One of the best things about networking is the more you do it, the easier it gets.  As I mentioned before, I am not a natural schmoozer(in the good sense).  Far from a social butterfly.  Without question heavily leaning on the introvert side of scale.

What seems to be happening though is the more I put myself out on the scene, the more I evolve into an extrovert.  I give thoughts and answers during roundtable discussions, take the initiative to introduce myself to others and can flow through a conversation without becoming “are-beads-of-sweat-breaking-out-on-my-forehead nervous.  All actions I only dreamed of a few years ago.

Consistency is key.  I attend at least two regular occuring networking events a month, often more than that.  These events enable you to build a rapport with people since each tends to have a core group. So what are these events programmed into my Outlook calendar?  Here’s the rundown including when they meet and what I like about each one.

Young Professionals Network of the Urban League
Meets: 1st Thursday of the month
Likes: It’s a member-based organization which leads to more a tight-knit relationship with others. Non-members are welcome to attend general body meetings, which usually include a presentation. Cultural similarities.

Boston Black Professionals Meetup
Meets: 2nd Friday of the month (usually)
Likes: Held at different venues that I had previously not been to.  Intimate but lively discussions.  Topic based such as the AIDS discussion at the Multicultural AIDS Coalition last week (Thanks Shanita). Cultural similarities.

Boston Entrepreneur Meetup
Meets: Every other Wednesday (they have a Holiday one tonight)
Likes: Business focused.  Enlightening roundtable discussions. Free food and wine! (Thanks Chris) Interesting people of all ages and backgrounds.

Boston Young Entrepreneurs
Meets: Third Tuesday of the month
Likes: Business focused.  Presentation by one member about their business followed by Q & A on said presentation.

The E & E Club: Professionals of Color mixer series
Meets: Last Thursday of the month (usually)
Likes: What’s there not to like?  I run the show!  But seriously, as the organizer and host I purposely avoid setting up my event as a meeting since that sphere is well covered.  What I try to provide guests is a welcoming, friendly atmosphere and a come and go as you please timeframe.  Guests can show up when they want and leave when they want at anytime during the event. They can spend an hour power networking or three hours of light mingling. I try to be very hands off about forcing people to circulate.  Will that change this year?  I don’t know yet.  What I do know is you are guaranteed a good time.

Between these groups I’ve met well over 100 people in the last year and have gained tremendous knowledge, not to mention extrovertesque tendencies

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