If you are a member of the local business community, there should be no reason why you are not a member of at least one organization.
Depending on the reason you want to join an organization (some common reasons are listed on our website at www.strictly-business.com), you might gravitate toward a group that focuses on networking, one that focuses on community service or one that is industry-specific. Once you have identified your reason for getting involved, you can choose the best group for you. Here are some wonderful options:
Center Sphere
Center Sphere is a group of business professionals whose mission is to share referrals, ideas, and resources. If you want to expand your business and contacts you should join. We only allow one trade/profession per group. We have a METHODICAL REFERRAL PROCESS that produces results. We use a method in which social interaction leads to stronger relationships for your business.
Center Sphere also utilizes technology to SAVE TIME with offline communication after business meetings. This allows every members voice to be heard. It also saves time when connecting and searching for resources for your business. We also provide co-op advertising programs to help each others business.
For more information about Center Sphere, please visit them on the web at www.centersphere.com.
ASTD-Lincoln
When somebody asks you, “What do you make?”, answer by saying, “I make a difference.” Members of ASTD-Lincoln have been making a difference for over three decades. We help Nebraska work better.
ASTD-Lincoln members learn at regular chapter learning events and workshops, and have access to national certificate programs. Members enjoy full access to our website, astdlincoln.org, packed with resources, job postings, a newsletter, and much more.
ASTD-Lincoln membership can expand your professional network. Enjoy reciprocal benefits with Omaha-based ASTD Nebraska. We collaborate annually with the Lincoln Human Resource Management Association (LHRMA). We can even help you connect with ASTD’s 130+ local chapters in the U.S. and more than 30 international partners with an ASTD National membership.
ASTD-Lincoln makes a difference. What do you make? More informaton can be found at www.astdlincoln.org.
Lincoln’s Young Professional Group (YPG)
The Lincoln Young Professionals Group was founded in 2007 by the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and Partnership for Economic Development, to empower young professionals in Lincoln to create an energetic and dynamic environment for learning, networking, and entrepreneurship. YPG‘s vision is to increase the attractiveness of Lincoln, by encouraging young professionals to take ownership in its future by engaging in the community professionally, personally, and philanthropically. The Lincoln YPG organization is the largest in the state of Nebraska and one of the most successful across the nation.
Learn more about Lincoln’s Young Professional Group and events at www.lincolnypg.com.
Home Builders Association of Lincoln
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 500 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 Home Builders Association of Lincoln, for a membership application and to see the many services of this 61-year-old builders association or go to www.hbal.org.
Christian Business Men’s Connection
CBMC stands for Christian Businessmen’s Connection. We meet men right where they’re at to equip and encourage them to become all that God has designed them to be.
In CBMC, Christian businessmen connect others to Jesus Christ, and by His grace, they connect to other businessmen from all walks of life. Our diverse members share a common desire to deepen their connection with God, and along the way, they answer the call to tell others about the completeness they’ve discovered through Christ. Because when they do, everything seems to connect.
Sooner or later, we all conclude that there’s got to be something more to life. Everything may be perfect, and yet we wonder if this is all there is to living. At CBMC, we believe the secret to solving our discontent lies in connection. By connecting with God and other men, we can experience the kind of satisfaction that fills our life with meaning.
Today, Christian Businessmen’s Connection has developed over 800 teams across the United States. Worldwide, CBMC is active in over 90 countries. Our methods continue to evolve to reflect the circumstances of modern men, but our purpose remains the same: to evangelize and disciple business and professional men for Christ.
For more information about the Christian Business Men’s Connection, please visit them on the web at www.cbmc.com.
BNI of the Heartland
BNI of the Heartland (Nebraska, Wyoming, Western South Dakota, and Southwest Iowa) offers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and most importantly, business referrals. Currently with 37 chapters, over 800 members passed over 25000 referrals which generated over $12 million in closed business in 2011. That is an average of $477 per referral and 39 referrals per member, making the average seat worth nearly $19,000…over 5200% return on investment!!!
Belonging to BNI is like having dozens of sales people working for you that carry your business cards with them, and when they meet someone who could use your products or services, they take out your card and recommend you.
BNI provides a structured and supportive system of giving and receiving business. It does so by providing an environment in which you develop personal relationships with dozens of 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.
Professional Networking Group
Five years ago in February, Professional Networking Group was formed with one simple goal: bring like minded people together for the purpose of giving and receiving referrals. Over the past 5 years nearly 200 teammates have benefited from PNG through 1,000s of leads worth over a half million dollars in closed business We are currently looking to add quality teammates to our six groups throughout Lincoln. PNG meets every other week for an hour and believes in strengthening the core of Lincoln owned businesses and business operators.
For more information about the Professional Networking Group, please visit their website at www.PNGLincoln.com.
Toastmasters International
Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of meeting locations. Headquartered in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, the organization has more than 270,000 members in over 13,000 clubs in 116 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people of all backgrounds become more confident in front of an audience.
Toastmasters International provides the tools that enable employees to become effective presenters and leaders – all at a very low cost. Toastmasters training helps employees:
• give better sales presentations
• hone their management skills
• work better with fellow employees
• effectively develop and present ideas
• offer constructive criticism
• accept feedback more objectively.
For information on Toastmasters Clubs in Lincoln, Nebraska, contact: Ken Anderson – 402-440-3725 – klalincoln@hotmail.com or visit their website at www.toastmasters.org.
NAIFA Tagline: Connections that Count!
The “National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors” (NAIFA) comprises more than 700 state and local associations including Lincoln. They represent and advocate on the interests of more than 200,000 members nationwide. Members focus their practices on one or more of the following: life insurance and annuities, financial advising and investments, multiline, and health insurance and employee benefits.
NAIFA connects you to the resources you need to be successful. We are your voice on Capitol Hill and in your backyard, fighting for a positive legislative and regulatory environment for insurance and financial professionals. We provide education and networking opportunities that help your business grow. Bottom line—NAIFA provides value for your membership!
Southeast Nebraska’s chapter (NAIFA-Cornhusker) meets in Lincoln monthly. This day members have an opportunity to participate in a meeting that consists of networking, expert breakout sessions usually with free continuing education, and a luncheon lunch including a peer speaker discussing sales ideas and how they became successful.
For information about National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, please visit them online at www.naifa-cornhusker.org.
Lincoln Human Resource Management Association (LHRMA)
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 350 HR professionals from the greater Lincoln area. Annual member ship is $50. Benefits of membership include:
• Monthly meetings with learning events and professional speakers
• Sharing of HR information
• Professional networking
• Committee work with peers
• PHR/SPHR/GPHR certification
• Career Development
• Monthly newsletter
• Membership directory
• Area wage & salary survey
• Legislative updates
• Scholarship programs
• Diversity programs
Next Meeting: Tuesday, March 13th, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 pm. “Improv In the Workplace”
Join Lincoln Human Resource Management Association in March and mention this ad to receive a $15 coupon for a FREE Monthly Luncheon.
For more information visit: www.lincolnhr.org.
Lincoln Independent Business Association
LIBA offers numerous opportunities to network with other Lincoln business leaders. LIBA’s monthly Biz-Net events are free to attend and provide 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.
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. 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 466-3419.
More information about Lincoln Independent Business Association can be found online at www.liba.org.
American Council of Engineering Companies
Engineers bridge the gap between science, theory and practical application to design and implement the smallest consumer item to the largest industrial processes. The American Council of Engineering Companies of Nebraska is the voice of the engineering industry and the only organization devoted exclusively to the business and advocacy interests of engineering companies. Our members are engaged in a wide range of engineering projects that propel the nation’s economy and enhance and safeguard America’s quality of life.
Nationally,the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) is a federation of 51 state councils. Member firms employ hundreds of thousands of engineers, architects, land surveyors, scientists, and other specialists, responsible for more than $200 billion of private and public works annually. Member firms range in size from a single professional engineer to corporations employing thousands of professionals.
For more information about American Council of Engineering Companies, contact Jackie McCullough (jackie@acecnebraska.org) or Bea Seybert (bea@acecnebraska.org) at (402) 476-2572 or www.acecnebraska.org.
Lincoln Chamber of Commerce
Our mission is to promote a positive business climate in Lincoln, serving as the primary advocate for business growth and a constructive partner working with government and education. We represent the entire Lincoln business community and provide our members with a significant return on investment. We support the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development, Lincoln’s Young Professionals Group, Lincoln’s Specialty Care and the Lincoln Convention and Visitors Bureau in their missions to create economic growth and vitality. We support performance-based business incentives, fiscal responsibility at all levels of government and routine reviews of governmental efficiency and spending. The UNL Bureau of Business Research in 2009, concluded that a Lincoln Chamber of Commerce member can expect roughly $3.44 in return for every $1 invested.
For more information about Lincoln Chamber of Commerce , please contact Paul Miloni, 402.437.7835 or visit them on the web at www.LCOC.com.
American Advertising Federation of Lincoln
American Advertising Federation of Lincolnis celebrating 60 years of 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 Taste of the Vine 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
If you are looking for a friendly, supportive group of business women to network, collaborate and even make some new friends… then Women in Sales & Business (WISB) is for you! WISB meets the second Wednesday of every month at The Knolls Restaurant from 11:30-1:00.
WISB started meeting in 1987 to offer business women the opportunity to network within an intimate group. The value of this mentorship from your sisters in the business and sales community dwarfs the time commitment needed for our monthly meetings.
We provide timely up-to-date information with real work application to enhance your business. Our educational training is incorporated in our monthly luncheons to maximize the collaboration within our membership.
Please join us for our next meeting on March 14th. Our guest speaker is Jeannine Bryant, Marketing Director for Changing Spaces. Her presentationi is “Live Your Best Life Now: How to rightsizing can improve your life right now” Practical tips for clearing out the clutter at your home and office.
For more information about Women in Sales & Business, please contact Amy Larson at 402-466-3342 or by email alarson@dsmedia.com or www.dsmedia.com.
Nebraska Mortgage Association
Members of the Nebraska Mortgage Association experience an environment that enhances their efforts to invest in their communities while achieving their business objectives. Opportunities provided by NMA to network with people with vast knowledge and experience in the mortgage lending industry is priceless – especially in these times of constant change in regulations and the current economy! Members gain valuable insight from collaborating with peers in their profession and participating in NMA’s educational events. The Nebraska Mortgage Association’s mission includes being the voice of real estate finance in Nebraska, and membership in NMA adds credibility and boosts company image within the community.
Throughout the year the Nebraska Mortgage Association provides education and industry training opportunities in various locations throughout the state. NMA also presents an annual conference for members to socialize and attend industry and motivational sessions, as well as network with industry related vendors and lending associates. In addition, NMA actively monitors legislation that impacts the mortgage lending industry and represents the interests of association members in the Nebraska legislative system.
For more information about Nebraska Mortgage Association , please visit us on the web at: www.NebraskaMortgageAssociation.org