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!
Downtown Omaha Inc.: Downtown Omaha, Inc. is a nonprofit, privately funded corporation dedicated to helping the downtown community continue to be a viable, healthy, growing segment of Omaha. DOI members network and stay informed of issues that affect their business and make an impact on the growing downtown Omaha area.
The goal of the group is to inform, promote and unite the downtown community. Highlights of their activities include: the Holiday Lights Festival celebration; working with the Downtown Improvement District, Old Market Business Association and the North Downtown group; as well as hosting candidate networking meetings to bring the candidates to our members.
The group has its membership meetings the first Thursday of every month from 7:45 to 9:00 a.m. at the Scottish Rite building with speakers that are informational and exciting. They also have networking meetings once a month from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at various downtown locations.
For more information, please visit www.downtownomahainc.com or “Like” them on Facebook.
The American Society for Training and Development: Nebraska Chapter: ASTD Nebraska is an organization dedicated to today’s workplace learning and performance professionals. If the person who trained you at your job was an exceptional facilitator, he or she might be a member of our organization.
ASTD Nebraska is a local chapter of The American Society for Training and Development (ASTD), the world’s largest association dedicated to workplace learning and performance (WLP) professionals. Our mission is to “enhance members’ abilities to train, develop and support clients and organizations and our local global communities.” We provide our 300+ members with quality resources, networking opportunities, and continuing education.
If you are a WLP professional—a corporate trainer, an instructional designer, a mentor, a manager or a coach—we can help you take your career to the next level. www.astdnebraska.org
The National Electrical Contractors Association: (NECA) was organized in 1901 and currently has 119 chapters worldwide. NECA has 4,000 contractor members and is responsible for $130 billion dollars in electrical business. The Nebraska Chapter of NECA represents 64 electrical contractors in Omaha and Lincoln and 20 associate members. Our labor force represent nearly two million labor hours per year. The NECA/IBEW partnership own and operate a state of the art training center located at 8960 L Street and has additional training centers in Lincoln and Columbus. Our membership includes a wide variety of contractors from small independents to large regional companies. Our associate members include suppliers, service providers and related businesses.
Any electrical contractor in Nebraska is eligible for membership. Any business or individual associated with our industry or can be of service to our members, are welcome to join. Visit our website at www.neneca.com or call our Omaha office at: 402-397-5105, for more information on how you can join.
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!
The Friday Afternoon Group is an invite only group that got its initial start by Scott setting up a casual introduction between two people he does business with who both enjoy happy hours. It has grown into a monthly event that attracts some of the best and brightest entrepreneurs and sales people that Omaha has to offer. We meet once a month at Barry O’s in the old market on a random Friday. The dates are selected by Scott based on the most compelling reason to get together that month. It’s a great place to get a casual introduction to someone you’ve been looking to meet, in a laid back environment. People visit because it’s a happy hour; they come back because of the people they meet. For more information or to get an application to get on the invite list contact Scott Koethe. scott.koethe@rebc.com 402-333-3333 ext. 105
WDCCC: Discover the best kept secret in Western Douglas County!
Our 330+ Members serve western Douglas County including the communities of Bennington, Elkhorn, Waterloo, Valley and West Omaha, all of which have rapidly growing businesses and residential communities. Our purpose is to help businesses, organizations and communities prosper by promoting the business and civic interests of Western Douglas County Chamber members and residents.
Each event that we hold offers opportunities for members to network, meet area business leaders, connect with other business owners, learn business techniques and much more. Our events are open to members and visitors, to encourage guests to “try before you buy”. We firmly believe that once you attend one of our events that you’ll see we truly are an open, fun, interactive and personal Chamber.
Visit any of our upcoming events to check us out by visiting www.wdccc.org and see what makes us different.
The Omaha Executive Club is made up of business owners, presidents and senior management only and acts as an outside ‘board of directors’ for your business where you can exchange business intelligence with others in your peer group. The club consists of weekly meetings as well as break-out sessions on topics such as how to market your products or services. They also have monthly speakers such as the Mayor and president of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce.
There are two clubs that meet. One is on Wednesday mornings from 7:15-8:30 am at Oak Hills Country Club and the other is on Tuesday mornings from 7:30-8:30 am at Happy Hollow Country Club.
For more information, please contact Ray Somberg at (402) 672-6331 or rsomberg@gmail.com.
Millard Business Association: Founded in 2003, the Millard Business Association (MBA) was started by a small group of business owners who recognized the possibilities for networking and community development that existed in the Millard area for companies and their employees. Over the past few years, membership has expanded to over 400 active members and continues to grow. The Millard Business Association is excited to be celebrating our 10th year.
As an organization, we strive to continually improve and connect the business community and members to each other while sharing knowledge and expertise that will benefit the entire community.
MBA membership is only $100 dollars per year! This makes it affordable for any size company to belong to our growing organization. The MBA provides members with monthly opportunities to network, learn, and make connections to help their business succeed. Please visit us online at www.MillardBusinessAssociation.org or Facebook.com/MillardBusinessAssociation to learn more.
Omaha Business Women’s Network: OBWN is a group of professional women from Omaha interested in developing relationships to grow their personal business or the business of their employer. OBWN assists women to develop lasting personal and professional relationships. Suggested for the Employer, the Employee or the Entrepreneur.
Monthly speakers include some of the best and brightest community leaders from all facets of business which ensures top-notch programming.
OBWN meets the 1st Wednesday of each month at the Westside Community Conference Ctr, 3534 S 108th, Omaha. Meetings include lunch, a program/speaker and networking opportunities! Social gatherings are held the 3rd Thursday, every other month, 5:30 to 7:30 at local businesses.
SAVE THE DATE: OBWN’s 3rd Annual Women’s Professional Success Seminar: Thursday, Oct 17, 2013; Nebraska Children’s Home Society, 4939 S. 118th Street, Omaha, NE; 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Join our mailing list to get updated information when released.
OUR MISSION: To promote and improve you and your business while building relationships with Omaha women.
omahabusinesswomensnetwork@gmail.com
www.obwn.net | www.facebook.com/OBWNInc
Sarpy County: With continued rapid growth of business and residents, Sarpy County is still the fastest growing county in Nebraska. That growth will continue in the coming decade. As nice as it is for Sarpy County to be touted as one of Nebraska’s shining stars. Our focus at the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce continues to be a dynamic leader in advocacy for business and economic prosperity in Sarpy County.
The team at the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce will partner with businesses and organizations to educate, advocate and lead. Keeping the focus on building an environment that promotes business and economic prosperity is what guides us when we are planning events, providing educational services to our members or when we envision the future growth of Sarpy County.
Join us and together we can forge Sarpy County’s future.
Be a true SARPYnian | www.sarpychamber.org
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.
Executive Women International (EWI) : Are you interested in connecting with other business women for the purpose of personal and professional development?
Executive Women International® (EWI) is a membership association dedicated to bringing business women together to enhance our community through the strong alliance and support of our member firms and their representatives.
EWI’s mission is to bring together key individuals from diverse businesses to:
• promote member firms
• enhance personal and professional development
• and encourage community development
The networking and leadership experiences are incredible as representatives have the opportunities to serve on our Chapter/Corporate Board, various committees and participate in community service projects. In addition, you will hear professional development speakers, have access to business webinars, and many other growth opportunities through EWI membership.
We encourage you to visit our website (www.ewi-omaha.org) and contact us for additional information. EWI’s corporate website is www.ewiconnect.com.
Thanks for your interest in EWI Omaha Chapter.
Chamber Partners with Members for Business Growth: It’s the Greater Omaha Chamber’s proven cycle of success: help member businesses make more money >> attract new members >> harness the power of its growing ranks to improve the local economic environment >> repeat.
“Working with its members, the Greater Omaha Chamber accomplishes more than any one person or business can do alone,” said Bridget Lynch, the Chamber’s senior director of member services.
The Greater Omaha Chamber has grown into one of the country’s largest chambers with more than 3,100 member businesses. As the catalyst organization for business growth in the region, the Chamber is dedicated to pursuing new investments and jobs, advocating for a strong business climate through effective government, and creating opportunities for member visibility and business connections.
“The Greater Omaha Chamber has something for everyone. At the end of the day, we want members to say ‘My Chamber helped my business!” said Lynch.
To learn more about becoming a member of the Greater Omaha Chamber, call 402-346-5000 or visit OmahaChamber.org/Join.
The International Association of Business Communicators :(IABC) is a professional global organization for business communicators to identify, share and apply the world’s most effective communication practices.
As a member you can tap into your peers for new ideas, fresh insights and problem solving assistance. IABC’s web site contains a robust library for members only of how-to articles and case studies of successful communication in the real world. Whether you are with a large organization or you’re a company of one, IABC is a great place to find clients and expand your professional network.
IABC Omaha has some of the best and brightest communicators in the area who meet for monthly luncheons and networking opportunities geared towards growing in your profession—no matter what stage you’re at. For more information visit http://omaha.iabc.com.
The Wellness Council of the Midlands: The Wellness Council of the Midlands (WELCOM) is a local nonprofit organization serving the state of Nebraska. WELCOM was founded more than 30 years ago in Omaha, and has a mission to lead employers to create a workplace culture of health and wellness. As a membership organization, companies across Nebraska are invited to join WELCOM in order to obtain tools and resources that can assist with workplace wellness efforts. WELCOM 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, WELCOM serves to keep member companies on the cutting edge of best practices within the field of employee wellness.