Networking Opportunities

By Erin Riley

If you have all the work you can handle, your idea of networking might be showing up late to STC meetings, sitting in the back, and leaving before the speaker finishes talking. But, for the rest of us, networking requires a bigger investment of time and energy and a wider circle of contacts. As networking expert Kathy Condon pointed out at our November meeting, networking begins in our comfort zones-our neighborhoods, our offices, our STC groups. But to be effective, we have to search for other opportunities to meet people-groups and individuals beyond our usual contacts. Condon suggests attending meetings of professional and special interest organizations. Below, we've listed some groups to get you started. We include a Web address for each organization and a quote from their site.

Remember, your purpose in networking is not to meet everyone in the room, but to connect with two or three other people. You are building friendships that may or may not result in professional advancement. Check out one of these groups and let us know what you find.

Business Network International (BNI) - www.bni-oregon.com
"BNI is a business and professional networking organization that offers each member the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and referrals." BNI has multiple chapters in the Portland area. Each chapter is limited to just one representative of each product or service. Contact: Robin Schuckmann (503) 590-9575.

Rotary International - www.rotary.org
"Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and help build goodwill and peace in the world." Rotary has at least ten clubs in Portland, more in outlying areas. Use the club locator on the international Web site to find a group in your area.

Toastmasters International - www.toastmasters.org
"At Toastmasters, members learn by speaking to groups and working with others in a supportive environment. A typical Toastmasters club is made up of 20 to 30 people who meet once a week for about an hour." Over 50 Toastmasters clubs meet in the Portland Metro area. Look on the international Web site to find the club in your area.

Kiwanis Club International - www.kiwanis.org
"Kiwanis International is a thriving organization of service- and community-minded individuals who support children and young adults around the world." This group has a club in every neighborhood. Look on the international Web site to find the club in your area.

Business Action Group - www.bagladies.org
"Women supporting women in business. BAG provides members with the opportunity to participate in mentoring, networking and social gatherings." This is a local group only. The BAG ladies meet for lunch and networking on the second Wednesday of each month at the Days Inn at 1414 SW 6th Avenue in Portland. Please visit the group's Web site to learn the protocol for visiting a meeting.

For organizations having to do with communications, check out the links page on our chapter's Web site - www.stcwvc.org/links/links_orgs.htm.

Erin Riley is a volunteer writer for the Willamette Galley. She can be reached at eriley@spiretech.com.