How to chose the right Networking group for you.

This afternoon I was interviewed by Debra Simpson with North San Diego Business at Large. On the way back to the office I realized that I had forgotten a key point in our conversation; When visiting potential Referral Marketing groups, focus on the people. Since it's all about building relationships and business friendships, make sure that you like and respect the people in the group you chose to associate with.
In Leads Club we have reciprocal approval. Other organizations do not. They'll gather 50+ people in a room, collect monies and commitments without the new Member knowing what day, time, location or Chapter type they have committed to.
In Leads Club, we know the value of visiting a Chapter and meeting your potential business partners prior to making a commitment.
If you've visited a Networking Group lately, let us know how you were received and what did and did not work for you.
To your Success!
Lisa Bentson

What is a "good" business referral?

Thank you to Linda Burroughs, Design Solutions-lb, a Chapter Consultant in the Bay Area of California for sending this article.

This article makes a number of good points and includes a sample dialogue for you to use with your clients in asking for referrals. What I like about his comments, is that he is respectful of a new client relationship and suggests taking the time necessary to build trust.

Here's the link: The San Francisco Chronicle Article On Business Referrals

Please feel free to leave your comments and opinions below.

Focused Networking Tips

Lisa Bentsen, President and CEO of Ali Lassen's Leads Club, shares insightful tips on focusing your networking activities for your business success.

Please feel free to comment.

Give Yourself a Self-Appraisal Questionnaire

How are your general networking skills? Are you "up to snuff"? Your answers to the following questions will help you fine tune those skills.

1. Have you written clear and well defined goals for your present networking activities?
2. Do you have a scheduled plan of action for your networking?
3. At social or business functions, do you walk in with the commitment to leave with the names of at least two or three new people who may be able to help you meet your personal and professional goals?
4. Do you make a point of following up quickly and appropriately with those people you do "connect" with?
5. Do you keep an organized and accessible file of information on people you have met including interests, occupations, hobbies, what you spoke to them about, etc?
6. Do you make it a point to schedule a specific time to every week to "re-connect" with people you've met but haven't spoken to for awhile?
7. Do you check newspapers and magazines weekly to seek out interesting activities and opportunities that might help you meet your personal and career goals?
8. Have you set aside "specific" after work and/or lunch times each week to confer with people who can help you and your goals?
9. Do you set aside time after work hours for recreation at least one a week?
10. Have you met wit a new networking acquaintance in the past month?

Give yourself 10 points for every "Yes" answer, 5 points for every "Sometimes" and 0 point s for every "Never" or "No."