Why Joining a Networking Group in Entrepreneurship

Many people probably don't need convincing why they need to be part of a networking group, yet many of us don't exercise what we know or even what we preach and become part of one. This blog and the 7515 Entrepreneurs Lounge networking group is all about making that good advise a reality - Becoming part of a networking group to grow in the exciting world of Entrepreneurship. So, why joining a networking group in Entrepreneurship? Let me give you a few reasons based on the little experience I've had as an aspiring Entrepreneur.

• Collaboration: In the past few weeks I have been exploring many different ideas for creating a new venture; I have tried doing it alone, with some friends, with family, etc. but whether you do it alone (hopefully not) or with a few more people, you still need a great deal of help and support from other like-minded people to run your ideas by, to get ideas from, or to collaborate. I have spent many hours doing research, that would only take a few minutes or 1-2 hours to discuss with someone that has the expertise I lack and that is willing to share the information with me. Most of the times they will give me an answer that is better than my half-baked research. Now, multiply that the number of different disciplines you will need when developing your venture, and this is a huge time saver. Think that you will be doing the same for them, so everybody wins here.
  


• Expand your reach:  Who doesn't have an account in linkedin or facebook, or any other social networking sites.  Have you noticed the number of second and third level contacts you have?  It takes you to hundreds or thousands.  Well, that tells you a lot about the power of virtual networking; but why not becoming part of a 'real', or in-person network that gives you similar potential (perhaps not at the same scale) but definitely more tangible and effective.  If you are looking to learn or to do a new venture, what can be better than a group that can give you immediate access to dozens of real contacts that can do something for you; again, chances are you can do something for them anyway.
  
  
• A good use of your time:  I have heard from some of my classmates that among the many changes graduation will bring to their lives, is the fact that they will have a lot of free time that was occupied by school work and classes. Why not spending the time in a constructive activity with the same level of intellectual challenge.  Spend the time identifying and idea for a venture and building on it; then join a networking group to make your endeavour more effective and successful. If you don't have an idea, join the networking group so you can develop one with the help of other aspiring entrepreneurs. 

In actuallity there are many reasons why you can benefit from a networking group like this; all you need to do is join one and discover them for yourself.

You can post comments about your expectations, what you like or not, ideas to improve the group or this site.  Anything (appropriate) goes.