To start this off, obviously, different things are going to work for different people. 18 months into the business, but a 30 year resident of Tucson, I am working hard at shoring up my network. So here are of few of the directions I have gone and I am going. I am always open to opinions and interested to hear what is working for others. I am sure that I am going to be in the minority, but joining a formal business networking group may not be the way to go for me. I got invited by a local realtor to go to the weekly meeting as the mortgage spot had just opened up. I was excited and apprehensive at the same time. I showed up and met everyone but it felt a little bit contrived. If I get into this group, will I be a good referral source for these folks? I have always referred folks to friends that are insurance agents, lawyers and car dealers but these are folks with whom I have a long personal history and know how they will treat the client. How do I feel about the "blind" referral?Example: You are the dentist in the group and therefore, even though I have never sat in your chair with the drill going, I would send a friend, relative or client your way? Maybe, I would have to sit in your chair first to understand how you provide services and treat the patient. As the mortgage person in a referral group, you expect to get lots of referrals as almost everyone needs or has a mortgage. Can I return the favor? Anyhow, as it turned out there were 3 mortgage people applying for the spot and the gal from Wells Fargo was clearly more polished in her 30 second presentation than myself and the other guy. Needless to say, I didn't get the spot evden though the realtor of the group was in my corner. So for now, I can only guess as to whether all of my business referrals would filter through the "the group" and I would shut out the good folks that I had previously sent a little business.

From there I went to a club meeting similar to a Rotary or Optimists Club where I was pleasantly surprised. While it is stated that we are there to network and try to send business to others within the group, I didn't feel any pressure to perform (no report cards on the quality & quantity of the referrals). Also, being a charitable organization is a big plus for me. The group is very relaxed and fun, plus I know 4 or 5 of the members already. I think this one has lots of potential, but we will see how it turns out.

Small Business Association mixers- maybe I just need to go to a bunch of these things but the couple that I have attended were really awkward. Quite a "mixed bag" of folks with jobs well clear of the mainstream. Anybody else feel this way?

I like the concept of "networking golf" but I haven't been able to consistently get one of my realtors to do it with me. The idea would be that we would each bring someone new each week to the golf course. Golfers do business together because they have that common bond of chasing the little white ball all around this big plot of grass. Over the course of a year, I could seriously expand my network and my realtors without putting (much) pressure on anyone and have fun at the same time. I'll continue to work on this one. ( I am a member of a golf club, which has sent me some business).

Online networks such as Linked In, Plaxo Pulse and Active Rain increase your visibility. Linked In isn't much fun like the other two...and all of the above increase your profile on the web.

The association of realtors and women's council of realtors seem like obvious choices, but since there are so many competitors there, do you really stand a chance? Opinions?

Other potentials that I have not worked on yet: our HOA, Rotary,or  joining a weekly chess club. What else? I am interested to hear peoples thoughts on what works for them. I recognize that whatever you do, you must do it on a consistent basis and that going out of the "comfort zone" never hurt anyone in a sales job.

Have a great weekend!