As most professionals are well aware, being successful in the business world is rarely based solely upon individual merits but rather a collective effort that involves solid community partnerships and networking efforts. Generally speaking, there are organizations and associations for nearly every profession or area of interest and many have national, state and regional chapters that are available to join. Why consider joining an organization? The bottom line is that creating professional relationships truly is fundamental to your future success and joining an organization allows you to step outside of the office, meet new people and make new connections, have access to invaluable information and opportunities, and to support and help one another in reaching your professional goals.
You may even want to consider being a member of an industry-specific group as well as a general business organization. On one hand, you will be contributing to the growth of your industry and keeping up with advances in your field while learning from others who may have more experience or new ideas. On the other, you will have the opportunity to interact with people outside of your industry sphere who are involved in other fields, which can be an eye-opening experience. Whether general business organizations are serving to provide networking for businesses in a specific geographic area or focusing on community service endeavors, being involved will greatly enhance your business profile and visibility in your community. It is also important to note that both kinds of organizations facilitate the connection between those seeking jobs and those looking to fill them.
We at Strictly Business feel that getting involved in a networking or trade organization is not only beneficial for your business, but absolutely essential in so many ways and one of the best investments you will ever make. Furthermore, we have not only made a vast amount of contacts from our involvement in local organizations, but we have made lifelong friends. There are many benefits of joining local organizations, many of which are seeking new members and would love to have YOU! We have featured a sampling of some of the best organizations in the area, including information about each organization and how you can get in touch with them to visit or get involved.
LIBA offers numerous opportunities to network with other Lincoln business leaders. LIBA’s monthly Bizco Biz-Net events are free to attend with complimentary food and beverages. This provides a great place to meet other local business people and City Council members. The people who attend Biz-Net are eager to have a discussion about your business. Because it is a free event, you can invite customers or vendors to attend and give them a chance to grow their businesses too.
While the Biz-Net is an after-hours event, we also have a morning “Coffee & Contacts” every month. Also free to attend, this event is tailor-made for exchanging business cards. The LIBA Referral Networks (LRN) offers a more personal method for you to expand your sales team by educating other LRN members about your business. These groups do more than just exchange business cards, tips and leads. They also offer marketing ideas that get results and discuss events in Lincoln’s business community.
Yes there is more, including the monthly LIBA luncheon where you have the chance to have lunch with hundreds of business and community leaders every month. We would like to add your voice to our organization. Call (402) 466-3419 today for more information about LIBA.
The Home Builders Association of Lincoln (HBAL) is a visible, effective and respected trade association which promotes home building through professional education, member communication and civic participation, and which represents builders and associated professionals in community, governmental and industry forums.
With more than 600 member companies, HBAL proudly promotes the Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show, Spring & Fall Parade of Homes and Tour of Remodeled Homes. These events not only benefit our members, but also the public. Whether it is to earn an industry designation or to be better prepared for an OSHA or EPA inspection, HBAL offers education and training to its members.
To learn more about joining HBAL, go to www.hbal.org for a membership application and to see the many services of this 63-year-old builders association.
The Lincoln Young Professionals Group began as a way to empower young professionals in Lincoln. Through YPG young professionals can embrace personal growth and be part of a team advancing Lincoln into the future. YPG is a great opportunity to voice input and be heard. Young professionals can polish leadership skills and make connections with business leaders. Lincoln’s YPG supported the Pinnacle Bank Arena, LPS Bond Issue, Railyard Entertainment District and worked as brand ambassadors to take ownership in Lincoln’s future. The Lincoln YPG organization is the largest in the state of Nebraska and one of the most successful in the nation.
To learn more about Lincoln YPG call Jaime Henning at (402) 436-2366 or e-mail at jaimehenning@LCOC.com. For more information about The Lincoln Young Professionals Group please visit our website at www.lincolnypg.com.
The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting a positive business climate in Lincoln, serving as the primary advocate for business growth and as a constructive government and education partner. The Lincoln Chamber is diligent in maintaining positive working relationships with our elected officials, stakeholder organizations and neighboring communities.
Lincoln Chamber member businesses thrive through programs and services that build awareness and support growth. The Lincoln Chamber is the umbrella organization for the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development, Lincoln Chamber Economic Development Corporation, Lincoln Chamber Foundation, the Lincoln Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Lincoln Young Professionals Group and Lincoln Specialty Care.
With access to all aspects of the organization, Chamber membership serves as an invaluable business resource. The Lincoln Chamber takes pride in focusing on the greater good for Lincoln, building consensus, taking a constructive approach to problem solving, policy making, and economic development for our community.
For more information on how to get your business engaged call Kristin Holmes at (402) 436-7835 or e-mail at kholmes@lcoc.com. For more information about Lincoln Chamber of Commerce please visit our website at www.LCOC.com.
Most men struggle with areas of their life that hinder them from becoming all they can be. During the past 83 years, Christian Business Men’s Connection (CBMC) has been meeting business and professional men, where they are, and assisting them to become all God designed them to be. There are many groups and organizations that help us obtain knowledge, develop strategies and establish goals; however, applying them to life and effectively learning to live them into every aspect of our daily lives comes through on-going, intentional relationships with like-minded men. CBMC accomplishes the development of successful life-applications that equip men to succeed in the most significant issues of their lives: Walking With God, Living Their Faith, Marriage, Raising Children & Teenagers, Money, Sex & Moral Purity, Work, Going Through Hard Times and Making Life Count.
Perhaps you are finding it increasingly difficult to function in a moral and ethical way when so many others around you have another agenda. Receiving support and encouragement from fellow business people is an important part of CBMC. Go to lincoln.cbmc.com
and let us know how Christian Business Men’s Connection (CBMC) can help.
Talent retention is often a critical business challenge, and employers expect talent management to grow in importance. The American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) is the leading association for workplace learning professionals, helping organizations develop a more engaged and productive workforce.
Members of the Lincoln Chapter of ASTD (ASTD-Lincoln) make valuable local connections, gain knowledge at learning events and workshops, and enjoy access to nationally recognized certificate programs. Members have full access to our website packed with resources, job postings, and more. ASTD-Lincoln can help you connect with ASTD’s 130+ local chapters in the U.S. and more than 30 international partners with an ASTD National membership.
For more information about The American Society for Training and Development (ASTD), to become a member, or to attend a learning event, visit our website at www.astdlincoln.org.
BNI of the Heartland (Nebraska, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Western Iowa) offers members the opportunity to build a firm networking foundation, to nurture referral partner(s). With 52 chapters, nearly 1300 members passed over 40,000 referrals which generated over $25 million in closed business in 2013 – an average of over $600 per referral and 38 referrals per member, making the average seat worth over $23,000…over 5000% return on investment!!!
Belonging to BNI is like having dozens of sales people working for you that carry your information with them, and when they meet someone who could use your products or services, they recommend you.
BNI provides a structured, supportive system of giving and receiving business. It does so by providing an environment in which you develop personal relationships with other qualified business professionals. By establishing this “formal” relationship with other people, you will have the opportunity to substantially increase your business.
For more information about BNI of the Heartland please contact our regional office at (402) 880-6311, email info@bniheartland.com or visit our website, www.bniheartland.com.
Northview Lincoln Business Association (NLBA) was created 15 years ago to help support and foster business in the northern section of Lincoln. Any company that is interested and willing to conduct business in the northern part of town is welcome to join. While NLBA meets up on the second Thursday of every month at The Steak House, they also offer six different social events every year ranging from Saltdogs games to tailgating to joint socials with other business associations in Lincoln. Feel free to stop by NLBA’s next meeting on March 13th where the City Council will present the latest and greatest happenings in town. If you are interested in joining Northview Lincoln Business Association (NLBA), your lunch will be on NLBA. For more information on NLBA and to view a list of other proactive businesses that are members please visit www.NorthviewLincolnBusiness.com.
American Advertising Federation of Lincoln has been a part of the Lincoln community for over 60 years, providing a platform in advertising and marketing. The club is recognized by the American Advertising Federation and club members receive affiliation and benefits with the AAF through their local membership. If your business advertises, membership in American Advertising Federation of Lincoln could assist you as the changing scope of reaching consumers evolves. The club hosts nationally known keynote speakers each month along with offering seminars and workshops benefiting college students and professionals alike.
The club focuses in several advertising areas including Education, Legislation, Cultural Diversity and Public Service. AAF Lincoln brings events such as the Sands Serif Volleyball Tournament and Winterfest to our community in their fundraising efforts.
You can read more about the American Advertising Federation of Lincoln, its initiatives and membership benefits at www.aaflincoln.org.
Women in Sales & Business has been empowering professional women to grow their businesses and the community since 1987. Marketing and networking are critical for business growth. Networking is a powerful and cost effective advertising tool. If you are looking to build relationships with friendly, hardworking, professional women who understand that, then we’ve got a seat waiting for you. At WISB meetings you will have ample opportunities to share information about the companies you represent, hear from speakers about better business practices and even make a few friends along the way. We also provide educational training and networking prompts to maximize the collaboration within our membership. WISB meets the second Wednesday of the month at The Knolls Restaurant from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. We welcome you to be among our group of passionate and supportive women. Want more information about Women in Sales & Business? Reach us at wisblincoln@gmail.com, call (402) 937-8872 or find us online at www.wisblincoln.org or www.facebook.com/wisblincoln.
Well Workplace Nebraska (WWPNE) is a nonprofit organization serving the state of Nebraska, with a mission to lead employers to create a workplace culture of health and wellness. WWPNE falls under the umbrella of the Wellness Council of the Midlands (WELCOM), which was founded more than 30 years ago in Omaha. As a membership organization, companies across Nebraska are invited to join WWPNE in order to obtain tools and resources that can assist with workplace wellness efforts. WWPNE members receive access to a members-only website, and free admission to educational trainings that provide a foundational understanding of the ways in which to strategically develop and enhance worksite wellness programs. Member companies also have the opportunity to apply for the Well Workplace Award, which is a nationally recognized designation as one of America’s Healthiest Companies. Overall, WWPNE serves to keep member companies on the cutting edge of best practices within the field of employee wellness. Visit www.wellnesscouncil.org or contact WWPNE for more information about Well Workplace Nebraska (WWPNE) (402-934-5795; info@welcomomaha.org).
A lot of networking groups suck. They are stiff and boring and they are too formal to really get to know people on a personal basis. At PNG one of the biggest compliments we get is that people feel welcomed and they love our laid back meetings. Don’t get us wrong, we are there to pass and gain business. In fact, over seven years we have passed 1,000s of referrals surpassing over $1 million dollars in business. However, we know there are numerous ways to get that done and we have had a ton of success in growing our five groups in Lincoln by building an enjoyable culture first and knowing that the business will follow. For more information about PNG and a complete list of our groups, locations and times visit www.PNGLincoln.com.
Lincoln Human Resource Management Association (LHRMA) provides Human Resource Management professionals the opportunity to interchange ideas, experiences, and practices while promoting professional ethics and acquaintanceship.
The organization is comprised of 400 HR professionals from the greater Lincoln area.
Benefits of membership include:
• Monthly meetings with learning events and professional speakers
• Professional networking • Career development
• Sharing of HR information • Monthly newsletter access
• Membership directory • PHR/SPHR/GPHR certification study groups
• Committee work with peers • Salary & Benefits survey data
• Legislative updates • Scholarship programs • Diversity programs
Next Meeting: Tuesday, March 12th, luncheon 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. “The Employee Life Cycle–Round Table Discussions”.
Annual membership is $50. Become a member of LHRMA in March and mention this ad to receive a $15 coupon for a FREE Monthly Luncheon. For more information about Lincoln Human Resource Management Association (LHRMA) visit: www.lincolnhr.org.
The American Business Women’s Association’s (ABWA) mission is to bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support, and national recognition. As women, we need a strong and vital community of ABWA members like you—so we stay strong together. Members who are committed to learning, mentoring, and growing our ABWA community. It may be a cliché to say, “there is strength in numbers,” but clichés often hold great truths. Commit to growing ABWA and use the annual theme as your mantra. We can—and we will—grow stronger together! The Network Chapter meets the first Tuesday of every month for lunch. Please contact us today if you would like to visit our chapter! For more information about The American Business Women’s Association’s (ABWA) please call Doreen Burns at (402) 430-6731 or visit our Facebook page at Facebook.com/ABWALincoln.
Celebrating 4 years of relationship building, Center Sphere is the choice for forming warm relationships and trusted networks. With over 280 members in Lincoln and Omaha, Center Sphere takes traditional networking to the next level. Our members are trained and committed to creating alliances, partnerships and synergistic opportunities within your sphere of influence.
Our weekly meetings are built around forming bonds that make referral passing a natural reaction. Our monthly socials bring more resources together to connect with one another. And our recently launched Digital Referral Dashboard makes the referral process even simpler and instantaneous! For more information about Center Sphere visit www.centersphere.com to learn more about how this affordable option is still the fastest growing network around.
Launched in 2010, the East Lincoln Business Association is a growing network of people from across the city dedicated to enhancing the business climate of east Lincoln through networking, promotion and representation. Lunch meetings with guest speakers are held the third Thursday of each month at Hillcrest Country Club, 9401 O St., from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch is $13. Speakers include local, county and state officials and representatives from various organizations. The 2013 line-up included Gov. Dave Heineman, State Auditor Mike Foley, NU Athletic Director Shawn Eichorst and Lancaster County Treasurer Andy Stebbing. Upcoming speakers include County Commissioner Brent Smoyer and Tom Osborne. ELBA was proud to host its first annual BaconfEAST fundraiser February 22, benefitting the Food Bank of Lincoln. Learn more about East Lincoln Business Association at www.GoELBA.org. Please RSVP for meetings at mcguire@neb.rr.com.