As most business people know, being successful is not a solitary endeavor. We rely on a number of people to contribute to our success and those who truly excel have found a network of peers, colleagues and advocates who are continually helping them strive to be their best. How do you find those who will truly benefit you and help you reach your goals? The answer is by joining local organizations! Whether you are looking for a pure referral group where everything revolves around helping each other get business, an industry-specific group where you can get to know others in your profession or a more social networking group where you can mingle with potential clients and colleagues in a relaxed atmosphere, there is a group out there to meet your needs! Here are a few organizations in the area and information on the benefits they offer and how to get involved!
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. Annual membership 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 12th, luncheon 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.- “Form I-9 and E-Verify” and afternoon seminar 1:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. – “HR for Small Business”. For more information visit: www.lincolnhr.org.
Join LHRMA in March and mention this ad to receive a $15 coupon for a FREE Monthly Luncheon.
Well Workplace Nebraska: 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. www.wellnesscouncil.org
Lincoln’s Young Professionals Group: 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, 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 436-2366 or e-mail at jaimehenning@LCOC.com. For more information please visit our website at www.lincolnypg.com.
ASTD-Lincoln: Talent retention has become a top business challenge, and employers are expecting talent management to grow in importance. Over half of employers rate it as a top priority at their organization today, but 76% expect it to be a top priority within the next three to five years. The American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) is the leading association for workforce learning professionals, helping organizations develop a more engaged and productive workforce.
ASTD-Lincoln members gain tools and methods at regular chapter learning events and workshops , and obtain access to national certificate programs. Members enjoy full access to our website—astdlincoln.org—packed with resources, job postings, 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. The members of ASTD-Lincoln are TAKING ACTION!
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 HBAL, go to www.hbal.org for a membership application and to see the many services of this 62-year-old builders association.
BNI of the Heartland: Those that truly want to build a firm networking foundation know that they need to nurture their future referral partner and build a relationship with them. However, some businesspeople still make the mistake of assuming their phone will magically start ringing with referrals simply because they make a habit of handing out their business card to potential referral partners.
Handing out your business card to others is a tiny step in the process of Relationship Networking—you must follow up and continually make efforts at building successful relationships with them. Dr. Ivan Misner in the book Business By Referral, shares five things you should get to know about anyone you wish to establish a relationship with.
–Goals
–Accomplishments
–Interests
–Networks
–Skills
Building a true Networking Plan takes some effort but the rewards are great. For more information, please visit, www.bniheartland.com, email info@bniheartland.com, or call (402) 880-6311.
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 presentation 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. Please contact Amy Larson at 402-466-3342 or by email alarson@dsmedia.com for more information.
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 association (NAIFA-Cornhusker) meets in Lincoln monthly, members have the opportunity to participate in a meeting that consists of networking, expert breakout sessions including a peer speaker discussing sales ideas and how they become successful.
For information, please visit www.naifa-cornhusker.org
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.
ABWA : The ABWA’s 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! Please call Larissa at 402-540-3185 or visit our Facebook page at Facebook.com/ABWALincoln.
Center Sphere: Center Sphere takes traditional networking to the next level. It is about building solid, trusted, active networks through forming deep relationships. We take traditional networking beyond leads and referrals. Our members are committed to creating alliances, partnerships, and synergistic opportunities within our Center Sphere.
Our 18 Chapters meet on a weekly basis to form relationships that make referring business to one another a natural reaction. Each chapter is made up of business professionals from a wide range of industries. We are affordable, motivated and dedicated to growing your business!
Find out why Center Sphere IS the place for you by visiting a chapter this week! Visit www.centersphere.com for more info.
Remember, your Network is your Net Worth!
Lincoln Chamber of Commerce: The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce continues to grow and expand opportunities in Lincoln. Through the Chamber, your company will gain the publicity and brand recognition it needs to compete in today’s competitive environment. By sponsoring a Chamber program your company will reach local businesses and community leaders who recognize and appreciate companies that help support sound economic development initiatives. The recognition you receive will ensure you make those important connections necessary for the future success of your business.
For more information on how to get your business engaged call Jaime Henning at 436-2366 or e-mail at jaimehenning@LCOC.com. For more information please visit our website at www.LCOC.com.
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 83 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 CBMC. Go to lincoln.cbmc.com and let us know how we can help.
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 7 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 visit www.PNGLincoln.com.
REALTORS® Association of Lincoln: The REALTORS® Association of Lincoln was chartered in 1920. Thirty-four years later the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) was launched to give brokers a tool to facilitate cooperation in the selling process. Today, the REALTORS® Association of Lincoln is a volunteer-driven organization with 14 standing committees and forums that give direction and provide feedback to a 16-member Board of Directors. All members are encouraged to volunteer for association committees.
The mission of the Association is to provide programs and services that enhance your career. As a REALTOR® you work hard and it is important to know the benefits available to you. Through the REALTOR® organization you gain the strength of numbers for industry issues and purchasing power; a higher level of professionalism through standards of practice; and the right to use the term REALTOR®.
For more information, please contact Elinor Lane at (402) 441-3626 or visit www.LincolnREALTORS.com.