People who have been in business for long make networking seem so easy. The reality, however, and especially for people who are just starting out in business or in their career, is that it is a challenging skill to learn. The task may seem even more intimidating when you are in a large town like Chicago, and you do not know where the business class meets for their networking events. Here are some pointers about places where you can meet like-minded individuals in the city.
The City Club of Chicago
The City Club of Chicago prides itself in a number of things, it is a non-partisan and a non-profit organization that creates a forum for a number of progressive discussions including business development and networking. The club was formed in 1903 and has been one of the most instrumental civic forums in the country and also the state. The aim of the forum is to discuss issues affecting metropolitan Chicago and the rest of the state.
If you do not mind a bit of politics, this is the best place to meet influential members of the Chicago business community. The best thing about the club is that you do not have to be all formal and dressy to visit and meet the people, just dress decently and comfortably, and you will spend an afternoon learning about business in Chicago and much more.
Chicago Ideas
This is an organization whose main purpose is to bring together people who share ideas. The movement was formed with the belief that when a number of broad thinkers and instigators sit together and share their ideas, they have the power to change the globe.
The community organizes a number of events throughout the year, and they have a calendar which they post on their website. You can follow them to get notified when they have events.
The Chicago Network
If you are a business entrepreneur in Chicago and you are a woman, this is one of the best business networking organizations which you can be part of. The network was created with the aim of bringing together female business leaders in the area so they could network and empower each other and also create a positive impact in the entire Chicago community.
Some of the most influential businesswomen in the city have sat in the network’s forums including Mellody Hobson, Sally Blount the Dean at North Western Kellog School of business management and many others. Visit their website and have a look at their upcoming activities.
There are other great places where you can network such as the Arts Institute of Chicago’s Evening Associate’s After Dark, the Executives Club of Chicago and many others. The most important tip when it comes to networking is always to dress the part and when approaching the people, remember that regardless of their titles and massive business success, they are still just humans. The notion will help you feel less intimidated and give you the courage to speak about your business idea ideas to form connections which will last.
