Networking is so vital to business, whether you own your own or work for someone else.  It's all about developing relationships with other people and should be incorporated as a part of your daily life.  If you are not making networking a daily habit, you will find yourself scrambling when looking for a new job, trying to find new clients, etc.  Here are some easy ways to start growing your "sphere of influence":

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com - If you are not on Linked In, you should be.  It is a free site and a great way to stay connected with professional contacts as they change jobs, etc.  I have re-connected with a number of people from college, previous jobs, etc.  Also, it allows you to recommend others in business, share your knowledge by answering questions, post information on your skills and experience, etc. 

Everyone should also get connected with at least a few professional or business organizations.  They are a great way to meet new people, showcase your skills and talent, learn something new, and find new business.  Here are some examples of good networking organizations:

General Business

• Toastmasters - public speaking organization, lots all over the US, worth trying a few different ones to find a fit (time, day, location, and fit with the group - each one has a different feel): www.toastmasters.org
• Project Management Institute - huge professional organization, lots of resources, information on leadership, etc. with chapters all over the world: www.pmi.org

Womens Groups

• Womens Global Network - fun group of women: www.wgn-global.com
• Women in Technology (WITI): www.witi.com
• National Association of Women Business Owners: www.nawbo.com
• Alliance of Technology and Women (ATW): www.atwinternational.com
• Womens Leadership Exchange: http://www.womensleadershipexchange.com/

• Women's Business Enterprise National Council: www.wbenc.org

• Chamber of Commerce - lots of networking events for local business owners: www.sdchamber.org
• MIT Enterprise Forum - awesome speakers and information: http://www.sdmitforum.org/
• Software Industry Council: http://sdsic.org/eventregistration.php
• San Diego Young Professionals: www.sdsocialmixers.com
• PMI San Diego - www.pmi-sd.org

Phoenix

• Women of Scottsdale - awesome networking for business women in the Scottsdale area.  always a good turn-out, and you will leave with lots of business cards: www.womenofscottsdale.com  This group also has WestValleyWomen and CentralPhoenixWomen groups.
• PMI Phoenix - lots of great information, tons of different programs and meetings: www.phx-pmi.org
• Microsoft Project Association (MPA) - information and resources for MS Project software users: www.mpaphx.org
• Phoenix Business Journal - have BizMix and other local events.  good paper and Book of Lists resource for learning about local business too:  www.bizjournals.com/phoenix

Check out my blog, blog.erikaflora.com for other networking ideas. 

Know of any other worthwhile networking organizations?  Have other great, effective networking ideas?  I would love to hear from you!  Please email me at erika@erikaflora.com