Defining your purpose for joining a group.

When you make the decision to join a group, you should make sure that you have a clear understanding of what you would like to gain from the group. If you are there for business only, then you should make sure that you have as much to give others as you expect to get from the group. Business purposes are genuinely straight forward and nothing else will get in the way. If, on the other hand, you are there to develop your social skills and gain good relationships with the other members then you should make time to get to know the members first before you join. Socializing is not usually a big part of leads groups but you can make it your focus. If you want to have lasting relationships built through such an organizations, then you should endeavor to provide information, insights and leads to others in the group. This is the best way to gain their business.

Another great reason for joining a group could be to hone your leadership skills. You can show others that you know how to work with people and therefore would be a good person to do business with. You have to remember that when you are new to a group, others do not know who you are and you have not proven your skills as a product or service provider. If you choose to be a leader in the group then you should take care to provide excellent service first and then be a part of the leadership team.

So why should you become involved? You should look at the three distinctive areas: business only, socialization, and finally leadership.

Making the decision on which group to join is not the easiest task but it will not be the last decision you make. Each group has a leadership team and committee that require volunteers. The best way to get to know other members is to volunteer to do something for the group. They will certainly have the opportunity to get to know you better.

Bette Daoust, Ph.D. has been networking with others since leaving high school years ago. Realizing that no one really cared about what she did in life unless she had someone to tell and excite. She decided to find the best ways to get people's attention, be creative in how she presented herself and products, getting people to know who she was, and being visible all the time. Her friends and colleagues have often dubbed her the "Networking Queen". Blueprint for Networking Success: 150 ways to promote yourself is the first in this series. Blueprint for Branding Yourself: Another 150 ways to promote yourself is planned for release in 2005. For more information visit http://www.BlueprintBooks.com