Networking in Rutherford County

Business attire, coffee, small talk, introductions, name tags, elevator speeches, public speaking.

Most of these things give me a not-so-slight bout of anxiety (not the coffee of course). It can be daunting for someone just starting out in the business world to figure out which group is right for them. This post is here to help. I have written up my best advice for networking and compiled a list below of networking opportunities in the area.

Should you even attend regular networking groups?

Of course! If you have the time networking groups can be a cost-effective way to get the word out about your business.

There is a secret to effectively being a member of a networking group though. That secret is that you don’t just show up, pass out your cards and leave. You should develop RELATIONSHIPS with the people in your group.

Why?

Well, even if someone you meet may not ever have a need for your business, they can pass your name to others. You never know how that person sitting next to you can help you out. You just have to get to know them first!

Meeting people and visiting networking groups is a wonderful way to jumpstart your customer base. It really helped put me in front of a lot of people that later turned into lasting friendships and business opportunities.

For some people, attending networking events are the highlight of their week. For others not so much.

Luckily here in Murfreesboro, we have many options for you. The below list is fluid and may be edited as I hear from you. It has been compiled in order to give the community what it wants and that is a comprehensive list of business networking opportunities. If you would like your group to be added or need your listing edited shoot me an email.

Weekly

Tuesday

Intero Super Tuesday https://www.facebook.com/middletennessee.intero
Rutherford Independent Networking Group- Tuesdays, 8 a.m., Cultivate Coworking https://networkingrutherford.com/

Monthly

Murfreesboro Young Professionals http://www.murfreesboroyp.org/
The Connection hosted by Murfreesboro Pulse and Locally Owned Murfreesboro, Third Thursday 5-7 p.m.
Moving and Shaking, Smyrna 2nd Monday, 4-7 p.m. Casual Pint, Smyrna http://web.rutherfordchamber.org/events/Moving-and-Shaking-in-Smyrna-4547/details
Rutherford Cable- 2nd Tuesday of the month, 7:15-9 a.m. Stones River Country Club rutherfordcable.org
Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce http://web.rutherfordchamber.org/events?oe=true

Business Before Hours Second Tuesday 5-7 p.m.
Business Before Hours Fourth Thursday 7:30 a.m.
The Pitch
Round About Rutherford
Capitol Connection

Ongoing at various times

Chamber of Commerce Diplomat program http://www.rutherfordchamber.org/diplomats.html
Toastmasters 2nd, 4th, and 5th Monday, 7 p.m., http://www.heartoftennessee.toastmastersclubs.org/
NASP Second and Fourth Monday 11 a.m., DoubleTree http://www.nashville-nasp.org/
Queens in Business https://www.meetup.com/Queens-in-Business-Network-QIB/
Murfreesboro Women in Business https://www.meetup.com/Murfreesboro-Women-in-Business-Mingle-Meetup/
Rutherford Integrity Networking Group https://www.meetup.com/Rutherford-Integrity-Networking-Group/
Network Under 40 Nashville https://networkunder40.com/nashville/
Women and Small Business Social Organized by The Exchange Boutique https://www.facebook.com/theexchangeboutique/
Rutherford County Black Business Network https://www.facebook.com/groups/rucoblackbiznet/
Nolensville Business Network https://www.meetup.com/meetup-group-HHRWlcBx/?gj=ej1b&_xtd=gatlbWFpbF9jbGlja9oAJGJiNmMwOTlmLTk0MzUtNGMxNC1hMzNlLTI4NGZiYzQ3YTkwNA
Business Associates of Murfreesboro https://www.facebook.com/Business-Associates-of-Murfreesboro-BAM-216038401889765/

Business Associations

Locally Owned Murfreesboro https://locallyownedmurfreesboro.org/
Downtown Murfreesboro Business Association https://shopdowntownmurfreesboro.com/
Smyrna Independent Merchants Association http://www.simatn.org/
Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce http://www.rutherfordchamber.org/
Rutherford County Hospitality Association https://www.facebook.com/RutherfordCoHospitalityAssociation/