NETWORLDING

Chicago Networlding Groups

Networlding can be done just about anywhere but here are some groups desgined to bring professionals together.
1. Young Professionals (YPO)
Click Here
This is the link to the Chicago chapter but YPO can be found in just about every major city.
2. University of Chicago Events (GSB) about every three weeks
Check out the calender of events on this site:
Click Here
3. DBM Marketing Group (every other Friday 10:00 - 12:00 p.m.)
4. Lincoln Park Network (if you live in the city)
One of Chicago's oldest networking groups that now serves as a small business resource network.
Click Here
5. The Graduates Club
This is a nationwide business learning and networking organization primarily for business school alumni and other business professionals.
Click Here

Networlding Websites

Here are some great websites to start Networlding:

For Business Development and Career Growth

1. Linked-In
Click Here
2. Six Figure Jobs
Click Here
3. Zoom Info
Click Here

For Career Transition
Marketing Ladder
Click Here

Shifting Gears
Click Here

Linked In

Networlding is about developing mutually beneficial relationships that sometimes must be formed outside of our current circles. In every interaction is the opportunity to make a Networlding connection. The connection may be as random as talking to a stranger at in line at the post office or the interaction could be more thought out like visiting a website such as Linked In.

In this series of post, Melissa will share her favorite places (website or actual locations) to Networld.
Website #1
Linked In - Click Here.
Melissa is a huge fan of this site because it is the first site that has such a large number of executive and most of the Fortune 500 Companies represented with leaders at the senior manager, director and vice president levels. On the site executives share what types of connections they are searching for in their careers. For example, someone might say they are looking for new career opportunities and professionals will share this even if they are happily employed! This means that you can be a "connector" for them, helping them look for opportunities.

Therefore, there would be a big advantage for this person to have you in their network. In the spirit of exchange or reciprocity you can then make a request for them to introduce you to opportunities at their company. You will be surprised by the caliber of people on Linked In. Spend some time on this site.

Melissa will be offering more information on how to get the most out of this and other "best places to network" as the weeks go on.