There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a professional networking group. The organizations tend to be fairly similar in structure, so the process can be confusing if there are a number of them, or none at all, in your area.
If there is only one group functioning in your area and they have an opening, check them out first. While you might weigh the other factors and decide that it's best for you to start a chapter with a different group, you should see if the existing group has what you are looking for. Consider carefully the established reputation and the convenience of getting right to business before you make the decision, even if they seem slightly less than what you expected.
If there are multiple groups operating in your area
The main considerations are simple. The first of course : Do they have an opening for someone in your field ? This may narrow your choices quickly if you are in a field that is commonly represented in these organizations.
Some groups actually don't place limitations on membership based on one per field. Think carefully about this before you join. If you are in a field where there will likely be multiple members from your field, you will need extremely strong interpersonal skills to overcome the hurdle this could create without also creating stress between members. The discipline in groups that ignore this stricture is also usually lower than the more narrowly regulated groups.
After that the single most important consideration is how comfortable you feel with the members of the group and with the organizations policies and standards. Remember, you will be recommending these people to family, friends and business associates. Make sure they are a solid business group.
When you visit for the first time, observe the level of comfort the group members have with each other. Barring extremes in your own personality, this is pretty much what you can expect to develop in the way of relationships yourself.
Next, look at the groups marketing efforts. Do they promote the group in a positive way ? Do they have a regular emphasis on new members ? Do they stress loyalty within the organization ? These are all factors you should consider when you meet with them.
All of these things bear on the amount and the quality of the business you'll get from your participation with them. If they market the group well, you won't have to. Often in local independent groups you will be expected to market the organization as well as your own business. That means time.
Loyalty within the group is very important. Not only because of the business involved, but from the standpoint of credibility and trust. Would you recommend someone whose services you wouldn't use yourself ?
In many groups the emphasis on social interactions can be high. This is a debatable area, but it is certain that if you get into one of them, you will need to be on good terms to keep getting the referrals you should. Or at least not bad terms. It is far easier to maintain a relationship that is based on the personal factor of trust combined with business than one built on business alone.
Membership fees are something to consider, but they will in most cases be insignificant compared to the advantages of the contacts you'll make. If in doubt, ask some of the members how long they plan to continue as members. The longer the period, the better they feel about the return on the investment.
Fees will run from nothing to thousands of dollars, depending on the group. The majority will be from the middle to low end of that, but if the group doesn't charge something it will have a hard time doing the things that make it worth joining.
Available training is an important issue. Even if you are experienced in networking, it is a significant indicator of the likely success of an organization. Look carefully. If you're not experienced, does it make the process clearer for you ? If you are, does it match the things you feel are significant ? Does the organization stress the honest approach, or do they leave grey areas open ? Most of the organizations will stress honesty and helpfulness, as will a majority of local and regional networks.
Also, look closely at the groups 'style'. Is it a clearcut business format or a looser social style ? Neither is right or wrong. It is important that you feel comfortable with the style of the group if you are going to develop the kinds of relationships that will lead to the greatest benefit for yourself and the other members.