The key to a successful business is having a solid network of professionals who are looking out for your interests as well as theirs. Allowing the opportunity to grow by meeting new people and cultivating such relationships that could result in long-term partnerships. Networking takes time and patience. There are no guarantees when meeting people that anything will happen in the short term but to be successful, you need to keep cultivating those relationships.
There are numerous networking events throughout the region. Event calendars, Chambers of Commerce and other groups offer the chance to attend, meet other like-minded individuals, and explore each other’s company to find commonality. Successful networkers are able to meet other people, strike up a conversation, and perhaps move the conversation forward to something that might be beneficial to both parties.
One such group that meets weekly is The Little Rhody Connections Networking Group. They meet at Bar’Lino on Atwood Avenue in Johnston on Thursday from 11:45am until
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Paula Allin is one of the long-time members of this group.
“We saw a need where professionals were looking to meet during lunchtime and make worthwhile connections,” she said. “Some people are not ready for early morning events. Also, they may not want to extend their work day by going to an after-hours event. This meeting would fulfill a need that isn’t too early or too late in the day. As one of my colleagues likes to say, ‘you’re going to eat lunch anyway.’ So, why eat alone when you can eat with others? We are very welcoming.”
Some may remember a similar networking forum that met elsewhere years ago. They convened at several locations over the years. They primarily convened at restaurants in Cumberland and Smithfield. At its peak, NRI Finest (their former name) boasted 30 members. Lots of referrals and guests attended to meet them.
Things were going especially well until the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, when the number of members decreased significantly. The group needed to move locations several times, due to covid restrictions, before the membership got to the point where they were at a crossroads.
The few remaining members reached out to several friends and business partners initially about restarting the group. There was the issue of finding a suitable venue to meet with enough room for growth. Thankfully, Bar’Lino provided the perfect backdrop for this project.
There are still a few remaining members from the previous incarnation of NRI Finest. With the new endeavor, there are new faces as well. Allin said the members are definitely benefiting from what is happening with the organization.
“Our association is a mix of seasoned networkers and those who are just beginning. There is a healthy respect for those in the organization and for anyone who wants to join us,” she said.
There is no charge for attending the Little Rhody Connections event. The association allows only one person per industry so as not to create controversy. Attendees only need to pay for their food and beverages, if they chose to have lunch. Everyone has a chance to speak and pass business.
RI Referral Makers
While Paula Allin of HomeSmart Professionals Real Estate in Smithfield is part of the Little Rhody Connections group, she is also a master networker who also hosts a monthly networking event at her office located at 550 Douglas Pike in Smithfield, on the third Tuesday of each month from 8:30am – 10am.
She envisioned starting a group of people, mainly friends and colleagues, to build each other up. There are no limits per industry in RI Referral Makers gatherings, it is basically open networking with a little structure.
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Paula said the meetings for, RI Referral Makers, is in its 3rd year and is finding both a steady stream of regular attendees and now, a somewhat regular group of new people coming to check us out.
“The word is getting out there. I always say it’s about finding like-minded business people that I can refer to my clients when a need arises. I like being able to be a resource for my clients,” Paula said.
Anyone who would like to drop in on Paula’s RI Referral Makers Networking event can just show up beginning at 8:30 AM on the 3rd Tuesday of the month. There is no charge to attend. Paula serves light refreshments and coffee. Everyone who goes has the chance to introduce themselves to all attendees.
For more information regarding either event or group, please contact Paula Allin at 401-241-2976 or paulasolditne@gmail.com.
