Lee's Summit Professional Networking Opportunities

Moving to a new city is an adventure filled with excitement and challenges. One of the best ways to settle in and make connections is by joining professional networking groups!

Here’s a detailed guide on how these groups can help new residents and a list of networking opportunities in Lee's Summit, MO. Use the guide below to jump straight to the sections that interest you most.

Benefits of Networking Groups

Building Relationships Quickly

In a new city, starting fresh often means rebuilding your social and professional circles. Networking groups give you direct access to like-minded professionals, creating opportunities to establish meaningful relationships quickly.

Expanding Career Opportunities

Professional groups often include individuals from various industries, frequently leading to job leads, collaborations, or mentorship opportunities. Whether you’re actively job-hunting or want to stay connected, these groups open doors.

Learning About Local Industry Trends

Every city has its own unique economic landscape. Networking groups offer insights into local industries, emerging trends, and best practices specific to Lee's Summit.

Establishing Credibility in the Community

Being active in professional groups helps you establish a reputation in the local community. People will begin to associate your face and name with your skills and expertise, positioning you as a reliable and knowledgeable professional.

Finding Support in Your Transition

Connecting with others who understand the challenges of relocating can make a huge difference. Many professional groups welcome newcomers and can even offer guidance on settling into Lee's Summit and the surrounding Kansas City area.

Discovering Hidden Opportunities

Some opportunities are never publicly advertised but are instead shared through word of mouth. Networking groups are often a hotbed for these “hidden gems,” from job openings to community events.

Developing Your Skills

Many groups offer workshops, guest speakers, or events focused on personal and professional growth. These are great ways to enhance your skills and stay competitive in your field.

Tips for Maximizing Your Networking Efforts:

• Be Consistent: Attend meetings regularly to show your commitment.
• Be Genuine: Focus on forming real connections, not just transactional relationships.
• Be Open-Minded: Approach people from various industries—you never know where the best connection might come from.
• Be Proactive: Follow up with people you meet, whether it’s a quick email or an invitation to coffee.

Lee's Summit offers a variety of professional groups that cater to business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals across numerous different industries. Providing opportunities for networking, professional development, and community involvement, here’s a list of some key groups in Lee’s Summit:

Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce

Website: Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce

The Lee's Summit Chamber of Commerce is one of the largest and most active business organizations in the area, offering various events, mixers, and professional development opportunities for businesses and individuals to network.

Key Programs:
Monthly Luncheons: These networking events feature key guest speakers and offer connection opportunities for business professionals.
Business After Hours: Join this casual networking event (held at various local businesses) to foster community connections.
Leadership Lee’s Summit: A local program that fosters community leader development and promotes civic engagement.

Lee's Summit Economic Development Council

Website: Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council

Focused on fostering economic development and business growth, the LSEDC offers a variety of networking events throughout the year, helping connect Lee’s Summit business leaders and entrepreneurs.

Key Programs
Industry Roundtables: These roundtable discussions focus on key business sectors such as technology, manufacturing, and healthcare.
Networking Events: LSEDC events vary from networking opportunities that connect Lee’s Summit business leaders and entrepreneurs to professional development events that support local economic growth.

Lee's Summit Young Professionals

Website: Lee’s Summit Young Professionals

This networking group, designed for professionals under 40 who live or work in the Lee's Summit area, provides a platform for young leaders to connect, learn, and engage with the local business community.

Key Programs
Networking Events: These social and professional events are network opportunities tailored to young professionals.
Professional Development Workshops: Build crucial skills for the business world and gain valuable teaching and experience in key educational workshops.
Community Service: Give back to the Lee’s Summit community through local volunteer and civic opportunities, while engaging and networking with young leaders.

1 Million Cups (Kansas City Area)

Website: 1 Million Cups Kansas City

Many Lee’s Summit professionals participate in “1 Million Cups,” a national program designed to engage entrepreneurs. Join the Kansas City area chapter and attend regular networking events where professionals can share ideas, receive feedback, and connect with others in the startup community.

Key Programs
Weekly Meetups: Entrepreneurs present their startups and receive feedback from a supportive audience at these free Kansas City events.
Networking: Connect with investors, mentors, and other entrepreneurs at a wide range of events throughout the year.

BNI (Business Network International) – Lee’s Summit Chapters

Website: Business Network International

With several chapters in the Lee’s Summit area, BNI is a global networking organization that meets weekly to exchange referrals, build business relationships, and support each other’s growth.

Key Program
Referral Networking: This structured networking focuses on generating business referrals among members across various industries.

Mid-America LGBT Chamber of Commerce (Kansas City Metro)

Website: Mid-America LGBT Chamber of Commerce

This group focuses on supporting LGBT professionals and business owners through education, advocacy, and networking. While covering the entire Kansas City metro area, the chamber offers networking events that are accessible to professionals in Lee’s Summit.

Key Programs
Networking Mixers: These consistent and insightful events help connect LGBT professionals and allies across various industries.
Educational Programs: In addition to networking, this chamber focuses on professional development events that focus on inclusivity and business growth.

Rotary Club of Lee’s Summit

Website: Rotary Club of Lee’s Summit

The Rotary Club of Lee’s Summit is just one chapter of Rotary International, a global organization that seeks to bring business professionals and leaders together through community service and networking opportunities.

Key Programs
Weekly Meetings: These regularly occurring meetings allow Rotary members to engage in discussion about local and global service initiatives.
Service Projects: Rotary International offers a wide variety of opportunities for community involvement and professional connections in the Lee’s Summit area.

TIP Lee’s Summit (Trusted Independent Professionals)

Website: TIP Lee’s Summit

TIP is a referral-based networking group for independent professionals. This Lee’s Summit based community provides support, education, and business referrals among its members.

Key Programs
Weekly Meetings: Attend regularly scheduled connect points, where members share referrals and exchange business tips.
Workshops: These educational sessions cover business development, marketing, and other key topics for independent Lee’s Summit professionals.

Women’s Empowerment Group (Lee's Summit Chamber)

Website: Women’s Empowerment Group

A subgroup of the Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce, this organization focuses on empowering women in business through networking, mentoring, and educational opportunities.

Key Programs
Networking Events: These monthly gatherings offer women in positions of leadership and business professionals an opportunity to connect with one another.
Workshops and Seminars: Events designed to support personal and professional development.

Conclusion

Lee's Summit is home to a variety of professional networking groups, including business associations, referral networks, and community-focused organizations. These groups offer professionals the opportunity to build relationships, gain valuable insight, and give back to their community. Visit their respective websites for more information on joining, attending events, or learning about these groups.

Hi! I'm Merla Turner, owner of Great Missouri Homes and a local Kansas City area Realtor. I am passionate about all things Lee's Summit—this beloved city is where my family and I do life! Thank you for reading this article. If you have any questions, suggestions, or ideas, call me at 816-328-2887 or fill out the contact form below. And remember - when it's your turn to buy or sell real estate in Lee's Summit, turn to Merla Turner!

Questions? Contact Great Missouri Homes:

Tags

• Lee's Summit (21)
• Community (13)
• Moving To Lee's Summit (7)