What do you consider to be the most valuable assets available to businesspeople in the area?
One of the top answers for most seasoned professionals is highly likely to be a local organization they are involved in—which by definition is simply an organized body of people with a particular purpose. Being a part of a professional organization in your community is something that will positively influence the success you have overall in the business community for a few major reasons.
First, creating relationships with other like-minded professionals within your industry as well as with those in other fields are both valuable networking and community building opportunities that are among the goals of any worthwhile organization. Making these connections is the lifeblood of growing your professional network. Secondly, and similarly, they foster mentorship. Mentoring is the cornerstone of many professional organizations; among its members there will usually be industry veterans as well as the next crop of stars entering the workforce. This allows for interaction among all levels of businesspeople, which may not happen organically in the workplace. In fact, many professionals just entering their field of study out of college may never get in the same room with someone at the top of their field for a very long time unless they attend engagements as a part of a professional organization. Finally, being involved in an organization generally allows you exclusive access to training and skill building activities. Opportunities for professional development might include courses, workshops, publications such as monthly newsletters, and other materials that are available to members. So you’ll essentially meet new people, swap ideas, learn new skills, stay informed—all keeping your career moving in the right direction.
Whether your goal is to network, meet mentors, gain insights on the latest industry trends, learn more about your profession, or to just to keep your finger on the pulse of the community, joining a local organization will help you get where you want to be and you’ll have plenty of support on the journey. There are many different types of organizations composed of all types of people. Some can be laser focused while others are broader in their scope. You’ll have plenty of options when choosing the best fit; most welcome visitors at meetings or events to get a feel for what they are all about, which is something to definitely take advantage of. Being an active member of a local organization (or as many as you can keep up with for that matter!) is the key to a successful future in the business world, and with all of the other great people you’ll meet, there’s not only the opportunity to make valuable connections but friendships as well. If you are looking for an organization to join in the Lincoln area, we’ve highlighted a few that are well worth checking into!
Christian Business Men’s Connection: Most men struggle with areas of their life that hinder them from becoming all they can be. During the past 84 years, CBMC has been meeting business and professional men, where they are, and assisting them to become all God designed them to be. Effective Small Group Topical Studies, Leadership Development, Roundtable Discussion, Networking, Relationship Building and 1-on-1 coaching to develop 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 Christian Business Men’s Connection. Go to lincoln.cbmc.com and let us know how we can help.
Lincoln Business Women’s Association – (Formerly ABWA)
Lincoln Business Women’s Association(LBWA), is a local non-profit organization dedicated to women of diverse occupations to come together for personal and professional growth through networking, leadership, education and support.
Formerly known as American Business Women’s Association, we have disassociated with the national group and reorganized as a local group, starting January 1st, 2015.
Our goal is to provide scholarships to non-traditional students attending two or four year programs. We do this with a fundraising event/silent auction.
As a new organization, we are working on building our membership and support through our members. We offer advertising in our newsletter and on our website at a minimal cost.
Being a member of our organization offers your business another means of reaching other business women making connections to further ourselves with our careers.
If you would like more information please contact: Lincoln Business Women’s Association President Chellie Williamson | Chelann1@yahoo.com | (402) 580-1946.
LINCOLN NORTHEAST SERTOMA CLUB celebrates its 45th year of improving the quality of life for those impacted by hearing loss and supporting those in need. Members work event concessions to annually raise and donate $30,000 to 24 worthy human service organizations. The club recently donated $10,000 to Norwood Park elementary school to purchase a hearing application system enabling teachers’ voices to be more clearly heard by all students in ten classrooms. The Club meets weekly from 7:00 to 8:00 a.m. Thursdays at the HyVee community room, 5010 “O” Street. Program speakers are public/private sector leaders making a difference in our community. Guests are welcome. For more information about Lincoln Northeast Sertoma Club call/email club president Sharon Cunning, (402) 540-1515, sharoncunning@gmail.com. You can also visit www.northeastsertoma.org for more information.
The Lincoln Young Professionals Group is dedicated to empowering young professionals with educational, leadership and networking opportunities. Serving 900+ members, the Lincoln Young Professionals group is one of the largest in the country. Lincoln keeps its young professionals here by fostering a collaborative community enriched with a bolstering economy, connectivity and endless opportunities for its people to flourish.
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
At the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, our goal is to make doing business in Lincoln, Nebraska the very best it can be. We provide advocacy for your business and opportunities to help you flourish. It’s important that we ensure every member business thrives. Our members are the best and brightest companies in the region who are investing in Lincoln’s future. We can accomplish so much more together.
For more information about on how to get your business engaged call Kristin Holmes at (402) 437-7835 or e-mail at kholmes@lcoc.com. For more information about the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce please visit our website at www.LCOC.com.
The Cornhusker Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors is in business to promote free enterprise within the construction industry and to serve as an advocate for merit shops throughout Nebraska. The organization’s main purpose is to provide member companies and their employees with an opportunity to succeed.
Whether a large or small company, joining ABC provides value because the group helps members win work and deliver it safely. ABC also offers training, continuing education courses and opportunities for networking and showcasing project successes.
For more information or to discuss joining ABC Cornhusker Chapter, contact Deb Hose at 402-477-4451 or debh@abcnebraska.org. You can also visit www.abcnebraska.org for more information.
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 Winterfest to our community in their fundraising efforts. Each year a non-profit is selected to benefit from the organization’s experts in meeting the individual needs of the recipient. AAF Lincoln is currently accepting applications from non-profits for the upcoming year.
You can read more about the American Advertising Federation of Lincoln, its initiatives and membership benefits at www.aaflincoln.org.
Training and development professionals’ roles are much broader and deeper than ever before, and they have become a critical business partner. The Association for Talent Development (ATD)—formerly known as the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD)—is the world’s largest association dedicated to those who develop talent in organizations.
ASTD-Lincoln chapter members make valuable local connections, gain knowledge at learning events and workshops, and enjoy access to nationally recognized certificate programs. Members have full access to a website packed with resources, job postings, and more. Through ASTD-Lincoln you can connect with ATD’s 125+ U.S. chapters and professionals from over 120 countries with an ATD national membership.
For more information about the Association for Talent Development (ATD), to become a member, or to attend a learning event, visit us at www.atdlincoln.org.
Women in Sales & Business (WISB) has been empowering professional women to grow their businesses and the community since 1987. Networking is a powerful and cost effective advertising tool. If you are looking to build relationships with friendly, hardworking, professional women, we’ve got a seat at the table for you. At WISB meetings you will have ample opportunities to share information about your business or the company you represent, hear speakers about better business practices and make new friends along the way. 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 (WISB)? Reach us at info@wisblincoln.com, call (402) 937-8872 or find us online at www.wisblincoln.org or www.facebook.com/wisblincoln.
Celebrating 5 years of relationship building, Center Sphere is the choice for forming authentic relationships and passing quality referrals. With over 550 members in the Midwest, 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 network also expands to Denver, Phoenix and St. Louis.
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 Digital Referral Dashboard makes the referral process even simpler and instantaneous! Visit www.centersphere.com to learn more about Center Sphere and how this affordable option is still the fastest growing network.
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). Last year alone, BNI generated more than 6.6 million referrals which resulted in over $8.6 billion dollars’ worth of business for its members – over 175,000. Cumulatively, since 1985, BNI has generated over $36.3 billion dollars in business for our membership!
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 during breakfast, lunch and happy hour meetings 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.
Lincoln Human Resource Management Association (LHRMA)
LHRMA is the go-to resource on people management for the community. LHRMA connects professionals to solve every day workforce problems, provides quality education, collaborates with community leaders, and leads change for our industry. The organization is comprised of 400 Human Resources professionals from the greater Lincoln area and welcomes new members.
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 • Professional certification study groups
• Committee work with peers • Salary & Benefits survey data
• Legislative updates • Scholarship programs • Diversity programs
Next Meeting: Tuesday, March 10th, luncheon 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Country Inn & Suites. “Employee Attorney vs. Management Attorney: Case Law Update” presented by Kathleen Neary, Attorney, Vincent M. Powers & Associates and Christopher Hedican, Partner, Baird Holm, LLP.
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) or to register for a meeting visit: www.lincolnhr.org.
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 members, 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 the Home Builders Association of Lincoln (HBAL), go to www.hbal.org for a membership application and to see the many services of this 64-year-old builders association.
Providing leading-edge strategic communication education to help you and your organization achieve tangible results.
The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) has set the standard of excellence for professional communicators with a vibrant network of 14,000 members in more than 70 countries. IABC is recognized worldwide as a leading resource for communicators, providing tools, activities and networking opportunities to achieve excellence in:
Written communication • Graphic design • Marketing
Public relations • Employee relations
Stakeholder relations • Social media • Printing
Consulting • Education
IABC-Lincoln offers regional and international services, and provides professional development through monthly meetings, workshops and seminars.
To learn more about the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) and to register for our Spring Workshop, “Make Your Contacts Count!,” go to: lincoln.iabc.com.
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 thousands 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.
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 “LincTrack Coffee & Contacts” every month. Also free to attend, this event is tailor-made for exchanging business cards. The LIBA Referral Networks (LRN) offer 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. You can also visit www.liba.org for more information.
The Nebraska Restaurant Association acts as the principal advocate for Nebraska’s hospitality industry and promotes the qualities of strength, unity, and excellence in and of its membership. The association is dedicated to serving Nebraska’s restaurant and retail beverage industries by providing comprehensive industry education, proactive representation, aggressive industry promotion and the highest quality member benefits.
Membership is a small investment with big rewards in the health of your business and the entire food service industry. It’s a big world out there and we will do all we can to make it a bit smaller! For membership information and the Nebraska Restaurant Association contact Brandy Nielson at bnielson@nebraska-dining.org or 402.488.3999.
We are on the web at www.nebraska-dining.org or facebook.com/NebraskaRestaurantAssociation.