Join a networking group for your small business

If you have a small business, there is a lot of value in joining a networking group. The type of group I am referring to is a referral type of group. There are many out there, but a couple of the bigger names are LeTip and BNI. The format of these groups is as follows. The group meets on a certain day for breakfast and consists of only one professional from each business category. For example, there can only be one electrician. The goal of these groups is to help grow each other’s businesses by either using each other’s services or referring people we know to each other’s businesses.

Most of these groups meet weekly. There are a number of benefits to being a member. Many of the benefits go well beyond just getting business. Here is a quick list of some of the benefits I’ve experienced.

• Meeting with like-minded professionals who have similar struggles, successes and experiences to you
• Making lasting friendships with other business owners
• Learning best practices that can be applied to your business
• Getting new customers whether they are inside referrals (when a member uses your services) or when you get an outside referral (when a member refers your services to someone outside the group)
• The joy of referring someone to a member in the group and knowing you helped their business
• Getting more comfortable speaking in front of people during presentations
  These are just some of the benefits I’ve experienced. There are networking groups all over the world and they usually encourage new potential members to come as a guest to check out the group. I highly recommend it for most small businesses.

PS – I’ve been a member of LeTip of La Jolla for almost 5 years. It’s a great group of about 60 members and it has helped grow my business, as well as meet a lot of great people.

February 9, 2019