Every week, in most local newspapers, there's a group of upcoming gatherings and events listed in the business section.

You'll find these public socials organized by women's, communications, and technology groups that meet for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

The listing tells you the topic to be discussed, the keynote speaker's name, and the cost or telephone number/Email address to learn how much to pay.

I watch these listings because I'm interested in meeting new people with interests similar to my own.

It's healthy for you, as a solo business owner, to mingle with business-minded people who can help you and you can help in return. These individuals have a lot to share, and they have a network of friends in their circle that can prove to be beneficial to your business, and vice versa.

How often do you look for this local list of events?

It's not unusual to review the listings and see nothing of interest, or perhaps an event you wish to attend overlaps with a conference you're scheduled to attend. Both situations happen to me. It's either feast or famine - nothing occurs on any day or everything happens on the same day.

Still, there will be events in the following weeks where conversations connect you with a multitude of people who become long-time friends.

For example, years ago I attended a women's networking meeting at a YWHA (Young Women's Hebrew Association) and met a woman who provided supplies to beauty salons. We connected right away as though we were old friends.

At another group meeting, one the centered around golf for women, I didn't find a connection right away but believed that good friendships would occur in the near future. Nothing ever materialized.

I was in charge of the group's newsletter and provided support and guidance to members at networking sessions. However, it wasn't a good match for me, and I left the group.

Either of these scenarios can occur each time you attend a networking event. Most of all, it's important to review what's happening in your area to expand your connections. Your business deserves and requires this "feeding" on a monthly basis.

Part 2 of Your Guide to Networking - How to Break the Ice

©2009 Shirley George Frazier. All rights reserved.