Are you on the prowl for a new or different job? Or, are you just looking to make more friends with similar interests? Attending networking events can be the easiest way to do either! If you’ve been thinking about putting yourself out there, but don’t know where to start, look no further. Below, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best upcoming networking events and groups in the Chicago area listed by interest.

If you’re into social media, a great place to find the most up-to-date list of Twitter-related networking events, or “Tweet Ups,” is Chicago Tweetups. They keep an extensive calendar of events and they’ll gladly add your event to their list!

If you’re into helping others, the people over at Networking for a Cause host events with the purpose of bringing together those who are interested in non-profit organizations. With an average price of between $10-20 per event, you get a lot for your time and one great cause, usually local, benefits from your money. Check out their Facebook Fan Page for updated news and events.

If you’re into the environment, every Wednesday, the people at Go Green Management host a networking event where you can mingle with other environmentally conscious people and businesses. The next event isn’t until the 2010, but you can sign up for a yearly membership early. The cost is well worth the 40+ events you’ll be entitled to and the company you’ll enjoy. Event and membership details are here.

If you’re into technology, you need to check out Tech Cocktail. Their mission is to offer community-powered projects and events  in under-served technology communities. Best of all, Tech Cocktail welcomes everyone who’s into technology, not just the elite iPhone application developers. Details are here.

If you’re out of work or looking, Out of Work Chicago hosts monthly events where you can network with everyone from recruiters, to headshot photographers, to consultants who will help you write a better resume or put together an interview outfit. Find upcoming events here.

If you’re into a little bit of everything, Windy City Social has a networking event for you. WCS connects Chicago professionals to each other and events around the city, ranging from Interactive Social Media and Online Marketing events, to wine tastings, to hikes and bike rides. With the diversity of their events, you’re sure to find one that suits you. Find updated events here.

Now that you know where to go, is there a right or wrong way to act when you get there? Below I’ve listed a couple of small, but valuable, tips that can help you get the most out of the networking events above, should you decide to attend.

Take notes: If you exchange business cards with someone, take a few seconds to write a small note on it, so when you DO follow up (and you better!), you have something personal to write instead of the generic, “Nice meeting you. Hope we can connect again soon.” The more you remember about your conversation the better. Which leads me to my next tip.

Don’t drink too much: A lot of networking events have free booze, and, quite frankly, sometimes it’s hard to turn down. You don’t have to turn it down. Just know your limit, so that when you send a follow up email, or get one, you actually remember who you’re communicating with. That “Who the hell IS that?” feeling can be just as bad after a networking event as it can after a night out at a bar.

Thank the host/coordinator: If you spent all that time planning a snazzy event for other people to benefit from, you’d want a thank you too, right? Your momma raised you better than that.

Now that you know where to go and what (not) to do, I’ll see you at the next event!

1. Midwestern friendliness prevails among Chicagoans.
2. We have alleys!  And this means we don’t put all of our trash on the street, we have more windows and can squeeze a few extra parking spots in too.
3. We have tons of “transplants” which make Chicago a melting pot of cultures and ideas.
4. Our Italian food rocks! I’m talking about the pizza, pasta and hot dogs. For those who are meat lovers- rumor has it our Italian beef and sausage are second to none.  Perhaps this is why we are considered a “fat city”?
5. Oprah and Obama hail from Chicago.  Let’s hope that our city doesn’t change when Oprah’s show stops airing in 2011…
6. Chicago has cheaper rent and drinks than New York City.  At least living here is cheaper than somewhere, right?!
7. Chicago feels like a coastal beach city in the summer thanks to Lake Michigan.
8. Having a car in Chicago is an option but not a necessity.  Gotta love the freedom of choice.
9. North Avenue Beach, Castaways, and running on the lake- please come back soon summer!
10. St. Patty’s day:  complete with a green river, along with plenty of green beer and debacles for all.
11. Wrigley Field.  The true classic American ball park smack dab in the middle of a neighborhood.  For once we didn’t over commercialize something.  Congrats Chicago- please continue preserving the history!
12. Endless summer street fests.
13. I always feel safe.
14. The grid system.  If you don’t know how to use this and you live here, you are a fool.  8 miles is a block and if you know the block numbers of a few major streets, you can never get lost.  (A miracle for a location-challenged individual like myself!)
15. The “Big Ten” bond that many Chicagoans share which is demonstrated by several bars devoted to each school in the Big Ten.
16. The fact that it doesn’t take more than 20 minutes to get most places.
17. Although we are a big city, we still have enough space to grow and develop new neighborhoods.

Photo credit: Kevin Dooley