Let's face it...you have many options when deciding what organizations you want to affiliate yourself with. With that in mind,
I'd encourage you to do your research and only join the organizations that meet your requirements – so this means you must
define them.
When you join a networking organization, you should not expect to pay a fee (if applicable) and sit back and wait. You MUST
get actively engaged with those organizations in order to reap the benefits of membership.
The value of all of them can be
great but just like with anything else, the experience will only be as good as you make it.
Some of the best things happen outside of the events themselves. The connections start to form at the meeting but the
core connections grow around the meetings when you are planning, getting to know other members and helping them to
understand what it is that you do. This is how you would find out who the centers of influence are so that you can build
relationships with them.
If you want to see your relationships, business and/or career SOAR as a result of your affiliation with any organization,
you must get involved and be highly visible. Yes, you are volunteering your time, but it’s worth it and the rewards are
plentiful. The true fruits of your labor are not in the contacts – it’s in the connections. Focus on fewer contacts and more
strong, solid connections.
How Does The Black Wives Network Measure Up?
At BWN, we make every effort to create an environment that is conducive to connection and connectivity. The foundation
that we have laid lends itself to cross collaboration and the opportunity for people to truly get to know one another.
We also extend the opportunity for all members to assist in some way as members of our various committees. The
opportunities are abundant, but the choice most definitely is yours!
Key Action: First define your goals and expectations around joining any organization. Then do research to find out what
groups are available to you in your area. Check them out by attending a few meetings and only join those that meet your
specific needs. Resist the urge to fill your networking rolodex with names of people that you can not assist and vice versa.
It is imperative that you have a strategy for making your Networks Work Like Magic! In fact, when you become a member
of BWN, we have a special article in the Members Area on this very topic entitled: Networking Magic - How to Make Your
Network Work for You.
