I know this might be a silly question but I was wondering how other people network.

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Lois Durham
LRD Virtual Administrative Service

Not a silly question, I am interested in this topic too. I am looking for local meet-ups relating to my field. I am just starting out so I cannot give you any advice yet. Sorry. Hope we hear from some other people.

Local meetings and events - these are more regular than you would think!

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Telephone Answering virtual assistant
alldaypa.com

Last November I went on a tour of as many networking groups as I could wrangle invitations for. Then I joined the ones that seemed to suit me. I'm a member of two and just got an invitation for a third which I may join if it's not too intensive.
I also carry my business cards with me *everywhere*. If only I had had one in my pocket when I went jogging yesterday!

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Bernat Virtual Assistance, I Make My Clients Shine!

LOCAL -- In person networking -- yes your local professional groups that may have same focus as you -- consider others as well -- also local business groups i.e. chamber of commerce, toast masters, etc. I like to go to job fairs, vsrious fairs, meetings, conventions -- wherever there are people as I enjoy getting out and am a people person. Check newspapers for new businesses etc and contact them (perhaps a welcome basket /folder)

Computer networking important too-- virtual? i.e. forums, emails, etc etc etc

ANY way you can come up with to contact people (the more unique the better) -- good luck!!

This topic is of great interest to me -- thank you for starting this thread! As an introvert, I tend to shy away from face-to-face networking events, because sometimes they can drain all of my energy. I'm going to suck it up, though, because I'm dedicating to growing my network.

Debra - I would have never thought of visiting a job fair. In fact, I haven't been to a job fair in a capacity other than "job seeker" since I was a recruiter. Who do you chat with?

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Thyreast M. Pinckney
Your Virtual Ace

Check your local chambers. I know many new business owners can't afford a chamber membership, but many of the chambers in my area allow non-members to attend some of their events for a small fee.

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Lezly Harrison
Laserdog Productions - Code that Doesn't Bite

I have done different things to network online and offline.

Online - join forums like this and other VA organizations, volunteer for different VA groups in moderating forums or admin tasks

Offline - join a business networking group similar to a chamber or BNI

I think it helps to do both. I'm more of an introvert but it helps to get out and do some face-to-face networking.

Hope that helps.

Mimi

there are many FREE local networking events in every town, I just joined 2 in the last month and they are still small which means that i can grow with them. Check Meetup.com, you can even start your own networking event!