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Social networking 101

12:15 13/04/2012

We’ve had the message drummed into us that, these days, life is all about the social network. It’s about who you know and how you are connected, so we acquire friends and cultivate acquaintances online and list them on myriad internet accounts.

Having an online profile is fine, but there is no substitute for Real Life™. Make sure your physical presence matches up to your virtual one – and by that, we mean get out there and network the old-fashioned way. Shake some hands, introduce yourself, strike up a conversation, offer your services and listen to what others have to say. You never know, it could help others, maybe land you a job and possibly raise your professional profile. Most importantly, you might even make friends and have fun.

 

Best for business


The British Chamber of Commerce, or BritCham, as it is affectionately known, holds more than 100 events each year and is considered by many to be an essential point of reference for business networking in Belgium. Two-thirds of its members are from non-British companies, giving it a truly international outlook. Out with the stuffy image of establishment CEOs slapping one another on the back and in with initiatives such as EU Committee, Business In Belgium and the excitingly named Brussels New Generation, which is BritCham’s networking arm and encourages active participation from under-35s. The website is regularly updated with information about seminars, talks and networking events, some of which are open to non-members. Membership for individuals is €340 per year.

Tel 02.540.90.30, www.britcham.be

 

Best for start-ups and technology

Beta Group Co-Working is a self-professed “geek-friendly professional network” that specialises in technology start-ups and positions itself as technology-friendly, although you don’t have to be a geek to join. Beta Group actively helps members find a “connectedness” between one another, their projects, businesses and skills. If you’re looking for a working space, you can rent desk space with flexible options. It hosts and sponsors venues for free events and is open to non-members, and with a list of 5,000 contacts already on their books, these people know a thing or two about networking. You can listen to inspiring speakers, learn about what other start-ups are doing and meet people who have turned bright ideas into profitable business reality. The next big event is on April 19. Registration is obligatory but free.

Tel 02.737.67.69, http://coworking.betagroup.be

Twitter @betacowork Best for business in Brussels

 

 

Best for business in Brussels


Brussels Enterprises Commerce and Industries (BECI) was set up by the Brussels Chamber of Commerce to represent the interests of Brussels’ business and industry, as well as to help businesses navigate domestic and international markets. Besides hosting formal seminars and courses, there is also the social side of BECI, such as their Speed Business Lunches, Afterwork drinks events and annual garden party. Sign up via the website or email events@beci.be to be kept informed of future activities. Membership costs €191; many events are open to non-members.

Tel 02.648.50.02, info@beci.be, www.beci.be

 

 

Best for Friday hangovers

Many’s the newcomer who has asked where to meet people during their first week in town. For the ‘just add water’ networking experience, try the EU Quarter, where the bars of Place du Luxembourg are heaving with people every Thursday from about 17.00. You might be rubbing shoulders with parliamentary assistants, lobbyists, stagiaires or an EU cabinet bigwig, but the spirit of Thursday evenings at Plux, as it is sometimes known, is ‘see and be seen’ – but keep your voice down if you’re going to tell office anecdotes, as you never know who might be sitting at the next table.

Place du Luxembourg, 1050 Brussels

 

Best for women

Beyoncé asked “Who runs the world?” and the answer was ‘Men’. It still is. However, there are people trying to change that. Jump is an organisation that champions the advancement of women in the workplace, offering practical tools to women who wish to get the best out of their careers. As well as organising an annual forum, Jump Academy offers a range of relevant seminars and workshops that aim to enhance professional skills and offer career coaching. The next Jump Forum is on April 26 in Brussels at the Brussels 44 Center and places were still available at the time of writing. Sign up and pay for individual events, or subscribe to the free newsletter.

Tel 02.346.32.00, www.jump.eu.com

 

Best for feeling like a jetsetter


Recognising the gap for a more sophisticated night out targeted at Brussels’ discerning, internationally minded party-goers, Martin Sjöberg and Jonas Lundqvist started Eurocrats parties back in 2008. These parties have since gone from strength to strength and are always held in Brussels’ swankiest venues. Sign up online and you’ll be kept informed of upcoming dates and venues. Membership is free.

Tel 02.325.48.62, info@eurocrats.eu

www.eurocrats.eu

 

Best for serving the community

Serve the City is a volunteer-led organisation that involves itself in practical projects that are of use to people in need. By working with charities and not-for-profit organisations, Serve the City volunteers offer language classes, food, sports training and more. Upcoming events include volunteering to assist victims of abuse on April 21 and a spring clean somewhere in the city on May 19. The website is regularly updated with information closer to the time of the events but it is never too early to volunteer your time, your skills and your willingness to help others.

Tel 02.734.35.02, info@servethecity.be

www.servethecity.be

 

Best for promoting peace via friendship

People to People is focused on spreading peace through international understanding and friendship. With more than 80,000 members worldwide, it organises
social, cultural and educational activities and carries out humanitarian and community work. Find the dates of upcoming events by searching for People to People on www.meetup.com. There is an informal coffee morning every Thursday at 9.00 and get-togethers every first Friday of the month at 18.00, at Brussels’ Aloft Hotel. Annual membership fees start at €25.

chalks.coriette@yahoo.com, www.ptpi.be

 

Best for meeting young professionals

@Seven provides an environment where young professionals working for European institutions and multinational companies can meet and unwind after work one Thursday each month from 19.00. Happy hour is from 19.00 to 20.00 and you can also book dinner, though a buffet meal is included in the entrance fee. Large groups and corporate parties are welcome – just remember to book so the @Seven team can take care of you. It’s for members only and membership starts from €45 for six months. Non-members need to present business cards or work badges at the door to be admitted, or be accompanied by a member.

Mirano Continental, 38 Chaussée de Louvain

1210 Brussels, tel 0472.05.30.03, www.atseven.eu

 

Best for inquiring minds

Imagination Club meets twice a month to discuss a range of topics, with the aim of encouraging creative thinking, innovation and life skills. Anyone can offer to run a workshop on any topic, and anyone can join a workshop with only a small donation requested to cover snacks and room rental. The audience then gives helpful feedback to the presenter. Upcoming workshops include The Secret to Failure (April 11), Activating Secret Wishes (April 25), The Art of Writing Postcards (May 9) and Emotional Intelligence (May 23). Membership is free but workshop attendance requires a minimum contribution of €10.

www.imaginationclub.org, Twitter @imaginationclub

 

Best online-to-real life network

Set up five years ago as an interface between online and real-life networking opportunities, Expats Networking Brussels is members-only but the main requirement is that you be Brussels-based or have a Brussels work connection. It hosts events every month or two in various venues, with drinks, snacks and guest speakers. There is also an opportunity for members to request a presenting slot in which they make a speed presentation on a proposed topic. With membership now over 2,000, there is a good reason to connect with this group and reach some dynamic professionals.

Membership is free, but you have to send a request to join the group via www.linkedin.com

 

Written by The Bulletin Editorial Team