NETWORK NIGHT CLUB BSB BLOG 2

When looking to start a new business it is important to find your niche. Once you've realized what your going to do, who is going to use it, and how you are going to deliver it, you can beging to build a professional network. The main way to do this is by finding a trade or professional association based around your industry. 


I am looking into opening up a nightclub in downtown Orlando called NETWORK. I began to research possible suitors for a professional network. I stumbled upon the Florida Restaurant and Lodging association.

From their website:

"The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association is among the most influential trade associations in Florida. The association was established in 1946 to represent the restaurant industry. Since that time, the scope of FRLA’s representation has expanded to include the entire hospitality industry including lodging establishments, restaurants and thousands of suppliers to the industry. The association counts among its members some of the largest businesses in each of these categories."

You can read the full article here

The organization has a division dealing with nightclubs, including those who don't serve food. From researching their site I discovered that the FRLA represents:

• A 57 Billion dollar industry.
• 20% of Florida's entire economy
• 3.4 Billion dollars in sales tax revenue
• More than 900,000 employees (Florida's Largest)

It goes on to say that members of the FRLA average 2-4 times higher profit margins than non-members. From those statistics it is easy to see why I would want to align myself with the FRLA Orlando chapter. Luckily they have a Join Now section of their website. It has a printable application that you can mail to their home office.

I Checked the Central Florida Chapter's site and found that:

"The Central Florida Chapter of the FRLA hosts a monthly networking dinner on the 2^nd Wednesday of each month. Registration opens at 6:30 p.m. with dinner starting at 7:30 p.m. The monthly dinners are an excellent networking opportunity to meet and greet the area’s top hospitality professionals. "

Once a member I will attend the monthly dinners to begin networking and building my professional circle. This will help me build my brand, team with successful venues, promote events, and meet possible business partners.