With a Little Help from My Friends

rmm — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:22:50 -0800

Woman in business looking to find a good professional association or networks to join. So I'm a woman in business (specifically, design and tech consulting) who needs to network and join a few professional associations in order to find work and build up a network. I'll network with anyone, but was thinking maybe women in business networks might be a good place to start, as I'm looking for a professional mentor as well as networking

The problem is that in researching these associations, I'm overwhelmed by the sheer number of them - 85 Broads, eWomanNetwork, Future Women Leaders, MentorNet, American Biz Women Association, Women in Consulting, Women in Tech, Women in Technology - I think you get the drift.

Which are the best associations/networks that you've found valuable? They're all about $100 for an annual fee, and most have events in my area (California). The Professional Business Women of California seems to be the largest, with over 25,000 members (!) but I'm not sure if that's an indication of quality or just that they've been good marketers. In fact, I can't tell much about these associations other than there are a bunch of them all saying the same spiel (events, network, discounts) and nothing that sets them apart from one another. I can only really afford to join one at this point, or at least make sure the one I'm joining is worth the payment. I've looked at AIGA as well but $300 is a lot for a membership fee.

I'm primarily looking for mentors and the ability to network offline and online - I don't care about discounts on software, getting a free Web site on the association Web site, free lunches at the meetings, discounts on shopping etc. If there are good associations in general to join not limited to being a woman in business, please let me know those as well, and why you've found them beneficial.

Thanks! MeFi mail me if for some reason you don't want to share your answers in this thread.

Meeting people in a big city

vaportrail — Mon, 21 Nov 2005 15:01:21 -0800

How do I meet friends in San Francisco? I'm a 1+ year San Francisco resident who is having trouble meeting male and female friends. Unfortunately I don't work where I live so that avenue is closed. Is there anywhere young (under 35?) professionals meet? Any ideas in general?

Flash! Aaaah-ahhh!

weston — Thu, 15 Jul 2004 16:34:42 -0800

Flash Masters: Who are the best? Who is the Zeldman of Flash Design/Applications? I'm interested in knowing who has wide acclaim -- and maybe about those who should but don't yet. Studios who also know how to write stuff that cooperates well with back end applications as well as great stuff on the client side are the most interesting.

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With a Little Help from My Friends

Meeting people in a big city

Flash! Aaaah-ahhh!