How to Choose the Networking Group for You - Steve Sweeney

Steve Sweeney - "The Referral Guy"

How to Choose the Networking Group for You
Thanks for listening to the Show!

For your reference, here is a recap of the important points covered so you can consider them when assessing if one group is more in line with your values and goals than another. 

Also, if you decide to apply, don’t merely be satisfied by them interviewing you. Turn it around with some of these questions and interview them.

• Cost. How much is it and what do you get for the money? Consider all the costs, not just the membership costs.
• Goals. Do they have any? What are they? Do these align with yours?
• The Agenda. Is there one? Will it bring you the outcomes you want?
• What standards are members held to in relation to…
  • Bringing visitors?
  • Attendance?
  • Social Media Activity?
  • 1-2-1s?
  • Referrals?
  • Training?
  • Conduct?
• What is the mechanism for dealing with under-performing or difficult members? If it’s handled by other members, be careful. It’s highly likely to negatively impact the members’ ability to attract referrals. Why? Disciplining or counselling people makes attracting referrals from them very, very difficult. It’s much better if an external person is responsible for this.
• What are the common issues members are counselled on? This one will give an insight into how effective the structure is.
• Was the meeting professionally run?
• Is the Leadership Team Functional? Effective? Or do too many of them not know what’s going on?
• As a visitor, how were you treated? Were you made to feel valued? Important? Were you pressured to join?
• The Red Flags…
  • Are a few members contributing a lot?
  • Are a lot of members contributing a little?
  • How many offered nothing? Ouch!!
  • Was absenteeism too high?
  • Ask to see a report indicating if the current members are pulling their weight. If they’re not – that’s a huge RED FLAG! If they don’t have such a report, perhaps their level of organisation is not sufficient to generate referrals.

Hopefully that’s helpful! 

Remember, look out for these elements before you decide to join. It’s better to avoid the problem than to find a way out of it.

If you’re interested, drop me a line at info@referralacademy.com.au and we can discuss you starting your own Strategic Referral Team. With this model, your team makes its own rules based on its values, goals and standards. Many believe this is preferable to adopting another organisations pre-set rules that may or may not suit you.

Next week’s show is all about Telling Stories to Attract Referrals.

Sincerely,
Steve Sweeney
The Referral Guy

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