If you're a business owner, you've likely joined some kind of business networking group.
Since I started my own business three years ago, I've actually joined a total of 14 different (!) networking groups.
Until recently, I was a member of five groups, but honestly, they were taking up so much of my time that everything was becoming half-hearted. So starting this year, I'm planning to pare it down to 2-3 groups.
Based on my experience so far, I've reflected on networking groups I'd recommend and, unfortunately, those I wouldn't.
If you're considering joining a networking group, I hope this will be helpful! (These are just my personal opinions, of course.)
■You should join networking groups with a clear mission that you can genuinely support!
You might think, "As long as we can network, does the mission really matter?" But it's actually incredibly important!
A mission is the core axis and banner of an organization—a fundamental element. People who align with that banner naturally gather together.
For example, if a networking group were flying a banner like "Fancy dining in Ginza, then karaoke in Roppongi," you can easily imagine that money-hungry executives would flock to it, right?
Also, when a mission isn't clear or is poorly defined, you end up with people of varying values, industries, skills, and experiences. Unless it's a very large networking group, it becomes difficult to find your target partners.
If a group's mission is vague or something you can't genuinely support, you might want to think carefully before joining.
■You should join networking groups with stricter admission standards!
This is crucial! When a networking group has almost no admission screening, you inevitably end up with people who lack basic business etiquette—those who break promises, only talk about themselves without listening, pitch fraudulent schemes, and so on. It becomes a lawless zone.
I'd recommend looking for networking groups with relatively high barriers to entry (for example, an admission fee that feels a bit pricey).
Of course, you yourself need to be the kind of business owner capable of clearing that hurdle!
■You should join networking groups where fixed members gather regularly!
When you meet the same people frequently, your affinity toward them naturally increases. This is what business books often call the "mere exposure effect."
To achieve results in business, building trust with your targets and collaboration partners is essential. And to build that trust, you need to meet with the "same people" regularly.
That's why networking groups that provide frequent opportunities for fixed members to gather are preferable.
Some of you might be wondering what "frequently" means. Based on my experience, ideally you'd meet weekly, but at minimum, meeting at least twice a month is necessary to build real trust relationships.
If a networking group doesn't have such a structure, try getting involved on the management side. That should make it easier to build trust within the operations team.
There's more I could say, but this is getting long, so I'll continue next time~