I’ve attended several networking groups over the past few weeks and met lots of new people. It’s especially good to get “out there” and interact with other folks who are also “out there.” I have a hunch many people are hiding, not circulating and/or waiting for “it” to get better. Those who are showing up are those I want to meet.

Yesterday morning I attended a group called the Gotham Network after being invited by colleague Judy Heft of Judith Heft & Associates, LLC. I’d had the event on my calendar for well over a month, because much as I’d wanted to attend previously, this was the first Tuesday morning that was available. Twenty-plus of us sat around a white-clothed table over a buffet breakfast at the Greenwich Hyatt. It felt high level, well-established and buttoned-up. The meeting was led by Barry Monies of Computronix, a technology solutions provider in Stamford.

Barry’s style was crisp and brisk. He first requested self-introductions emphasizing what was unique about our companies. He then conducted a full roundtable discussion on what’s happening in the marketplace as filtered through our unique industry’s vantage point. To wrap up, Barry gave everyone an opportunity  to offer a final thought. The member’s individuality stood out most in this brief go-round as they shared about their children’s successes and whatever else was top-of-mind important at that moment. It was a nice inside glimpse beneath the professional exterior.

I sit in my office this morning catching up on the last few busy weeks with a stack of business cards and decisions to make: who to follow up with, which groups to continue to pursue and what information to hold onto and move forward with. I’m sure, if you’re reading this, you know exactly what I’m talking about.

Bottom line, I’m going to be asking myself the WIIFM question: what’s in it for me? We ALL operate out of our own self-interest first, even if it doesn’t always look like that. I need to ask myself what is the best use of my time? Who is my market? Will the investment pay me back? What can I contribute to these different groups? I’m also going to allow myself two weeks to make a decision based on what still feels important and worthy after consideration.