Finding the best virtual business networking groups can be challenging. Even without a pandemic going on, it can be hard to find business networking groups that are a good fit. Adding the dimension of only getting to interact virtually in these groups further complicates this decision.

Most of the criteria you use when selecting the right business networking groups can also be applied when looking specifically at virtual groups. Other criteria are relevant only to virtual settings.

 

Criteria to Use When Selecting a Business Networking Group

  • When they Meet: Find groups that meet at the time of day when you are at your best to engage with others. For early risers, morning meetings can be an energizing start for the day. After working hours might be best for those who spend most of the day calling on clients. This time of day also is a good fit for those working day jobs while growing a new venture. Lunch hour groups can provide a welcome break from the projects and routines of your day.
  • Meeting Structure: I prefer meetings that include short introductions by everyone there, a robust presentation or discussion, and a way to follow up with other attendees. The random nature of more general “mixers” doesn’t work as well for me. However, this type of meeting can work if you already know at least some of the attendees. Then you can help others by introducing them to people they’ll benefit from knowing.
  • Who Attends: I like to be around upbeat people who want to help other business professionals succeed. These people have a spirit of generosity. They believe that what goes around, comes around. Also, I like to have a mix of more experienced business owners and newbies at every meeting. Some ladies I know have a strong preference for participating in women-only networking groups. For the most part, I’m drawn to groups that include both men and women
  • Commitment Required:  Commitment always includes time and sometimes money. Personally, it’s difficult for me to commit to a group that meets every week. I need the flexibility to accept training and speaking engagements as they come up. In considering a group, be realistic about how much time and money you can reasonably spend networking.

 

Additional Considerations When Meeting Virtually

  • Virtual Meeting Platform: Most of the business networking groups that I’ve attended virtually use Zoom as their platform. Others use GoToMeeting, Microsoft Teams and Google Meets. These platforms have many of the same features, yet you may prefer one over the others.
  • Style of the Meeting Facilitator: As someone who has been facilitating virtual meetings for many months, I know how challenging this role can be. Look for meeting facilitators who establish clear rules about meeting participation. Also, are they warm and inviting to both guests and ongoing attendees? Do they stay afterwards to answer questions? How do they follow up after the meeting?
  • Length and Flow of the Meeting: By now we’ve likely experienced too much time at our screens, often called “Zoom fatigue.” Yet, lively meetings with a variety of activities to engage the attendees can be a pleasure to attend. Check in with yourself about 45 minutes into the meeting. If you feel like you’re ready to leave the meeting, perhaps this group’s not for you.

 

How About You?

How do you decide which business networking groups to join? How has meeting virtually impacted your decisions about joining these groups? What suggestions would you offer new business owners regarding this topic?

 

Joyce Feustel

Joyce Feustel helps people, especially those age 50 and up, to become more effective using social media, especially LinkedIn and Facebook.

She works with business owners, business development professionals, business consultants, job seekers, and more – ranging from entrepreneurs to people in large corporations. Find her at www.boomerssocialmediatutor.com.