The Springfield area has a wide variety of networking groups, some based on specific industries and others open to anyone. Networking groups are about connections between individuals and businesses for the exchanging of ideas, information and resources. They are a platform for career development and business growth.
Jeff Dillman, general manager of Masco Packaging & Industrial Supply and founder of Land of Lincoln Professional Networking Group, believes businesses that share best-practice ideas can ultimately lead to better outcomes for all, which is why he started LLPNG in early April with a goal to "empower locally owned businesses through meaningful connections, referrals and shared opportunities."
In a recent conversation, Dillman emphasized the word "local" and stressed that for a networking group to be successful it has to be more business than pleasure. He said, "I wanted our (networking group) to be a little different. No happy hour meetings. No food, no drinks – simply, let's roll up our sleeves, and let's work instead of socializing. Let's network and get out of here in an hour."
Dillman remarked that his networking group is off to a great start. "So far, it's booming. They're doing a really good job of using each other's services."
Dillman was thrilled with the turnout of the first meeting. "At our first meeting, we had over 65 businesses attend, and right now we're up to 78" for the second meeting. He explained that in the initial stage, the group is getting to know about each other's businesses so they'll know best how to refer business within the group. Dillman explained that he has sat on boards and belonged to other groups where the idea of networking like this was discussed so he finally decided to give it a go. "But I didn't expect it to take off like it has. It's clear that people wanted a different concept, and that's what we've done," said Dillman.
The LLPNG's conditions to join the group are: it has to be a local business only (no chains, no franchises), a $10 fee is required to attend each meeting and members must bring two referrals.
"At the end of the quarter, we're going to take $1,000 and donate it to a local charity," Dillman said. "The other thing is, we're not soliciting. We're having people find us. I felt that if they find us, they're going to have a little more ambition in meeting for this (purpose). People are recommending people, one after another."
Dillman gave the example of a man who runs a wildlife abatement business. "He needed a new roof, so we put him together with the roofing guy we have, then he needed painting, so we put him with the painting guy. We want local businesses to work together and for local businesses to stay open."
For more information on the group, visit www.llpng.com. New name but same goal
From 1977 to earlier this year, Women in Communications, a national networking group, operated a chapter in Springfield. Recently, however, the national organization dissolved, but the Springfield chapter of WIC lives on with a new name: Mid-Illinois Communications Association.
Michelle Eccles McLaughlin, director of MICA, said the name change made sense because, even though men could join WIC previously, "most weren't aware or thought they couldn't." The stated mission of MICA is "to provide a platform and support for professionals in the industry to connect, collaborate and grow."
The communications industry, be it print or electronic media, public relations and more, has been transformed in the internet age and now by artificial intelligence.
To that end, some of MICA's upcoming meetings will focus on making the best use of AI for businesses in the field.
On July 2, MICA will host an event at 1 Horace Mann Plaza, Navigating a Generational Shift Among Journalists, with Investigate Midwest executive director Erin Orr as the featured speaker.
MICA's description of the event reads: "Change is inevitable, but the shifts in how new journalists gather, report, write and publish news has changed dramatically in the last 5-10 years. Why? It isn't just the advent of generative AI. The way much of society communicates has shifted to text and instant messaging. ... so, just how do newsroom and communications leaders close the divide between younger and early career journalists based on their established expectations and practices?"
McLaughlin, public relations account manager at Horace Mann and morning show host at NPR Illinois, said MICA is growing with more men joining.
"There are just so many forms of communications out there, and it became apparent to us that we needed to have more of a local organization and local focus," McLaughlin said.
For more information, visit www.midilcommunications.org.