10 Ways to Find Local Business Events
If you have a small business, you’ve probably realized the importance of networking with other business owners. Networking is the key to success. I think attending quality networking events on a weekly basis can benefit business owners in the following areas:
- Build up their business contacts
- Share and receive ideas to improve their business strategy
- Practice their business pitches
- Stay in the loop of what’s happening in the local business community
- Learn marketing & sales techniques at local seminars or workshops
Due to these reasons, I founded a local business networking group called NY Entrepreneurs Business Network in May, 2009. Having organized nearly 30 events, now we are marching towards 3,000 members mark. My advice for business owners is to find quality business events and network at least once a week. There are 10 wonderful event-finding resources I would like to share so you are equipped with the right tools.
1. Meetup
Meetup is the world’s largest network of local networking groups. The idea is to use the internet to organize local community groups with local offline meetings. Tim O’Reilly, in a Forbes.com post, points to Meetups when he’s citing examples of ways people are using “creativity and collaboration to address challenges facing our country and the world” Here is a list of the best Meetup groups that I’ve discovered.
2. LinkedIn
There are no other sites that can draw a parallel with LinkedIn when it comes to building professional networks. LinkedIn is very business oriented. There are a handful of articles on my blog that have already covered handy tips on using LinkedIn. There are two ways you can get updates on LinkedIn events:
- I. Join a LinkedIn business group (local) and opt in its mailing list. This way, you will receive event notifications every time a member posts a new local event within your group. Here is a good list of LinkedIn groups for business people.
- II. Search for events directly via the Event page on LinkedIn. LinkedIn site allows you to define your search terms by yourself, such as search by topics, locations, etc.
3. Facebook
Facebook is still the king among all social networking sites worldwide. Chances are good you have been invited many times to different types of events by your Facebook friends. On Facebook, you can find what events your friends are up to, search for events according to your needs, or create your own events. Some people also use Facebook ads to promote their own events or networking groups.
4. Chamber of Commerce
Your local Chamber of Commerce should be one of the major resources for finding local business events. The events posted on the commerce site are generally good in terms of quality. Choose the events at your discretion. To take a look at the events listed on the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, click here.
5. Craigslist
Craigslist has become a common marketplace for people who want to exchange information freely. It’s the #1 classified website worldwide. You are bound to find a variety of events if you check out local events classified section. The only drawback with Craigslist is its overwhelming number of events. Remember, anyone can post events on Craigslist. It’s up to you to choose the events in the high quality bracket.
6. Twitter
If you are familiar with Twitter, you probably already know what I am going to cover here. Using Twitter search is a great way to help you find local business events. For example, for a New Yorker, he/she can define the search criteria in the following ways
- “NYC Networking”
- “NYC Events”
- “Business Events + NYC”
- “Events + New York”
Of course, there are other combinations you can choose to define your search. Since Twitter search is real time, you are guaranteed to get the most up-to-date event notifications in your local area.
7. BNI
The mission of BNI is to help members increase their business through a structured, positive, and professional “word-of-mouth” program that enables them to develop long-term, meaningful relationships with quality business professionals. You can find a BNI chapter in your local area and start attending their events.
8. Yelp
Yelp is a popular Web 2.0 site where people can rate and write reviews for different venues in their own city. The Yelp site is also designed to connect business people with great local events. Just go to the site and click on the “Event” tab, and you are there!
9. Eventful
Eventful is the leading events website which enables its community of users to discover, promote, share and create events. Eventful’s community of users select from nearly 4 million events taking place in local markets throughout the world. Eventful is another great site to find quality business events.
10. Local Business News Sites
A simple Google search can reveal a variety of local business news sites. Most of these sites have complete local event listings. One good example is “Crain’s New York Business.” Not only does it bring you the continuous coverage of local business news in New York, it’s also a great resource for local events on key areas such as financial services, health care, real estate, small business and many more. Check out the event listings on Crain’s New York Business
.
Summary
This has been our complete event-finding guide for business savvy people. Is your favorite on our list? Feel free to share with us what you’ve got. Meanwhile, you can get our free membership at NY Entrepreneurs Business Network if you are interested in attending business networking events in NY Metro area. Click here to read what our members say about this group.
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