By: Sally Baker

It’s all about who you know. That’s what they say, and it proves to be true time and time again. So how do you get to know the right people? Networking. Easier said than done, right? Networking in Tampa will be your key to getting yourself in a strong position in the community, whether you are looking for a new job or want to become a well known presence. There are several ways to network in Tampa, from organizations to online sites like 813area.com, all of which brings the leaders of the community together.

Business Buddies Tampa – Supporting Best Buddies, Business Buddies Tampa is a chapter that puts on very well known, large events to raise money for their cause. Proceeds raised goes to creating opportunities for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Not only is this group a great way to network in Tampa, but their cause and support for those in need is respected and honored by the Tampa community and beyond. To get involved with Business Buddies, you can visit their website and submit and inquiry under the Contact tab with the ‘membership’ option selected.

Emerge Tampa Bay – This leadership program is focused on the young leaders in Tampa from ages 21 to 35. With four categories: Voice, Connect, Grow and Interact, each hosts events which involves members in different levels depending on how much they are looking to commit. Joining and being involved will help your goals of networking in Tampa by being a part of a team and meeting new people in the community who are business oriented. You can join this group by filling out an online registration form. The fees range from $75 for Chamber Members and $100 for Non-Chamber Members as Emerge Tampa Bay is a program of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce.

TIBA – The Tampa Independent Business Alliance, known as TIBA for short, seeks to promote and support the local independent businesses in Tampa. With three membership levels, each with different benefits, local business owners can receive amenities like advertising, discounts, sponsorship and directory listings and more.

There are many ways to network in Tampa that not only include joining charity organizations and leadership programs, but also can be utilized with online networking and social media. Sites like 813area.com and LinkedIn are great ways to reach out to those in the community for business purposes, community events and networking. Start networking in Tampa today, register with 813area.com, post your business and events for free, browse through available jobs in Tampa and get connected with people in the Tampa community!