Reference clubs on the web: do you know what they are and are you a member of one?
I have been in the network marketing profession for 2 years. Until very recently, I had built my business (s) strictly online. Yes, it can be done, but I have honestly found that most people do not have the patience or resources to build their business solely through internet marketing. I found myself constantly plugging holes in my organization as I wasn’t recruiting members who really understood what it takes to start and run their own business.
Unfortunately, the alternative of getting in touch with friends and family and hosting parties at home is highly unappealing. Many of these people don’t “get it” either. Although I have to tell you, if you look and talk to all the industry leaders (the real six- and seven-figure winners), most will tell you that this is how they built their business. A few months ago I connected with my now good friend and colleague, Michael Butler. He is the director of a leading club. I didn’t know and had never heard of a referral club before I met Michael. And honestly, I didn’t review yours right away. It took me around 3 months in our business relationship to finally click on your link and check it out.
Q. What is a referral club?
A. Referral clubs provide a structured and positive environment for companies to pass referrals to each other … a proven way of doing business. Members meet weekly for breakfast or lunch for the sole purpose of passing qualified referrals to each other.
A light bulb went out. bankers, real estate professionals, financial planners, mortgage brokers, chiropractors… They are the business professionals who belong to these clubs. These are the kind of people I wanted to address. However, I must admit that approaching these professionals intimidated me. I know the reputation of our industry is improving, especially among the top earners in business, but the general population is still suspicious of us and many still see us as pyramid schemes. (OK, I know it’s just your ignorance) Now my core business is a highly reputable company, six years old, and in the health and wellness industry with a strong product line, so I definitely have an edge there.
advice Before joining any referral club, you need to consider your company’s product line. Is it something you would buy if you didn’t have a compensation plan attached? If you are only working on the sale of the franchise at your company and you are not building a satisfied customer base, then a referral club is probably not for you.
There are several different types of referral clubs, BNI and Le Tip and Gold Star, just to name a few. You need to research each one to see which one is the best for you. Most of these clubs are industry exclusive, which means that if your industry is already represented, you cannot join until they leave the group. It could be a very long wait. Referral clubs work and most members stay put.
Being the true entrepreneur that I am and still hesitating to feel a little out of place as a member; I went a different route. I wanted credibility. I wanted to be considered a true business professional. In my research I found a club that I could become a manager of and actually start my own club. Instant credibility. Now I approach the business professional at their level. I am helping them build and grow their business. I am serving you first. Naturally, they want to know about me and what I do. In today’s economy, many people are looking for a second source of income. Inside the club they get to “know, like and trust” YOU. A winning combination to grow your business!
Whether you choose to simply become a member or start your own club, I cannot recommend enough to start a club one way or another. If you really want to grow your business, you must be in a referral club.