Questions about starting a local networking group

Reider

Reider

New member
I've been asked to start a local business networking group with a few other professionals in the area. Does anyone have any experience with these groups, and do you find your group beneficial? What aspects of your networking group do you feel are important to being successful? What aspects of the group are annoying or need improvement? I would appreciate any input/advice that can help us make this a networking group that is beneficial to its members and the general public.
 
DJ Carroll said:
I do not spend time in NETWORKING groups any more. My time is too valuable.

My time is spent in my MASTERMIND GROUPS and Apartment Association events and meeting.
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I agree... Networking groups, in my experience are good for chit-chat and dead leads. I was involved in 5 early on... Attendees basically wanted my contact list, were not interested in much more than that.
 
I went to one, and they only wanted me to wash their cars during the meeting. Since another power washer was there, we both took the hint and told them to pound sand. Incidentally, that was over 20 years ago, and he did not last much after that day.
 
I've given some thought to this recently. Inviting a few other sales people I've met in associations to meet for lunch occasionally.

To share SOME ideas and to share SOME leads. It would be a small group. Maybe 3 or 4.

I could give up lunch once per month to possibly garner a valuable lead or idea. I'm selfish though because I wouldn't give Too much to a local group chasing the same industry. I would hate to see my idea on a customers desk sent from someone else.
 
If you thinking about a network group look at BNI there is most likely a group near you and very few have anyone that is in Pressure Washing of any type. They only allow one person per catergory and it is very structured meeting no time to just shoot the breeze. The focus is to pass referrals among the group. However the greatest benefit I found was to know someone who was in different businesses so when a customer ask if I knew someone who did a different trade I always had a name and number to give them. Here is somewhat the order the meeting follows/

Chapter President does intro of officers and welcome of visitors
Education Coornidator does Education topic
Business card box passes for everyone to restock buiness card
60 second commercial by each member letting everyone know what would be a good referral for them this week.
Each visitor allow 60 second to tell about their business
Sec of group give any information that might need to be passed.
One person is allowed to tell about their business in detail for up to 10 minutes.
Business card box passes again for people to take out cards, (visitor can pull out cards but cant put any in)
Go around room for each one to pass referrals or mention closed business they receive from referrals.
Meeting adjourns

Meeting last no more than 1 1/2 hour If need be as group get larger you cut the 60 second time down to 45 second.
 
I done the BNI lost money at it members wanted me to give them leads and they would not give me any thing back plus you had to go every week meetings pay for the weekly meeting and plus pay like $300 to join group. Networking groups not all that great do not waste your money or time joining them.
 
Yeah Chris, I've been thinking the same thing about the whole situation. I'm not wild about spending the money and time for a group of business professionals that may or may not have the correct motive for being part of the group. There has to be a better way of doing something like this. I like to surround myself with positive and successful people. I'm not assured that most members in this potential group are positive or successful.

DJ, I'm curious about your master mind group. Maybe this is the "better way" that I'm looking for. I'll be looking for your link when you post it.

Thanks again everyone.
 
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