Structured networking is perhaps the best form of networking. A group of people, comprising one professional per industry or profession, meets regularly, with every meeting following the same structure. Structured networking has several advantages over general networking meetings, some of which include:

• Stability. Go to any networking event twice in a row, and you’ll likely see two different sets of people. Membership of structured networking groups remains relatively steady – members pay dues and invest their time, and each member represents her profession precluding competitive pressures within the group. The structure of every meeting also rarely changes.

• Relationships. Because you meet roughly the same people regularly throughout the year, you can build stronger and longer lasting business relationships with them, many of which grow into personal friendships (many Bridges members keep in touch with past members and Bridges also holds annual retreats and informal summer parties). Because each member represents a profession, each member becomes that industry’s resource and expert for other members.

• Business. Though limiting the number and composition of members may seem , structured networking helps build business. Members are likely to fulfil their business needs with the help of fellow members. Based on personal experience, members are better equipped to pass on quality referrals to their networks. Structured networking groups thus serve as business generation hubs of sorts.

Bridges is one of many structured networking groups. What makes Bridges different from groups like BNI, I Take The Lead, or Le Tip? Bridges comprises service professionals with similar values – we all aim to build sustainable businesses in a sustainable economy. While Bridges members all participate out of the need to grow their business, the group is less about generating leads and more about cultivating friendly business relationships in a friendly atmosphere (guests often remark on this as the primary difference between Bridges and other groups).

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Peter Korchnak is a sustainable marketer, blogger, and speaker. As the principal of Semiosis Communications, author of the Sustainable Marketing Blog, and trainer and presenter, he explores the intersection of marketing and sustainability.

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Image credit: dsevilla