from staff
There’s more to business networking groups than showing up for a meal and passing out a business card.
“Business groups are an excellent way to meet individuals who are not in your industry and have the opportunity to assist you in furthering your business goals while you assist them with theirs,” said Jill Tager, executive director of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and member of the Women Business Owners Association. “It is also an excellent opportunity to learn more about the Jacksonville community.”
As it turns out, the community services linked to such business networking groups as Southside Business Men’s Club and the Downtown Council are part of the driving force behind membership.
“True, you may get business and give business as a result of being a member, but what the club is really about is giving to or back to our community,” said Jay Cann, president of Kwikprint and member of the Southside Business Men’s Club.
There are a few drawbacks to such groups. Belonging to too many or trying to get to too many events can take away from the effectiveness of networking.
“If you get too much going on at one time, you can get burned out,” said Jepp Walter, president and owner of Redline Services on Atlantic Boulevard.
In one year alone, Walter was on the board of directors for the Jacksonville Information Technology Council while being president of the IT Business Resource Group, president of the Epilepsy Foundation of Northeast Florida, Clubmaster and Scout Leader for the entire Pack 623 in East Arlington and a soccer coach.
“That was too busy of a year,” said Walter.
One thing to keep in mind when joining these networking business groups is motive. Joining for the sake of only developing business contacts and perhaps drumming up business won’t pay off in the long run.
“The only con or disadvantage I could see is if a person is solely interested in obtaining leads or business from joining a business group, club or association,” said Cann, adding these individuals wouldn’t stay in the club very long.
It is true some members see an impact on their businesses through association with the groups.
“Our company’s name has a positive ring to it from my activities,” said Walter, who originally joined the Southside Business Men’s Club and the Downtown Council where he is president-elect under Jim Love because he wanted to increase business contacts. “We’ve also received much in the way of business leads and referrals.”
Walter added he stayed with the business groups because he made friends and had fun.
Through her membership in business groups, Tager has met people who have wound up volunteering for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
“I have also been able to provide information on our programs and services to those who have personally become affected by our diseases,” said Tager.
The Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce has more information on these groups and the multitude of others in the area at www.myjaxchamber.com or by calling 366-6600.