The Real Cost of Traditional Weekly Networking Groups vs. NIA: Your Time, Money, and ROI

When deciding which networking group to invest in, it’s important to consider not just the financial cost, but also the time commitment and potential return on investment (ROI). Many professionals are familiar with Traditional Weekly Networking Groups, where members meet every week, often for an hour and a half, and are expected to participate in various volunteer roles. On the surface, it might seem like a reasonable way to build connections. However, when you break down the true cost—both in terms of money and time lost—the value might not be as clear.

In contrast, Network In Action (NIA) takes a more strategic approach, offering fewer, more focused meetings, and a built-in ROI guarantee. Let’s break down the real differences between these two options.

The Weekly Grind: Traditional Weekly Networking Groups

For a Traditional Weekly Networking Group, you’re looking at 52 meetings per year, each lasting 1.5 hours. Factor in driving to and from the meeting, which averages about 1 hour round trip, and suddenly you’re spending 130 hours per year on networking—time that could be spent growing your business.

Financially, there’s the $1,200+ annual membership fee, plus the cost of breakfast, lunch, room/facility rental, etc., with an average of $25 per meeting. By the end of the year, your total out-of-pocket cost is $2,500—and that doesn’t even include the extra time you spend volunteering or arranging one-to-one meetings with other members, which can take up even more valuable time.

And what’s the format of these weekly meetings? 20 minutes of listening to members’ 60-second pitches, followed by another 20 minutes of "I have" statements—information you’ve probably heard before. With all of this, you’re left wondering: How much value are you actually gaining?

A Smarter Approach: Network In Action (NIA)

In contrast, NIA hosts one meeting per month, each lasting 1.5 hours. Over the course of a year, that’s only 30 hours in meetings, plus driving time, compared to the 130 hours spent in a weekly networking group.

With an annual membership, NIA offers a unique agenda each month. Every meeting includes both business coaching and an educational component, ensuring that you’re not just networking but learning how to grow your business and close more deals.

And the best part? There are no extra fees for breakfast, lunch, or even location rentals. In fact, the first drink is on us at every meeting! So, not only do you save on time, but you also get to enjoy a more relaxed, enjoyable environment with no surprise costs.

Members also receive extra benefits, like:

• Recording of your 60-second pitch, which is added to your profile and shared with every referral.
• No volunteer roles—everything is handled by a professional.
• Opportunities to give a 60-minute presentation promoted on social media and Eventbrite.
• Access to 3 optional Zoom meetings per month, all designed to help you grow your business.
• And so much more!

Guaranteed ROI: NIA's Promise

What truly sets NIA apart is its guaranteed ROI. By attending 11 of the 12 monthly meetings and passing just one referral per month, you’re guaranteed to see a return on your investment. This kind of guarantee is unheard of in traditional networking groups, where the focus is often on simply showing up, rather than creating meaningful business results.

Military Veterans: A Special Thanks for Your Service

At NIA – Power Team Carolinas, we are proud to offer a $400 yearly membership discount to all active and retired military veterans. It’s our way of saying thank you for your service and commitment. This discount is a small token of our appreciation, and it ensures that veterans can access our unique networking and business growth opportunities at a reduced cost.

The True Value of Your Time

Perhaps the biggest difference between NIA and traditional weekly groups is the value of your time. When you calculate the 100 hours saved by attending NIA instead of a traditional group, and factor in your hourly rate—let’s say $50/hour—you’re saving $5,000 in time alone.

When you add that to the direct financial savings, it becomes clear that NIA not only saves you money but allows you to spend your time more wisely, focused on growing your business, not just maintaining it.

Conclusion: NIA Wins on Every Front

At the end of the day, NIA’s approach to networking is more efficient, cost-effective, and results-driven than traditional weekly networking groups. With fewer meetings, no extra fees, a free drink at every meeting, and a guaranteed ROI, NIA provides a much greater return on your investment—both in terms of time and money.

So, the real question is: How much is your time worth?