West Seattle Small Business Networking

[l3apoffaith]

I’ve come to my favorite local online resource to pick the brains of my neighbors…

As a new-to-freelancing WS resident, I’d like to know how you more seasoned small business owners/freelances/self employed residents network in our community. Is it the local coffee shop? Do you have a favorite B2B meetup? Or… is WS lacking a cohesive group for networking within our community?

I am not coming to you because I have not done my homework. I have most definitely found some networking groups, attended some, and am looking to attend more.

I’m here because I’m curious and would like to add to the research I’ve been doing.

So…what do you have to say?

Share This

[Sue]

You know, I’ve looked for networking groups in the past, but the issue is that most of them meet during the day, assuming (usually correctly) that if you’re a solopreneur, you set you own hours and can be free. I am building my own alternative health practice, but I also work full time. So I’ve thought of creating something on my own to reach out to people like me, who are trying to build businesses/practices while working in conventional jobs, meeting nights or weekends. I figure I can’t be the only one doing that, and if I can’t find a group, I could start one.

Share This

[l3apoffaith]

Hi Sue, I completely understand where you are coming from. I have been there (and sometimes still am). My other observation is that a group gets going, is active for up to 6 months, and then dissipates. Of course, this is something any sort of group can battle at any given time, but it seems more prevalent here for some reason. I am hoping that this is my imagination and I just haven’t found the right group yet.

I’ll be interested to see what other responses I receive here. If nothing of substance, I would love to speak to you about starting one.

Share This

[WSB]

One other thought besides the classic “small business networking” groups …

West Seattle has several active service clubs. They meet during the day, with memberships including entrepreneurs.

Rotary Club of West Seattle

http://www.westseattlerotary.org

Kiwanis Club of West Seattle

http://kiwaniswestseattle.org

Lions Club of West Seattle

http://wslions.com

There is of course the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, usually a monthly lunch meeting with a topic – this month’s, I believe, is a “speed networking” type of event – nonmembers are welcome; there is a charge and it’s a few dollars more if you are not a Chamber member.

http://wschamber.com

And other traditional clubs such as Toastmasters – a couple of branches including the Early Birds, who meet so early that you could still make it to an off-peninsula job. We also have American Legion and VFW if you are by chance a veteran, also a Masonic Lodge.

Also certainly some networking inherent in other types of local groups, such as Sustainable West Seattle http://www.sustainablewestseattle.org

And depending on what neighborhood you’re in, you might even consider checking out your nearest community council.

We are not members of anything (edit: our business is one of 200+ locally that have Chamber memberships) and luckily our job has built-in chances to mingle with the community, and it’s the only reason I know all these other groups exist. They of course also have service components – I don’t know if BNI-type groups do that too – but that just makes the networking even more meaningful.

Good luck, whatever you choose, try, explore, etc.!

-Tracy

Share This

[bellvy]

There is a small women’s business network group starting (yes, during the day once a month) located at Curves. Call there for info from Denise.

Share This

[Author]

Posts