Here is a look at 11 networking opportunities for budding professionals
In the business world, networking is a term heard all too often. Typically, people picture men in suits at an office or conference gathering around, passing out business cards. However, the world of networking is changing to be more diverse and inclusive in its participants and procedures.
More than ever before, young people are relocating and beginning new careers, including entrepreneurial efforts. Alachua County is great for young professionals to come together and support each other in professional and social endeavors.
“Gainesville is extremely open. We all want to see each other grow and flourish,” said Dan Shaw, a member of the North Florida Business Advocate.
NFBA, also nicknamed The Tribe, is one of many business organizations in the Gainesville area which promotes young business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs coming together to make connections and support the development of each business.
As a relatively new group, started in July 2019, NFBA has had exponential growth, especially online during the lockdown, as they held virtual meetings and connected via Facebook.
Shaw loves the personal connections built via NFBA but does not limit himself to one group.
“I am a firm believer that networking is an investment in your business,” he said. “You have to put yourself out there and take the time to meet people.”
With his belief that hard work in networking pays off, Shaw also recently joined the Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce to take advantage of more of Gainesville’s professional opportunities.
The Gainesville Chamber offers multiple opportunities for young professionals to come together, including meetings, community events such as ribbon cuttings and other exclusive events for its more than 1,300 members.
The Greater Gainesville area has several business chambers for organizations to meet, collaborate and connect, including the Alachua Chamber of Commerce, the Newberry Chamber and the Greater Gainesville Chamber.
One local nonprofit taking full advantage of all of these opportunities is Gainesville Black Professionals. GBP and its president, Virginia Grant, are members of multiple area chambers, which provide extra opportunities interact with more diverse professionals, entrepreneurs and business owners to create beneficial partnerships.
“Gainesville just offers so much. And what I have found and what I have always loved most about Gainesville is that people truly have a spirit of helping,” she said.
Incorporated in 2016, GBP was created with a mission to increase collaboration and networking in the area through hosted events as well as using newly created SYNERGY magazine — an introduction to local business owners and entrepreneurs.
GBP’s diversity extends to age as well as industry and expertise levels. Grant shared the wonderful story of a University of Florida doctoral student who attended an event looking for study participants. She and other volunteers took the time at the beginning of their networking event to announce the student and ask other attendees to speak with her about potentially participating in her study.
“We get just so much variety, and whatever it is that they’re looking for when they come, we try to match them up with someone that can help,” she said.
Similar to NBA, the helping hand of GBP did not end in the wake of the pandemic. Instead, the group held several networking events through Zoom, including its annual leadership conference.
Gainesville is a place to make things happen with genuine people there to help aspiring professionals achieve their goals.
“If you go to a networking event and you are willing to make your ask, meaning that you share with people what it is that you’re there for, someone is going to help you find those answers,” she said.
Whether moving to expand a career or begin a new journey, the Alachua County area is an excellent place for young professionals to build and strengthen their business and personal network.
Here are a few different ways to engage with young professionals in the area:
Chambers
Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce: The Gainesville Chamber offers multiple opportunities for young professionals to come together. The chamber provides various membership levels and pricing on its websites, giving access to business promotions and exclusive events.
Newberry Area Chamber: The Newberry Area Chamber of Commerce connects the Newberry and Jonesville areas, promoting business and community growth. This chamber also has various membership levels and pricing on its websites, giving access to business promotions and exclusive events.
Business organizations
Business Network International: BNI is an extensive business networking and referral organization with multiple chapters throughout Florida. The Gainesville area has multiple BNI groups with either virtual, in-person or blended meetings. Getting in is all about applying. Those in a professional field that no one else represents have the opportunity to speak about their businesses. Visitors can attend chapter meetings twice before they must decide on joining.
“The Tribe” North Florida Business Advocates: A group of young professionals in Gainesville took matters into their own hands, creating a free hybrid business network. The group started on Facebook, and members share, network and refer each other to different professionals and businesses in the area via Zoom or through weekly in-person meetings. The organization prides itself on having no fees or dues and being an aid to local business owners.
Gainesville Young Professionals: Offering a great mix of social and professional incentives, this outlet for young professionals is great for those early on in their career who are either new to the area or are looking to expand their social circles.
Gainesville Black Professionals: Established in 2016, Gainesville Black Professionals was founded with a mission to increase communication, collaboration, and networking between professionals, entrepreneurs, and business owners. The organization features several mediums to achieve this goal, including a monthly newsletter, weekly podcast, quarterly networking mixers, Minority Business Directory, annual leadership conference, and a bi-annual magazine, SYNERGY.
UF
Doing Business with UF!: This monthly workshop series offers suppliers and small businesses insight and knowledge on how to do business with the university.
Mentor — Protégé Program: Small or diverse business leaders meet at least monthly for one year to discuss ways the protege can develop for the area of future interest.
Industry Engagement by CCC: Through the UF Career Connection Center, there are multiple unique opportunities for connecting with employers and building professional networks, including resume review, 30-minute information sessions, coffee chats and on-campus interviews.
Service
United Way of North Central Florida: For those looking to connect with people through community efforts, the United Way in Gainesville hosts a Day of Action to unite volunteers to complete a project for one of their Community Impact or Strategic Partners. Any corporate, team or individual volunteers looking to connect with a cause are welcome.
Community Foundation of North Central Florida: Based in Tallahassee, the Community Foundation offers areas of charity to donors and nonprofit organizations looking to help revitalize the community and improve resources.
Alachua County Emerging Leaders: ACEL is a nonprofit organization created specifically for young professionals to meet and connect over a shared passion for service and leadership development.
By Tranelle Maner