Local Business Owners: It's Who You Know--Not How Many You Know--in Today's Economy

Online, September 1, 2009 (Newswire.com) - New York City small business owners have had enough of attending the large, unfocused cattle-call networking events that have been the norm since the late 90's startup boom. In today's economy where time and money are limited, more business owners now flock to networking clubs where each member knows each other, increasing the likelihood that business will be generated from the relationship.

"Serious networkers understand that, in order to build mature, healthy and mutually profitable relationships, they must devote a lot of time and effort to growing those relationships," says Ivan Meisner, founder & chairman of BNI and called the "father of modern networking" by CNN.

A New York-based independent business consultant agrees. "I chose a smaller group over a larger group which was also diverse. I made the right choice. Maybe others are seeking a focused yet human and personal experience too."

However, an online search of NYC business networking groups returned several open mixers and events for 80+ attendees, and rarely the frequent variety of face-to-face meetings with the same networkers, needed to build a profitable professional relationship.

The Ivy Business Club was established in August 2009 to help fill this void by focusing on building a community amongst established business owners in the Tri-State area. It combines business-generating meetings with weekly activities that encourage friendship and potentially referral business.

Michelle Price, founder and organizer of the club, strives for quality not quantity when it comes to membership. "Care is taken to invite experienced business owners and professionals to make our members' experience as beneficial as possible," she says. For more information, visit www.ivybusinessclub.com.