Good places to meet other business people

Hey all,

Any recommendations on good places to meet more business folks here in O-town, aside from bars? Not having to wear a tie is preferred (yes, I'm tech), however, I do own a suit for these occasions.

Tags: business, networking

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Permalink Reply by Tara Lamberson on May 14, 2008 at 11:15am

The plan is by late summer to have the Doterati programming up and running, so that will be a great place.

One of the places I'd also suggest is Toastmasters. There are various clubs around town and it's both an opportunity to practice public speaking, in addition to networking with various professionals: http://www.toastmasters.org/

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Permalink Reply by Robert Dempsey on May 14, 2008 at 11:23am

Thanks Tara!

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Permalink Reply by Pete Scott on May 15, 2008 at 7:39am

Outside of what we'll offer here at Doterati, I think you've got a good shot at meeting people during other association events -- OAF, AMA, PRSA, IABC, FPRA (for marketing and communications types). But there are also volunteer opportunities that can be productive. Volunteering for organizations such as Habitat, will also put you in front of the suits (warning jeans). http://www.advisoryboardcouncil.org

You could also to get involved as an advisory board member with the Disney Entrepreneur Center or the Executive Advisory Board Exchange run by the OBJ. You'll serve with fewer business professionals, but you'll have the opportunity to be an adviser to some pretty cool companies. www.eabx.com

Those are what I have found to work for me. Hope it helps.

Pete

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Permalink Reply by Robert Dempsey on May 15, 2008 at 8:49am

Thanks Pete. Much appreciated.

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Permalink Reply by Dan Kinchen on May 15, 2008 at 9:20am

Here are a few things;

- Leads Groups (I have a small site that has a list of some, OrlandoLeadsGroup.com)
- Chamber of Commerce events
- business after hour events (redcarpetmonday.com, sosocial.com)
- Golf Tournaments (this gets its own category)
- Charity Events (there is a book that is realeased yearly of all social events that will happen in the upcoming year, anyone know who releases it? I think it is the OBJ, I lost mine)

There are also organizations that you can join that will lead to more business contact.

- Leadership Orlando & Leadership Seminole
- Seminole County Advisory Board Council

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Permalink Reply by Robert Dempsey on May 15, 2008 at 9:24am

Thanks Dan.

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Permalink Reply by Ashley K. Edwards on May 16, 2008 at 3:04pm

Communities like this are a great place to start. There are also some great recommendations by the other folks here.

The company I work for is a member of the Downtown Orlando Partnership (DOP), and they have monthly socials that are a great way to connect with other professionals.

Also, you could always start your own interactive community, to reach out to other locals.

Good to see you here.

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Permalink Reply by Robert Dempsey on May 16, 2008 at 3:11pm

Thanks for the heads up on the DOP Ashley. I am a member of many user groups (including doterati now) so I'm definitely looking for established and growing groups rather than start my own. I'll check out the DOP for sure. Thanks again.

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Permalink Reply by The Minute Muse on June 12, 2008 at 4:56pm

The Ad Fed of Orlando and the local Chambers are great places to meet other business people. And I know FL Creatives meet us on the third Thurs. I believe (click on the group or site for more info). There is also the Orlando Young Professionals club that sometimes has fun times like "sunday funday."

Hope this helps!