Networking group for other small business owners

[Kyle]

I thought it would be a great idea to start a networking group for small business owners comprised of primarily people I know from high school, other social media outlets, as well as my own connections from my everyday business. I attended one networking meeting, but the group just was not a good fit for me. I've decided to set out on my own and try to start one. It is great as a small business owner to surround yourself with other small business owners. Everyone can learn from each other and making new contacts (or reconnecting with old ones), is something that can greatly benefit you, your company, and others around you. I want to start by having a monthly lunch or dinner with everyone. My hope is that we can grow the membership as large as possible so that everyone can make as many connections as needed to grow their business and help others to grow theirs! Please join me on this venture to see how far reaching it can really be! If you are interested, please contact me or post a link to your facebook and I will add you to the group.

[DFWtechie]

This is something me and the wife started a few months back, The hardest part is getting our name out there.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/North-Texas-Candle-Company/406994409384803?ref=hl&bookmark_t=page

[Binky]

I'm not trolling, just an honest observation.

I've been involved with entrepreneurs and small/mid business owners as an IT consultant for the last 10 years. Almost to a T, everyone of them takes that forge ahead/DiY spirit and applies it to areas they shouldn't.

You tried one networking group, it didn't work so now you want to build your own? There are TONS of existing networks out there locally that could be a fit - have you tried them out?

I can appreciate your zeal to make a grass roots networking group, but your goals for the group are nothing different than all of the others out there. It'd be far more efficient if you tried different groups or organizations rather than have a small network thats really nothing more than a Facebook page.

[Kyle]

My problem with the networking meeting that I attended was that they were pushing hard to get new members and hit me up 5 or 6 times in an attempt to try to get me to pay the yearly membership fee. Plus there is a weekly meeting fee that has to be paid as well. I also didn't particularly care for how the meetings were run either. It really seemed as though the guy that started it was running it as a business to pad his pocket, but that was just my guy feeling.

I want to have a networking group that is free of charge, or nearly free. If there are expenses then they would outlined, in detail, to the group so that every dollar is accounted for. I want to truly help other small business owners and do it free of charge bc without that type of help along the way I wouldn't be where I'm at today. Take Brooks for example. He asked many questions on here and got some great responses. I also sent him one or two PMs about business stuff when it came up and I didn't want to post public info. A networking group is a great way to learn. Why not tap that resource when needed. I'm always willing to share my knowledge of being self employed if someone will ask.

Another great thing about networking groups is the referrals. As a small business owner if someone asks for a referral for a service or product I want to be sure that person I'm sending them to is someone I know and trust. My reputation and my business is all about my customer service. If I give a bad referral, then that could be potentially damaging to my business. It's important to me to know that a customer is going to be taken care when I pass them off to someone else that needs services beyond what I can provide. I have never asked for a kick back on referrals either bc making sure the customer is satisfied is more important than padding my pocket with a few dollars. I want that person to come to me again when they need my services!

Some networking groups have weird requirements for things like community service. I don't want a group like this. I want a group that is enjoyable, a place to relax, and surround yourself with other like minded people. Don't get me wrong, community service is great if you want to do it on your own, but for what I'm trying to accomplish, it is not necessary.

And as a further reply to what you posted. I did look into other groups, but the one meeting sort of soured me on joining another. I started thinking and realized that I know plenty of self employed people and why not get then together. Of the handful I talked to about this none of them were in a networking group and many had never even thought of looking for one. I thought it would be a great opportunity for everyone. I do want it to be more than just a Facebook page. First I'd like to get a few people committed to coming and then set up a meeting in March. Over the next few months it may only be monthly, but I'd like to even get it to where we meet weekly. To be honest maybe it won't work, but I feel it's definitely worth the try.

[SEB]

I used to do Networking when I worked at Fulbright & Jaworski as their onsite courier Rep to break in to sales. We met every Wedsnday at the Stoneleigh Hotel in Dallas & all it ever worked out to was a good lunch & maybe some refferals. But I do more business & Networking through here & FB & Church & word of mouth.