If you've participated in a networking group, you may be familiar with how a group typically functions. There is a certain protocol used in most groups based on basic good manners. If you'd like to begin your own group, here are some common sense "Ground Rules" for all participants to observe:

• All group meetings start and end on time. Please be punctual.
• Meetings are scheduled weekly, always at the same time each week.
• Support Group Sessions are 1 hour long and we ask that you respect that time frame.
• No alcoholic beverages consumed before or during a group meeting.
• Only one discussion going on at a time. No "side-meetings."
• All opinions and persons are respected. It's OK to disagree.
• Please feel free to meet with one another after the support group.
• Attend other support groups as well; they are listed in the Jobs Sections of your local newspapers.

These simple ground rules apply to everyone participating in the group. The networking group leader (you) makes certain that members are respectful of these basic rules, in order to create an effective, rewarding gathering of networkers. Printing a list of rules and handing them out to new members is one way to ensure group cohesiveness. Another way to strengthen your group and keep it going is to have an agenda that supports the goals of your group. Since we're talking about networking on a job search site, we'll stick to an agenda that supports job search. Your agenda could be something like this: