Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Hi,

I am in the process of developing a model for a series of Networking or "Leads" groups for professional business to business sales people who would meet weekly to discuss projects, contacts, referrals etc.. I`m guessing most people are familiar with these types of organizations. I have my own ideas of what it will take to move this concept to the next level but would very much appreciate hearing about your experiences and thoughts with and about these types of groups.

If you are in one, what do you like about it? What would you change? What other services might the group offer?

If not in such a group but having beein in one, why did you leave? What did the group not offer? What changes would you have liked to have seen?

And....if you have a mind to....what would be the perfect group?

Thank you very much in advance for your valuable assistance!

Craig

 

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Craig M. Jamieson
Sales Results LLC
NetWorks! Boise
http://www.networksboise.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/craigjamieson

I have always found these groups to be intriguing. However, after investigating several it seems that there are either *very* strict guidelines or costs are prohibitive. I hope you can prove me wrong.

There are some groups that have a high membership fee or you pay as you get referrals... just starting out, that`s already too much capital outlay for me.

Some groups have high expectations of commitment. I have no problem attending meetings most of the time but as a mom and then a business owner, things do come up. Its frustrating to feel like something that should be a positive resource is putting more strain than gain.


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Marisa Snow, Snow Business Solutions
You run the business, we`ll run the numbers!
Visit us on line at www.SnowBusinessSolutions.com

Hi Marisa,

You should be able to find several different formats in your area. They will range from the informal where people may meet anywhere from once or twice a month and with little or no fees or committments, to the highly structured and heavy committment ones like I am planning. I am used to seeing fee based groups ranging from as little as $100-$150 per quarter, and that usually includes lunch and breakfast and then on up. Never ran into one where you pay for referrals and that just strikes me as....well.....wrong (smile). In the end it is all about ROI. I was recently in a group that charged dues of $200/qtr and it was a marginal group at best. Still, in referrals alone from that group, I put $10,000 in my pocket over a one year basis, got to write off the dues, and got fed (smile). Not a bad return.

In looking for a group that fits you, you might google "leads groups" or "networking groups" followed by your city and state. I have even seen them quite often on Craigslist (not me, the other guy (smile). Business papers and business sections often show meetings on their calendars. Ask other sales people what they might be aware of . I`m sure there is one with your name on it (smile),

Good luck and thanks!

Craig

 

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Craig M. Jamieson
Sales Results LLC
NetWorks! Boise
http://www.networksboise.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/craigjamieson

Here`s another tip on finding groups. Call hotels with meeting rooms and ask to speak to Sales and Catering. Ask them if they have any groups that meet their regularly. They have a contact name and should be glad to share it. Seems like a larger percentage of groups meet in these types of facilities.

Good luck!

Craig

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Craig M. Jamieson
Sales Results LLC
NetWorks! Boise
http://www.networksboise.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/craigjamieson

I do networking with a local women`s group ... the costs are low and the people are nice.

The format is nice .. usually a lunch, a speaker, and 2 networking sessions per meeting.

My only complaint is that sometimes I wish the leadership would do more to bring in new faces and target certain types of entrepreneurs to make the group more rounded.

I`m curious. Is the leadership composed of members or is there somebody who is doing this for a profit? If the latter is true, I would certainly feel that finding new members, and the right kind of members, would be one of their responsibilites in growing the group and increasing their bottom line. If the former is true, this is a real common problem. On top of that, I`m looking to develop new relationships so bringing in somebody I already know and work with does not hold that much attraction for me. All members should be looking to other members to help them find and bring in these types of "power partners".

When you say you have two networking sessions per meeting, could I ask what exactly that is? I think of a networking session as a large part of the regular meeting. When you say two, it leads me to believe it is something a little different.

Thanks!

Craig  

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Craig M. Jamieson
Sales Results LLC
NetWorks! Boise
http://www.networksboise.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/craigjamieson