Over the years Touching Clients has had members of our team participate in a number of referral generating groups both for our business and as representatives for our clients. Some have been successful and others not so much. Attending these groups and participating in all of the activities requires a substantial commitment of time.

We would like to share some of the knowledge we gathered while attending the various groups.

Like most ventures a clear plan with set goals should be outlined before joining an organization. Where some groups you may join are purely for the monetary benefit of growing your business, there are some other associations out there that our business orientated but also provide strong attachments to the community. Then there are some entities that are clearly community first and if you get some business there well that’s okay too. So make sure that when you are choosing your new team you our joining up with professionals that have the same goals in mind.

Case in hand I recently joined a smaller local group on behalf of Touching Clients. The organization consists of main street merchants. Where all of the members in the body our business orientated our mission is clearly more of a socioeconomic interests. In general this group’s purpose is to get professionals together so we can get to know each other, all help in building a community that fosters positive economic and family experiences, and well if we can do some business with each other that’s good too.

In contrast my partner belongs to a very productive “down to business” type group that has stringent referral requirements with detailed tracking as to how well the referral pool is doing. We feel both groups are great and provide benefit to our business in different ways.

How do I make sure I am joining the right group?

• Talk with membership leaders about the groups mission statement
• If your interests is more monetary ask how progress is tracked and how the group is doing
• Inquire into who else in the group is working in your business realm
  • Where some groups keep individual spots for professional categories there will certainly be others in your group that have synergy and typically become an asset or detriment – try to flesh that out before joining
• Find out what the additional time requirements are (events, one on one meetings, volunteer work)
• Ask if anyone that represents your industry has recently left – if so why?
• Find out about industry category changes and how they work. You never know where your business may lead you…
• What are the obligations to remain in good standing within the group

Once you have these details go back to your plan and match up your goals to the various groups characteristics and choose appropriately.

Last but certainly not least remember it takes time for others within the group to get to know you, and anyone who has been in business for a while is not going to start referring business to someone they do not know just because they joined the group. Perform one on one meetings and get to know your team. This way you can get comfortable with them and start referring business their way. This is typically when the favor will be returned.

We hope you find this helpful!