BUSINESS NETWORKING

If you are aware of any other networking groups not listed here or corrections to this list, please send us a note about the group and we will add it to or correct the list. This list is inspired from the list that Robert Kenyon maintained for a number of years before taking it down due to job changes. Hope it proves useful to you.

Please note that this list includes only those groups that are located in the greater metro-Edmonton area (Edmonton, Fort Saskatchewan, Leduc, Nisku, St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Spruce Grove, Stony Plain). Groups outside of this area will not be listed.

Networking is one of the ways that people and their businesses connect with other people and businesses in order to do business. We do it every day, whether we realise it or not. Here are some organised networking groups that will enable you to do your networking better in the Edmonton area. Come on out and start your business rolling. The sooner you do, the sooner you can show who you are and what you can do.

Remember, do not expect that you will do business with people immediately. Until others get to know you, you will be a stranger and appear as someone only interested in taking their money. Until you can show you offer something that benefits them directly, that you are trustworthy, that they can have a business relationship that is a win-win situation, others will be apprehensive about dealing with you. In going to OpU meetings, it was a year before we did any real business with anyone that went to OpU. After that, we have gotten a number of different people who we have done business with because we have shown that we are there for the long haul, that we are approachable in order for them to have answers to questions, that we are able to show our expertise in what we do. Anyone going into any such networking meeting expecting to walk out with a full sales order book is a fool.

One thing that is important, if you are in business, is to have a supply of your business cards with you at all times. Put some in your car cubby hole, have some in your briefcase if you use one, leave some at Mom and Dad's place too. Mom and Dad know people who can give their friends a card and recommend you. Having your business card available gives you the ability to let someone know you exist, and the more people that know you exist, the more people that may contact you for your product and/or service.

Lead generation clubs require that you provide a lead for another member. This can take the form of a new business opening, knowledge of a particular person or business requiring the service or product of another member or you requiring the service or product of another member.

Restricted membership usually means that only one person per industry is allowed into the group. This prevents multiple people from the same industry fighting over the leads that might be generated and increases the reach and spectrum of the group in being able to provide leads for different industries. While this might mean that you are unable to get into this group, those that are able to get in are able to be more productive. Another option is to go into a group

Here is an article that explains networking a little further by Lori Colborne of LSL Marketing.

Networking Groups List

If a website is listed, click on the web site for the most current information. The information listed on this page will not list speakers and may not include last minute changes in scheduling of location or time of meeting or cancellations for specific dates due to holidays or other events. While we will try to keep the information here current, we can not guarantee its accuracy.

Alberta Entrepreneurs Association - (established 1979) - Contact: Warren Regehr at 780-913-9320.

Meets the third Tuesday of the month at 5:30 p.m.at the University of Alberta Faculty Club (11435 Saskatchewan Drive) where you will enjoy a buffet dinner and guest speaker. Cost is $20.00 for members and first time guests and $30.00 for non-members. Everyone welcome.

Alberta Womens Entrepreneurs - (established 1995) - Contact: 800-713-3558.

Formerly AWEIA (Alberta Womens Enterprise Initiative Association) this government funded group helps women with education, networking and offers financial services as well. Women only.

Associations & Societies - See telephone yellow pages directory listing of Associations, Societies & Foundations.

There are many groups that are not specifically set up for networking, that have a particular charitable or social aspect as their mandate, that can be used to network in addition to the work they are organised to do. Do not go into these organisations to try to network, but instead go into them for the purpose the group was set up to do, and as you meet people in these groups, doing whatever it is they do, ensure that you have business cards and are able to give information on you and your business when asked. You are doing things with/for others and the fact that you are doing this as a volunteer will give you an entry in to talk to someone about your business. Such groups would include: your religious church/mosque, Elks Club, Kinsmen Club, Lions Club, Scouting or however many other worthy groups interest you. Choose a group that interests you, do some good as a member or volunteer and then be prepared when someone asks you what you do, or offer advice in your field of expertise to someone you meet while you are within your group.

Business Link - (established 19??) - Contact: Marta Gomez 780-422-7726 or 1-800-272-9675 toll free.

Meets the third Wednesday of the month from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Business Link (address). Subject to change due to other functions happening at the Business Link, so confirm the date and time. No charge for attending and everyone is welcome.

Business Network International - (established 1995 Canada & 1985 USA) - Contact: David Donnelly at 780-485-5055.

Various chapter group meetings on different dates and times and locations. Organises multiple unique industry networking groups. Cost of $?

Canadian Association of Professional Speakers - (established 19??) - Contact: Kevin Burns at or Barbara May at

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Canadian Federation of University Women - (established 1909) - Contact: Joy Hurst at 780-430-3640.

Usually meets the third Monday of the month (from September to May) at 7:00 p.m. at the University of Alberta Faculty Club (11435 Saskatchewan Drive). Join members in the Faculty Club Dining Room at 5:30 p.m. prior to the meeting. Check for exact dates at the web site. Cost is $? Women only.

Canadian Women In Communications - (established 1991) - Contact: Susan Reade at 780-431-5362 or Sue Timanson at 780-431-5369.

CWC raises the profile of women working in the communications (Radio, Television & associated areas) field.

Dollar Club (established 19??) - Contact: Brad Danyluk at 780-484-3629.

Meets every Wednesday from Noon to 1:00 p.m. at the West Harvest Inn (17803 Stony Plain Road). Unique industry referral club . Cost of $?

Edmonton Business Referral Club (established 19??) - Contact:

Meets every Thursday from 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the St. Andrews Centre (111 Avenue & 128 Street). This is a leads club and requires that everyone bring a lead for someone else. Cost is $120.00 per year. You can purchase lunch from the St. Andrews Centre cafeteria or bring your own.

Edmonton Chamber of Commerce - (established 1879) -

The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce is a business resource organisation that offers many methods of networking. Some of the regular chamber groups are listed below.

 

Chamber Mixers: Contact Keith Persaud, Manager Special Events, 780-426-4620 Ext. 229

The Chamber hosts mixers throughout the year at various locations around the city. Cost is $8.00 for Chamber members, $12.00 for non-Chamber members. Everyone welcome.

 

Opportunities Unlimited (OpU): Contact Richard Le Sueur at 780-426-4620 Ext.248 or Brent Fawcett at 780-426-4620 Ext.245.
Meets every Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. in the Edmonton Chamber conference room at the Edmonton World Trade Centre, 6th floor, 9990 Jasper Avenue. Cost is $2.00 per person and includes coffee and muffins/danish/croissants. Guest speaker from 8:00 a.m. to 8:25 a.m. Chamber members and non-members welcome.

 

Opportunities West (OpWest): Contact Richard Le Sueur at 426-4620 Ext.248.

Meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 7:30 a.m. at Howard Johnson (15540 Stony Plain Road). Cost of $6.00 at the door includes breakfast. Chamber members and non-members welcome.

 

Opportunities NorthEast (OpNE): Contact Brent Fawcett 426-4620 Ext.245.
Meets on the second Tuesday of the month from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at Smitty's Restaurant (400 Manning Crossing - Fort Road & 137 Avenue). Cost of $6.00 at the door includes breakfast. Chamber members and non-members welcome.

Leaders Club - (established 19??) - Contact:

Meets each Tuesday morning at ?:?? a.m. at ?

Leduc/Nisku Economic Development Business Mixers - (established ????) - Contact:

Meets the third Tuesday of the month at ?:?? a.m. at Nisku Inn. Cost of $7.00 includes ? Serving the Leduc and Nisku business area. All welcome.

Mayfield Network Club - (established 1987) - Contact:

Meets each Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. at the West Harvest Inn (17803 Stony Plain Road). Each member is unique in their industry. Cost of $35.00 per month. Leads generation club. Nominal fine for not providing leads.

Progressive Group For Independent Business - (established 1992) - Contact: 866-725-2143.

Multiple clubs meets at different times and locations. See link above for Edmonton club details. Cost of $? Unique industry group with up to 40 different members per chapter.

Progressive Group For Independent Business Women - (established 2004) - Contact: 866-725-2143.

Meets Tuesdays 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Chateau Edmonton (7230 Argyll Road). Cost of $13.00. Women only.

South Edmonton Business Association - (established 19??) - Contact Mary Zolner at 780-438-4722.

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Toastmasters International - (established 1924) - Contact: 780-465-2833.

Different Toastmasters groups meet at different times of the day and on different days of the week. Most hold meetings weekly, others every two weeks or monthly. Pick a group that suits your schedule and/or interest and join. Fees vary and you will learn a lot about yourself, what you can do and what you will force yourself to do if you really are determined to do it. Have fun

 

Remember that the first priority is learning how to be a better speaker and to help others become better speakers, but with such interaction with others, you are able to exchange information on what you can do and learn what others do. Such is the process of building business relationships and is the fundamental of networking.

West Edmonton Business Association - (established 1982) - Contact: 780-448-0198.

WEBA is dedicated to the growth and success of business in West Edmonton through networking, communication, and education. Members only networking. See website for meeting dates and times.

Whitemud Breakfast Club - (established 1988) - Contact Brian R. Liddell at 780-486-0926 & mention the Whitemud Breakfast Club.

Meets every Thursday at 7:15 a.m. at Cedar Park Inn (5116 Gateway Blvd.). Unique industry membership. Cost of $35.00 per month includes breakfast. Leads generation club. Nominal fine for not providing leads. Visitors welcome.