Try it on for size. "You network for a number of reasons--for knowledge, for friends, for business," says CXOnetworking president Mitchell Levy. "When you walk into a networking group you should have a feeling for which [of those] things you want." He suggests trying them on for size. Many groups offer free trials to observe a monthly meeting and get a sense of whether you've found what you're looking for.
Smaller is better for personal development. If you're looking for a group that can support you through career decisions or help you work through long-term business changes, find one that includes regular meetings with a small attendance. When a long-time member of Board of CEOs told the group that he was interested in selling his company, other group members hesitated. They understood his business structure well enough to know that it would be unattractive to buyers, and they recommended he ...
