Are You In A Networking Group?

Thewoodman

I have been in a number of networking groups over the years and have had very good success. At each one that I have attended they all state the same thing.

"We hardly ever see anyone from the construction field in our networking group".

So I am curious as to how many of you are involved in networking groups and how well they work for you.

Mark

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modterry

I have just started going and have gone to several over the last few weeks to seek out a group I felt comfortable with. You are right - I am not running into many other contractors.

I was approached last week by 2 architects working on a town house project and they sent preliminary drawings for my review.

A real good sign.

Terry

Thewoodman

My question has been answered, by looking at the read to response ratio. 43 people read and only one responded?

Networking groups are a untapped resource for contractors. Most chamber of commerce groups have networking groups. I am not talking about a home builder networking group, but a group where only one person in each field is allowed in.

If you want more info on joining networking groups and how to get the most out of it P.M. me. It is a little hard to attend if you are the only one swinging the hammer, but it is well worth the contacts that you can make.

If you can put yourself out in front of people continually and constantly you will sell more.

Mark

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rbsremodeling

I have put this high on my priority list. I am trying to attend one a week and narrow it down to a few good groups. Any suggestions?

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Gitrdone

Hi Woodman. I am interested in hearing what you have to say, but I don't know how to P.M.

jspur

I too would be interested in finding out more information about networking groups, how to find them in particular but do not know how to PM on this site. Thanks

Willie T

As on most forum sites, you click on the name of the person you want to contact... then select "Send a Private Message to __________ ." from the drop down menu.

Type your message in the text box as you would any other post, and SEND it.

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Ed the Roofer

Why keep it a PM Secret?

Ed

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rbsremodeling

I Have one residential and one commercial real estate function this week.

I also have 2 neighborhood functions scheduled for next week.

I found the neighborhood associations online and just chose some events that I could have fun at and if I met some nice people or handed out a card it would be a plus.

They also have a lot of construction related events at the local community meetings

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dirt diggler

I used to be a lot better at networking - i need to get back into this.


I love to network though! I love the feeling referring someone to somebody else. I'm definitely great to know because I WILL go out of my way to refer you to someone (once I've worked with you and gotten to know you). I don't do it to get anything in return - and I never expect anything in return from it. I simply enjoy seeing hard working people become succeed

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Thanks in advance!!!

GregS

I attended one last week and returned again this morning. I got two referrals! And I'm just a visitor, not even a member!

Of course both were for surround sound wiring, but that's fine for me and the price of the jobs will almost cover the cost of joining the group.

I plan on joining officially next week. They only let one person from each business avenue in so this may turn into something profitable.

Only down side is you have to go every week, and I have to leave at 6am to get there on time. My usual work hours are 10am to 8pm.

orson

I think local chamber of commerce is a pretty good one. The mixers are well attended and everyone is shamelessly promoting their business. You can also access lists of all the other members if you want to advertise to them.

I get cold calls regularly from other members and they don't annoy me like they normally would because it's another chamber member.

Besides, there's alcohol at the mixers and it's usually free.

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Thewoodman

Good point Ed.

I am going to get the children to bed then log back on and tell you everything I know.

P.S. It has been raining in Utah for three days straight. Does anybody have a good set of plans for a very large ark?

Mark

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EricTheHandyman

The Chamber of Commerce is okay, but my local one has 3 other painters and 4 other handymen, so it's tough to make headway.

I've had great luck with my BNI group http://www.bni-mn.com/. They only allow one member per profession. About 20% of my business last year came from this group. We have a few trades represented: a GC, roof/siding company, sparky, painter, landscaper, and yours truly, as the handyman. We all have agreements with each other to not overlap, i.e. I can't talk about painting because somebody else is listed as the painter.

Beyond the business contacts, I've also made many great contacts for personal stuff: insurance, florist, chiropractor, acupuncture, printing.

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Thewoodman

Alright, here it is is. Everything you wanted to know about networking but were afraid to ask.

The first place that I would look to find a networking group would be your local Chamber of Commerce.As far as price goes you get a lot of bang for your buck. I pay just under $400 per year. My Chamber offers a lot of networking opportunities

1. They have 3 networking groups that meet 2 times a month
2. Business after hours once a month
3. Educational breakfast meeting once a month
4. Ribbon cutting ceremonies for new businesses
5. Quarterly meeting with the three networking group
6. A variety of charity events
7. An annual dinner that brings in the big wigs in the business community

There is another networking group called BNI and they have these groups all over the place. A previous poster listed a contact site for them.
You could also start up your own.

Just joining a group does not guarantee you while get leads from it. I have watched a lot of people join a group then quit after 2 or 3 times because they did not get any leads.

Here is the "how to list" to make it work for you.

1. When you first join do not worry so much about getting leads and do what ever you can to pass leads to others.
We have people in our group that have never passed a lead. They just come for themselves only. I do not do business with these people.

2. When you are at the meeting, listen and I mean really listen when other are talking. Find out what they do and what you can do to help them succeed.

3. Start having one on one lunches with each and every person in your group. It may take awhile but make it your goal.

4. When you are having the one on ones do not start out talking about yourself and your company. Ask them how they got started, what they do to run a successful business. Not only are you networking, you are learning ways to improve your business. Maybe you will pick up one idea that you can apply to your business. Ask them a lot of question about how you can help them. The conversation will start out about them but will work its way around to you and what they can do to help you.

By doing this and building a personal bond with each member in your group you are planting the seeds that will help you business grow while others around you are failing.

5. Most networking groups require you to show up to most of the meetings. Make it a commitment to show up to every meeting. This shows the others that you are reliable and can be counted on.

6. Do not get discouraged if you go awhile without any good leads passed your way. It takes time for people to get to know and trust you. I find that my leads come in spurts, nothing for awhile then three or four in one meeting.

7. When you are given a lead make sure you follow up on it fast. You will have to see these people each week and if you get a reputation of not follow up on leads you will just be wasting your time.

8. Get a business card holder and have 4-5 of each persons cards with you wherever you go. If someone talks about needing a service that someone in your group does, hand them a card and give them a personal recommendation.

If you attend any after hour business socials do not find the people you know and hang out with them for the evening. Make it a goal to walk up to at least two people that you have never meet and introduce yourself. ( remember you are all there to help your businesses grow, they will want to talk to you). At one meeting I attended I introduced myself to a new person and it turns out that they were on the Historical Building Committee and had a say in all work done on any historical buildingin the area. They had me out to there place a week later and I gave them a $45,000 bid on some renovation.

Attend all the educational meetings. Even if you have no interest in the subject. You are there to get your face and your name known. As people begin to recognize you and your commitment I can guarantee you work will start to come your way.

Another benefit of attending a networking group is that you will have a group of people you trust to refer to your customers, friends and family. I think it is a great feeling when someone is talking to you about a problem they are having and you are able to say " I know just the person that can help you here is their card. Not only did you help them with your problem but you now stick out in their mind as a well connected person. The chance of them using you or referring you just went up.

If you are serious about having a successful business you have to get out in front of people. You are a salesman whether you like it or not.I have been in different networking groups for 7 years and I have built up a very large network of people that I know and trust to take care of myself my friends and my family.

Things are tough out there right now and you need to work any angle you can to keep business coming your way. Networking is a very inexpensive way to do that.

Mark

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Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.
www.wasatchvalley.com

mark the coach

Hello gentleman

I have been reading this thread and would be glad to share some ideas on networking groups. I did a few posts on this last fall.
I have been very active in both BNI and Chamber referral groups for over 7 years, 6 as a remodeler and the last year as a contractor coach. These groups focus on building relationships and generating referrals for the members of the groups. The groups are industry exclusive, in other words if you are a remodeler you lock out your competition. These groups will range in size from 20 to 50 people. If you follow the basics of networking well, you can do a lot of business. A fellow NARI member in Boston, David West of Meadowview Construction told me the other night, at a NARI membership meeting that he is doing over 60% of his business form BNI.
Sharing the results in my last year of remodeling (2007) I worked 400 hours in two groups, received referrals that led to $1,030,000 in business, earning over 100K. For every hour worked, generated $2500/hr.

It is important that you pick the right group. If the group has poor leadership and is full of takers, not givers, the group will be a waste of time. I suggest you visit a few groups first and make sure that it is right for you. You can visit a group twice before you have to join. I recommend going to at least three or four BNI groups before you join one. This has several advantages;
1. You get courted by several groups and make more contacts. Many groups will want to give you referrals right away to entice you to join.
2. You don't get too excited and join the wrong group. Sometimes people get wrapped up in the excitement of the group and join the first one only to find out later that their is a better one with the right chemistry on the other side of town.
3. You will be perceived as a prudent business person who weighs their options carefully.
There is a shortage of contractors in many groups. I have found over the years that contractors who join the groups tend to receive a lot of work and then when they are busy they back off on their commitment to the group. If you join a group and get a lot of work make sure you do not fall off on attendance. This is one of the biggest complaints about the trades in networking groups. If you join and commit treat your group like a marketing expense you have to pay for every month and schedule you time accordingly. I have seen trades people join, receive a ton of work, fall out and then get labeled as a taker and typical contractor.

If anyone wishes to speak to me about networking groups feel free to contact me.

mark the coach

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rbsremodeling

Alright going to my first network event of the year in Baltimore. Its for the commercial side of the business.

I got on clean underwear and a stack of cards. Will report back in a few hours

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dan-o

If you do it right, you will return with neither of these items.

Ed the Roofer

Is this the type of Networking event you had in mind?

Ed



Tips I Learned From Strippers
10 Sales and Marketing Tips I learned from Strippers

21 Jun
Posted by admin as Uncategorized


Written by WiseCamel.com

Like you, I like strippers.

However, I generally find myself leaving the strip club with an empty wallet. Any business that can get you to spend all of your money is a good one to be in.

But while walking out of a club one evening, I realized that a big reason they have such a good business is because strippers are such great salespeople.

It is not simply due to the fact that they are selling to stupid, horny men like myself, but because they use a lot of highly effective sales and important marketing techniques.

You too can achieve great success by applying sales and marketing techniques of strippers. Here are the 10 sales and marketing techniques I have learned from strippers:

Sales Technique #1 - Give them something for nothing
One of the first things a stripper will do is come up to you and flirt with you. She will likely sit on your lap or do something to raise your excitement level. For this, you have to do nothing. But you do get a sample of the service and if it is a good one, your chances of buying the service increases. This also applies to the dances they do on the stage.

Sales Technique #2 - Understand your customers
Strippers get to know their customers by asking questions. This allows them to develop a rapport and tailor the sales pitch.

Sales Technique #3 - Tailor the Sales Pitch
Strippers will try different sales pitches to different people based on what she thinks they like. “I like to get dirty” or “Have you seen my great ass?” or “My tits are real”. Each pitch may be the one thing that converts the potential customer into a buyer. (Pointing out a tight ass works well for me). And she revises her pitch based on experience.

Sales Technique #4 - Make sure you are selling a great product/service
She knows she has to have a great product. If she put on 30 pounds or hadn’t showered for the past 4 days, she would likely not get as many customers. Regardless of how great of a salesman you are, you can’t do much with a crappy product/service.

Sales Technique #5 - Provide Good Customer Service
She will make sure you are happy on your first dance or she won’t get repeat business or won’t be able to do what she ultimately set out to do, which is Upsell.

Sales Technique #6 - Upsell
She sells the customer on a relatively cheap service, a lapdance, but then markets her other services to them. She tries to get them to the “champagne room” and sell an upgraded service, which is where the money is at. However, without the first sale, she would never get the larger sale. Customer acquisition is tough. Once she does it, she needs to get as much business as she can.

Sales Technique #7 - Closing Techniques
She will use a variety of closing techniques to get you to buy her services. There are a variety of closing techniques, but two popular ones used by strippers are the compliment close (usually flirting with you) and companion close (getting your buddies to push you into closing the deal).

Sales Technique #8 - Target your audience
Strippers market to individuals that are interested in her service. First, she works in a strip club where guys go specifically for her service, that is obvious. But she also knows which guys to go after within a group or which groups will likely spend the most money. Spending time with cheap-asses only wanting to pay a dollar for a dance will not be a wise use of he precious time.

Sales Technique #9 - Persistence
Even though the audience is qualified, she knows she will get rejections. Even so, she will go up to every guy and ask if they need a lap dance. She also knows that the more guys she asks, the more yes’s she will get.

Important Sales Technique #10 - Branding
I don’t know any strippers that are named Ethel, Mildred or Agnus. Instead, you will get the pleasure to do business with Cookie, Destiny, Candy, or Raven.

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rbsremodeling

Overall it was good handed out about 6 cards.

I realize now that I have to get out more. My mojo was not on.

My social interaction outside of the workplace has been non existent for years and it showed tonight.

I need a few more activities like this and I should be up to speed all in all it was worth it. Total cost was about 30 bucks.

Any one in the DC/MD/VA area interested in meeting up at feature events I will try to remember to post them in advance and see what happens.

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