Networking 101: 12 Groups Every SMB Owner Should Consider Joining

Good Morning!

1. Feature: Networking 101: 12 Groups Every SMB Owner Should Consider Joining (5 min read)

2. From the Archive: AI Is the Intern You Can’t Afford to Ignore in 2025. 
   Read it here.

Thursday’s here—finish up the week strong.

-TCoL

Missed our last feature article? Utilizing Officer Titles in Your LLC: A Practical Guide for Clarity and Compliance. Read it here.

☕ Protect Your Business for Less Than Your Starbucks Run.
For just $7.95/month, unlock The Co. Letter Premium and get immediate access to our expanding library of professional business templates [Get Premium Now].

Save time. Save money. Stay protected.

In a market stacked with competition, shrinking margins, and a pace that rarely pauses, small and mid-sized business (SMB) owners often feel like they’re going it alone. Yet they account for 44% of U.S. GDP and represent over 33 million businesses. Isolation, however, remains one of their top unspoken liabilities.

Here’s the antidote: networking.

Done well, networking doesn't just boost morale—it grows revenues, unlocks referrals, and attracts the kind of allies every owner needs but can’t always afford. In fact, a 2024 Manta survey found that more than half of SMB owners generate their best leads through referrals. That’s why we’ve spotlighted 12 solid networking groups and the simplest way to get started.

Why Networking Still Works (and Always Will)

For large corporations, scale is power. For SMBs, it's relationships. While your budget may not compete with Goliath’s, your network can. Trusted referrals, timely mentorship, and idea exchange let you sidestep expensive trial-and-error cycles. And that kind of advantage compounds over time.

Networking can open doors to funding, partnerships, clients, and collaborators. Just as critically, it softens the loneliness of entrepreneurship. You're not alone—and with the right group, you’ll know it.

12 Networking Groups Worth Your Time

1. Local Chamber of Commerce

Advocates for small business and offers in-person events, training, and policy updates.
Best for: Building local visibility and meeting nearby business owners.
Cost: $200–$1,000/year
Start Here: Visit your city’s chamber website or uschamber.com to attend a guest event.

2. SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives)

Backed by the SBA, SCORE provides free mentoring from 10,000+ experienced business volunteers.
Best for: Strategy guidance for startups and solopreneurs.
Cost: Free
Start Here: Head to score.org, request a mentor, or join a free webinar.

3. Business Network International (BNI)

The world’s largest referral network, focused on structured lead generation.
Best for: Owners who thrive on weekly accountability and warm referrals.
Cost: $500–$1,000/year
Start Here: Go to bni.com and attend a chapter meeting as a guest.

4. Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO)

Global network of entrepreneurs offering peer forums and growth-focused support.
Best for: Businesses over $1M revenue aiming to scale with insight.
Cost: $2,000–$5,000/year
Start Here: Apply at eo.org after confirming eligibility.

5. Rotary International

A service-first club focused on community engagement and local connection.
Best for: Owners who value giving back while expanding their circle.
Cost: $100–$500/year
Start Here: Visit rotary.org and attend a local club meeting.

6. Kiwanis International

Combines community service with SMB-friendly networking.
Best for: Visibility through service-based leadership.
Cost: $100–$400/year
Start Here: Head to kiwanis.org and visit a nearby club.

7. National Small Business Association (NSBA)

Policy-focused network for SMB owners wanting advocacy and trend insight.
Best for: B2B businesses or those interested in legislation and policy.
Cost: $120–$500/year
Start Here: Go to nsba.biz and join a webinar to meet members.

8. American Marketing Association (AMA)

Ideal for SMBs focused on mastering growth through better marketing.
Best for: Anyone responsible for lead gen or brand strategy.
Cost: $300–$600/year
Start Here: Join at ama.org and attend a chapter event or online seminar.

9. Bunker Labs

A national network of veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs that provides community, programs, and courses to help launch and grow businesses.
Best for: Veterans, active-duty service members, and military spouses building or growing a business.
Cost: Free
Start Here: Join at bunkerlabs.org and explore their Veterans in Residence program or attend a local meetup.

10. LinkedIn Groups

Flexible and free, with global reach and zero travel.
Best for: Thought sharing, idea exchange, and staying visible online.
Cost: Free or $99/month (Premium)
Start Here: Search groups like “Small Business Owners” and post an intro.

11. Meetup & Eventbrite

Platforms to discover events tailored to business topics.
Best for: Owners who want to explore different networking groups before committing.
Cost: Usually free or $10–$50/event
Start Here: Search “business networking” near you on either site.

12. Vistage

High-level peer groups focused on strategy and leadership.
Best for: CEOs or founders of $5M+ companies.
Cost: $1,000–$2,000/month
Start Here: Visit vistage.com and schedule an interview.

Get More Than You Give—By Giving First

Membership is just the beginning. The return on networking isn’t automatic. Here’s how to extract value from any group you join:

• Set Goals: Define what success looks like—referrals, strategy help, talent. Different groups serve different aims.

• Be Prepared: Nail your 30-second elevator pitch. Make it conversational and client focused.

• Give Before You Get: Share a helpful insight, refer someone, or volunteer. Givers earn trust fast.

• Follow Up: Always message new contacts within 48 hours—ideally on LinkedIn—with a personal note.

• Stay Visible: Make one event per month non-negotiable. Consistency wins.

• Track Results: Referrals. Revenue. ROI. If a group’s not delivering in six months, rotate out.

Choose the Right Fit (Not Just the Loudest One)

Here’s how to filter the noise and find your best match:

Networking Without Burnout

Even if you’re introverted or overloaded, you can still win:

• Start Soft: Online groups or Meetup are low-pressure entry points.

• Delegate: Co-founders or lieutenants can test groups and report back.

• Think Long Game: One referral often pays for a year’s membership.

• Use After Action Reports: Like in the military—ask your team for a post-event debrief—what worked, what didn’t, who to follow up with.

Take the First Step—This Week

Networking is one of the rare growth strategies that costs less than it’s worth. And like compounding interest, the sooner you begin, the bigger the return.

Pick one group from the list. Join a meeting. Shake one hand. Send one follow-up. Then repeat.

You’ll find you’re not alone after all.

Have an interesting business question and need a free bit of advice? Send your question to [email protected]. No confidential info, please!