12 Networking Groups Every Small Business Owner Should Join

There are many elements involved in growing a successful business, and getting connected to the right people is a big part of it. Building relationships can help you find new opportunities and accelerate your business growth in a way that you couldn’t have otherwise, especially if you find the right people to surround yourself with.

Most people understand the importance of networking but have no idea where to start. Or they have a skewed idea of what networking actually is. Fortunately, there are many effective and enjoyable ways to network with other business owners.

The right networking group can help you build connections and learn from like-minded individuals. If you’re looking for some ideas, here are 12 networking groups to consider:

Related: 5 Ways to Connect and Network With Other Entrepreneurs

1. Local chamber of commerce

A chamber of commerce is a local group that exists to support its members. You’ll join a chamber of commerce in your city, and the group will advocate for the business community’s needs.

Joining a chamber of commerce is a great way to meet business owners from all different industries. Most of these groups provide resources for business owners, including networking opportunities and the chance to hear from guest speakers.

You can check the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Directory to find your local branch. However, there might be a monthly or annual fee to join, so make sure to plan accordingly.

2. SCORE

If you’re looking for a business mentor, SCORE is a good resource to explore. SCORE has an extensive network of free volunteer mentors and provides workshops, webinars and information on starting a business. The organization is supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

3. Chief

Chief is a networking group focused on supporting women in business, and its membership ranges from Fortune 500 CEOs to successful startup leaders. You don’t always know what you’ll get when you join a networking group, but Chief provides access to a vetted community of professionals.

As a member, you’ll be placed in a peer group that’s facilitated by an executive coach. Members also have access to workshops, member meetups and community groups. If you’re interested in learning more, you can apply for a membership.

4. The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE)

The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) is a group for small business owners and entrepreneurs. NASE provides access to educational resources that are typically only available to larger companies.

For instance, members can receive advice on business law, healthcare and tax management. And if you need capital for your business, NASE provides small business grants and scholarships.

Related: 8 Ways to Get the Most Out of Networking Events

5. Business Networking International (BNI)

Business Networking International (BNI) is a global networking organization with more than 10,000 chapters worldwide focusing on referral business.

When you join, you’ll start building relationships with like-minded individuals and finding opportunities through referral marketing. BNI is especially useful for service-based business owners who rely heavily on referrals. If you want more information about the group, you can look for your local chapter.

6. Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO)

Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) is a peer-to-peer networking group for entrepreneurs. EO was founded in 1987 and currently has over 17,000 members in over 60 countries. The group provides mentor relationships, online networks and local meetup opportunities.

There are two different membership options you can choose from — a local chapter or a bridge chapter. Local chapters host monthly events and forums, while bridge chapters meet quarterly. Bridge chapters, on the other hand, allow you to form regional connections and join interest-based discussions.

7. LinkedIn Groups

If you’re looking for online networking opportunities, you might consider joining a LinkedIn group. LinkedIn groups are a great way to build your network and create professional connections.

You can search for relevant groups directly from the search bar, or you can check the LinkedIn Groups Directory. Start with one or two groups in your industry, and start looking for ways to contribute.

Related: 3 Ways to Creatively Follow Up With People After Networking Events

8. Founders Network

Founders Network is a global mentorship community for tech startup founders. The group has been around since 2011 and currently has over 600 members. You have to request an invitation to join, and you’re only eligible if you’re building a tech startup — service firms aren’t allowed.

As a member, you can take advantage of events and peer mentorship programs or search through years of threads to get your questions answered. The group can also connect you to approach fundraising events or VC mentorship.

9. Startup Grind

Startup Grind mentors founders through the early stages of launching their business — from bootstrapping through Series A rounds. The global group has over 7,000 vetted members in 47 different industries.

As a member, you’ll have access to a private Slack community, monthly calls, local events and yearly conferences. You can search for a local chapter if you’re interested in joining.

10. Alignable

Alignable is a free business networking platform with over nine million members. It’s an excellent option for business owners who want to focus on expanding their networks and generating referrals.

You can start with the free plan, and if you find value, upgrade to one of the three premium plans to take advantage of Alignable 360. The paid plans give you more opportunities to gain visibility within the group.

11. Women in business

Women in Business is an international networking group for female business owners, and unlike Chief, it’s for women at all experience levels. Members can access a community of like-minded women and a monthly group coaching call.

You’ll also receive four foundational training sessions on building your business, which will cover things like branding, promoting your company on social media and pricing strategies. Women in Business also hosts an annual virtual event featuring speakers from all over the world.

12. Rotary Club International

Though not technically a networking group, Rotary Club International can be a good place to meet service-oriented entrepreneurs since it’s popular among business leaders. Rotary is a global network with more than 45,000 clubs focused on making a difference in their local communities. As a club member, you’ll also get the opportunity to develop public speaking and event planning skills.

How to network effectively

Networking can be useful for growing your business, but only if you go into it with a strategy. Here are a few tips for networking effectively with other business owners:

• Network online: The easiest way to begin networking is to start online. Networking in LinkedIn groups or on Twitter is free and can be a great way to build authority in your industry.

• Attend in-person events: Networking online is useful, but the best way to build relationships is by meeting face-to-face. Look for relevant events in your industry, like conferences or trade shows. Show up with the goal of meeting and connecting with other professionals in your industry.

• Keep in touch: Anytime you meet someone at a business event, be sure to get their contact information. Having their email address and/or LinkedIn profile will make it easier to follow up with that person later.

• Be selective: Finally, you can’t attend every event or talk to everyone, so your focus should be on quality, not quantity. Spreading yourself too thin will only dilute your efforts, and you can make more of an impact by choosing which networking events you attend strategically.