To the CE Pro Dealer Community

Do you belong to a local leads group or b2b networking association?  Do you attend NARI or ASID networking events?  Any other networking or referral venues that have helped you create new business?

We are writing an article on Social In-Person Networking Tips for the October issue of CE Pro Showroom.  If you do any of these activities, we would like to know and perhaps contact you for an interview.

Thanks in advance for sharing your experience.

We participate in the Chamber of Commerce, networking groups, and other b2b events. I’ve found that the best and most reliable way of building business is to get people to know you. Of all of my jobs, 20% comes from advertising, 20% through internet searches, and 60% comes through our network (business network, personal network, and existing clients.). It’s all about who knows you, and how well.

Thanks -
  Rob

Networking groups are o.k.  I would place them on par with other expected business activites like being a member of the BBB.  When business is just starting, or if business is slow, spending time in these activities can become very taxing.  Often, the other members are looking to barter or get a deal.  Not what you need when starting or when it slows.  Perhaps becoming a member at the local country club would be a better way to spend the time and money and lead to more profitable relationships.  For that matter, connect with people at church, or temple, or where it is you go to connect on a spiritual level with God and others.  That way people have a less “what’s in it for me” attitude.

We are members of BNI. BNI is one of the best I have been involved with. There is a set meeting adjenda and referrals are passed between members at every meeting. It has helped us through the slower times. We meet each Friday am at 7. the meeting lasts about 1 1/2 hours and there are presentations from two members at each meeting. You are also able to stand and give a 40 second commercial giving the members exactly what you are looking for in a good referral. It is unlike any other organization I have dealt with and so far has returned much better results. I would recommend BNI to anyone that wants to grow their business. You can find chapters across the US and even in other countries. http://www.bni.org
Good Luck

Not exactly the same thing but here in the Twin Cities we have a group of about 12 -15 CE Pros that meet once a month at a member’s locale for about 3-4 hours. Group includes mfrs, dealers, distributors, reps and one editor! Before competitive dealers are invited to join the group, we ask approval from the dealers. For the most benefit, there should be an agenda and the host moderates, keeping things on track. Otherwise, it can become a gabfest.