For many people, networking is the key to boosting their careers, expanding their businesses, or becoming involved in their communities. And the key to networking often is finding some common ground.

Sam Lieberman, ’96 BA Social Work, hopes some of the 43,000 UNLV alumni in the Las Vegas area will find common ground on campus at the Business-to- Business Breakfast Networking Group.

Lieberman, a community and political outreach specialist, and Jill Flanzraich, owner of Adventures in Advertising/LAS VEGAS, partnered with the UNLV Alumni Association to create the increasingly popular program.

The sessions, held monthly during the academic year, feature ice-breakers, business card exchanges, and a short program with speakers such as marketing professor Jack Schibrowsky, who recently presented “Everything You Need to Know about Las Vegas Demographics and Didn’t Think to Ask.”

On average, 45 networkers gather for each Business-to-Business event. They represent companies large and small in such fields as banking, floral design, insurance, real estate, and public relations. Life coaches come to share their insights, and nonprofit organizations promote their good work and seek corporate volunteers.

“The composition of the group changes with each session, which keeps it exciting,” Flanzraich says. “As more newcomers discover us and the positive wordof- mouth grows, the network becomes an even more valuable resource for establishing contacts and solving business dilemmas by connecting with talented people.”

Some participants report that the group motivated them to return to UNLV for the first time in years. “That’s one of the distinguishing elements of this program,” explains Lieberman. “It provides a comfortable way to mix and mingle with community business owners who share a mutual commitment to UNLV. Graduates and friends of the university alike benefit from strengthening resources and connections at Business-to-Business.”

Lieberman hopes more alumni visit campus to observe firsthand the dynamic changes to the university’s landscape. Graduates, he says, can also provide valuable advice to current students preparing to transition to work environments. And, if alumni make connections with each other and find a resource that benefits them professionally, all the better, he says.

Business-to-Business is a membership benefit of the UNLV Alumni Association.