By Patrick D Lewis
Networking groups are more popular than ever. Due to the challenged economy and lack of jobs, small business and entrepreneurship is on the rise. I call it the "small business explosion". Companies with many have shrunk down to a few. The lack of opportunity in Corporate America has presented many with an opportunity to "pursue their passion" and exercise their entrepreneurial spirit. Either way, they have hit the networking scene to find potential customers, build relationships and spread the word about their business.
With networking groups growing in size, it becomes more challenging to get to get to the right people and maximize your time. I see too many people at these events wandering around without a plan and not making the most of their time, which is limited. Business networking is not just meeting people and exchanging cards. Business networking is about connecting and starting meaningful, mutual relationships. Some get caught in their "comfort zone", spending too much time with people they know because it is comfortable. Networking groups are not social events, they are work. In order to make a networking event successful, meaning making connections with people and establishing a mutually beneficial business relationship, you need to have a strategy and step out of your comfort zone.