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03-14-2009
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Junior Member
Company name: Assistant2YourSuccess
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Lawrence, Kansas
Posts: 261
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Are you a member of organizations in your city?
I wasn't sure how to word this thread so please forgive me. I absolutely love these forums and getting to know everyone. I like facebook and twitter. But I would like to join a network organization in person as well. Our Chamber of Commerce is about $350 a year (and a good ole boy's club, I hear) which is way out of my range. So my question is, I guess, what groups are you a member of that has person to person interaction. I am not sure of what to look for in my area. I need suggestions. Okay, sorry this is such a jumble of words to get my question out.
Thanks, diana
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03-15-2009
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Contributing Member
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Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Nova Scotia, Canada
Posts: 52
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Re: Are you a member of organizations in your city?
Hi Diana
I don't know about you, but I am just about "Facebooked Out". There are a number of things you can do. Check and see if there is a Business Breakfast Club, Women's Networking Group. If not - start your own!
I live about 20 kms outside of a town, in a small community. I have been traveling back and forth to meet people, etc. I am in the process of rounding up business owners, to start up my own networking group for the surrounding area. Things are looking positive so far, and I will keep you in the loop as to how things are going.
Amanda
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03-15-2009
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Contributing Member
Company name: Your Extra Pair of Hands
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Oakville, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 80
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Re: Are you a member of organizations in your city?
Ask you local Chamber of Commerce, if there are events you can attend as an "aspiring member" or a guest. Try those ones first, you'll still be able to network yourself, and then decide if it's worth your investment. I know that my local Chamber allows you to come as a guest to certain events before you join.
Check other local networking groups to see if they also have the "try before you buy" angle.
If you're looking for something a little less "ol' boys", do a google search for "womens networking groups" in your area.
Hope this helps
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03-15-2009
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Junior Member
Company name: Sage Virtual Assistance
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 389
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Re: Are you a member of organizations in your city?
Have you looked at meetup.com? I was amazed at how many little groups there are. Last week I also went to a business development meeting through the Chamber even though I am not a member this year... I didnt ask what the rule is for going to those but I will probably just keep showing up til they tell me I cant. 
Monday, I am meeting with at least 1 other VA in my area, we have invited 2 others but havent heard back yet... I hope they all come.
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03-15-2009
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Active Member
Company name: Administrative Partners, LLC
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Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Virtually Anywhere
Posts: 667
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Re: Are you a member of organizations in your city?
Meetups, go to Chamber events that are FREE!!!. I don't join a group until I get at least once client from a free meeting that covers the cost of membership -- thats my rule.
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03-15-2009
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Resident Member
Company name: Virtual Writing and Communications
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Alamance County, NC
Posts: 1,410
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Re: Are you a member of organizations in your city?
Originally Posted by Administrative Partners
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Meetups, go to Chamber events that are FREE!!!. I don't join a group until I get at least once client from a free meeting that covers the cost of membership -- thats my rule.
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Dang, is that Tamika a smart lady or what?!?
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03-16-2009
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Contributing Member
Company name: Having A Virtual Advantage, LLC
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Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Tampa Bay Area
Posts: 98
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Re: Are you a member of organizations in your city?
Tamika, thanks for sharing that rule! It is a great idea and I am going to incorporate that myself!
Susan Myers
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03-16-2009
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Active Member
Company name: Kerans Virtual Assistance
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: DeWinton, Alberta
Posts: 691
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Re: Are you a member of organizations in your city?
Diana,
Another suggestion that was helpful to me was looking outside your immediate city for Chambers of Commerce to join. Our big city Chamber of Commerce is located downtown and is hugely expensive, but we have another Chamber located in a smaller town nearby that is much more affordable and has a much more welcoming and receptive environment.
Good luck with the networking!
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03-16-2009
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New Member
Company name: Stray Ducks Virtual Assistance
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Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Canmore, Alberta, Canada
Posts: 19
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Re: Are you a member of organizations in your city?
Something that I do that really helps meet the local marketplace is to volunteer. I am Chairperson of our local Arts Festival. I have met many of my community this way.
Find a group that fits what you are looking for, and has the potential to meet many people and go for it.
I know it is unpaid work but meeting your peers and potential clients this way is invaluable, and hey, you might just have fun at the same time.
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07-11-2009
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New Member
Company name: Anthony Office Solutions, LLC
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Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 21
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Re: Are you a member of organizations in your city?
Check with your local chamber and see if they offer different payment options. Some will allow you to pay quarterly or maybe even monthly.
The $350 annual fee is only a little over $29 per month.
My local chamber offers a discount for first year members.
Just a thought.
Holly
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