What is it that stops you from networking? You know you need to do it; it’s on your action list and you really meant to go to an event this week… if only you knew where to go.

Finding places to network can be as easy as turning on your computer, launching your favorite search engine, and typing in the words “networking events [your city]” or “business networking events [your city]”. Scan through the results and you’re sure to find many local meetings and events to attend.

When looking for events, try for a mix of different activities. You can attend networking groups, trade shows, association meetings, business mixers, workshops, seminars, lectures, clubs, and special interest group meetings.

To find events easily, check out the sites listed below. You can search most of these sites by city name or zip code to find events located in your area.

Meetup has the world’s largest collection of local groups. You’ll find everything here from business networking events and singles events to yoga classes, dog walking groups (by breed!), and more. Set up a free account and sign up for the once-weekly email calendar of all the Meetups happening in your area.

Eventbrite allows you to search for events by location and category. It also allows you to register for the event as well as easily share events with your connections.

Eventful is an events website which not only lists events, it also has a social networking aspect allowing you to connect with other users.

LinkedIn has an events section shown right on your homepage. Click on any of the listings to visit the events section, where you can search for happenings in your area. You’ll also find events, lectures, classes, and seminars listed on many of the Group pages.

Facebook allows you to see events your friends are hosting or attending, and to share those events with others. You can also find events on Pages and within Groups.

Twitter can help you find events in your area by searching for keywords like “[your city] networking” or “[your city] conference.” Search for “Tweetup” and you might find a gathering of Twitter users in your area.

Craigslist has classified ads that include listings for events and classes.

If this list of possibilities seems daunting, start with just one source, find an event you’d like to attend, and go to it. The following week, you can return to the same source or check out a new one. Taking just one step at a time will ensure you get out and start networking.

This article was co-authored by Donna Feldman and Cindy Rold. Donna and Cindy are The Networking Gurus.