

You can take a free psychoanalytic survey (valued at $297) on his site at www.PickTheRightBizForYou.com.

Check out this 45-minute interview that I did with Steve on Tuesday, November 10th, 2009. You have GOT TO give this a listen.



Make sure to bookmark Steve's site and to take the survey. He has some exciting announcements in the weeks ahead.

To your success,