Building a proper professianl network

Since GRM knows just about everything, I thought I'd ask here.

I want to build a professional network, but not just an online one, a real meet face to face once or twice a month one. Ideally this would be a nice cross section of professional people in the mid manager and above level. Yes, I want to hobnob with the movers and shakers of Toronto

Background; I've figured out what I like doing best at work. Trouble is, I don't get to do a whole lot of that here and with some reorganization that's going on, I'll get to do less of it. I'm looking into promotional and transfer opportunities, but my company moves at a glacier pace (which is also an issue I have with them; I can't stand people/organizations that are to timid to make a decision, come on, have the guts to risk being wrong) so I want to network with others in similar industries/functions and mindset and tap the hidden job market.

Any advice/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I'm planning on hitting the BMW and Porsche club meetings, if there aren't professional opportunities there, at least I can talk cars.

Thanks,

J

Great, spelling typo in the topic and no way to edit. Now I look like a real professional

participate in fraternal organization in your area, done.

Not sure about up there, but around here they have local business groups that meet once per month for breakfast/lunch. Generally there is only one member from each business category though, as the idea is to trade sales leads with each other.

sachilles wrote: participate in fraternal organization in your area, done.

If your in a progressive career field, one that tends to have radical/liberal/new-age/progressive ideas, I'm not sure a fraternal organization will really mesh well.

Is there a professional organization for your field? For me, that would be PMI - I am sure they would have a local chapter.

You might also try poking around meetup.com to see if anyone's set a group up in your field up there.

I useta not even be able to spell profeshunal, and now I are one!

Sorry, couldn't resist!

Jeff wrote: I'm planning on hitting the BMW and Porsche club meetings, if there aren't professional opportunities there, at least I can talk cars.

There will be professionals there but all the car talk is at the track unless you like discussing bluetooth or detailing. Remember - someone bought Panameras, Cayannes and X5s and 750iLs.

Giant Purple Snorklewacker wrote:

Jeff wrote: I'm planning on hitting the BMW and Porsche club meetings, if there aren't professional opportunities there, at least I can talk cars.

There will be professionals there but all the car talk is at the track unless you like discussing bluetooth or detailing. Remember - someone bought Panameras, Cayannes and X5s and 750iLs.

True, but hopefully their business acumen is better than their taste in cars.

Find a group of peers that do similar work in another environment.

Personally, I am in the field of Facilities Management. I have a small group of peers at other sites, that meet every few months to chat about issues.

Starts as fun and then can progress to other things. Meet over a beer and see where it goes.

1988RedT2 wrote: I useta not even be able to spell profeshunal, and now I are one! Sorry, couldn't resist!

I thought it was..........I couldn't spell ingineer and now I is one....

Seriously I find that linkedin is bringing all the old school groups together.

All the hose guys are part of www.nahad.org then all this plus a lot more is on linkedin.

Golf?

Man this all sounds like a lot of work. I don't feel so bad about not having any business connections now

Jeff,

What would you it is you do here?

In reply to PHeller: I'm talking about the kiwanas club, rotary and so forth. In small towns, volunteer firefighting, ambulance and so forth. I'm not suggesting he become the grand pubba of the royal order of water buffaloes. Any volunteer group who's focus is to better the community through charitable work. You will find the are filled with the most influential people in you community. Those are the people to network with as the are connected with everyone.

http://www.meetup.com/cities/ca/on/toronto/

sometimes there's networking events on meetup - you can post your own networking event or get-together. Linkedin groups can lead to online/in person connections