A networking group such as WN is a gathering of business people and other professionals who meet on a regular basis to socialize, make formal presentations on various topics of interest, or chat with one another about their livelihoods.
Networking groups discuss everything from sales leads to marketing and public relations strategies. For the small business owner, the more informal elements of a networking group—the give-and-take of information and guidance among members can serve as powerful business tools.
A leads group traditionally meets at the same time and place on a weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or yearly basis, to encourage relationship-building. Many groups are comprised of one business professional from a chosen field, eliminating the competition for specific business leads. Restrictions are placed on group membership to ensure it is composed of business professionals who are looking for the same thing and playing by the same rules. (Author: David Sherman)
I appreciate this concise definition of networking group and leads group. I had no idea there were separate names for them. Having started a brand new business I have been bombarded with invitations to “networking” groups, all of which have truly been “leads” groups. They allow only one person per type of business, meetings are very formal and they promote business building but I did not get that feel.
What I am looking for is more of the true networking group where you can talk with peers to find out about business tools, news of our area, challenges of owning a business, and leads (but that is not the be all end all). I think a group that encompasses the business savvy of women to help each other is what I’m looking for, not just formality and lead generation.
Again, thank you for this eye opening article!