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7 Reasons to Join a Business Network Group - PART 3 ~ "Great Source of Referrals for your clientelle !"

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Hi Folks !

OK onto Part 3 of my series on why everyone should at least 'consider' the value of joining a Business Network Group !

In Part 1 we talked about the fact that a Network can bring you "Dollars In Your Pocket"

Part 2 - Talked about the great benefit of helping you become "A Better Public Speaker"

And now in Part 3, I give you reason #3 to consider being a part of a Business Network Group !

" It provides a source of referrals for your clientelle ! "

OK, what the heck does that mean !

Well, Realtors should certainly know this !

We are often the central nucleus and 'Go-To Guys' for our clients for 'everything home' .... and that means every time a buyer or seller needs a product or service for their house - plumber, electrician, wood floor finisher, mason, landscaper, roofer, granite counter installer, house cleaner, furniture supplier, painter, heck even dog walker ! - they often make that call to their trusted Realtor to see if they 'know' someone they can 'refer' to them to perform that service they need.

You see it goes back to that 'comfort level' again, of 'why people do business with people' !

You yourself I'm sure would much rather do business with someone you have either 'had a good experience with yourself' or if someone you trust has had a positive experience with that person - as opposed to simply picking someone out of the yellow book !

Enter again the Business Network group !!

When you are a part of these groups on a weekly basis - you start to learn more about dozens of other representatives from different services - the plumbers, electricians etc ...

And if they consistently get good testimonials for their work from others in the group who have used them, then you are going to start to develop a confidence, that if or your client needs their service, you will be comfortable referring them.

Why is that good for you ???

Because it creates more value for YOU to that client !! That client now trusts you for more than just finding or selling their home - which in turn makes them feel even happier about you as a whole, and even more likely to RAVE about you to someone who they hear is looking to buy or sell a home !!!!!

"Wow ThatBritishAgent is amazing ! Not only did he work his butt off to find us this great new home and make sure we were prepared every step of the transaction, but now whenever we need something done in the house, all we do is call him, and he finds us the right guy for the job ! He's awesome, you gotta call him if you are looking to buy or sell your home !"

... and if I wasnt in my Business Network Group - I wouldnt have anywhere near the amount of

GO-TO SERVICE PROVIDERS to recommend to my clients !!!!

SO !

Reason #3 for considering being a part of a Business Network Group is:

" It provides a source of referrals for your clientelle ! "

Reason #4 coming up !

CHEERIO !

Series Posts To Date:

Part 1: Dollars In Your Pocket

Part 2: Become a Better Public Speaker

Part 3: Provide a Source of Referrals for your Clientelle

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>> Dont miss other upcoming blog entries from "ThatBritishAgent" !

Sheldon Neal is a local Realtor® with RE/MAX, specializing in Homes For Sale in the Bergen County, NJ area.

If you are looking for Bergen County Realtors, call local expert Sheldon Neal for all your Bergen County Buying & Selling needs !

Sheldon Neal ~ RE/MAX REAL ESTATE LIMITED.
cell: 201-481-2891
office: 201-599-1100 x344
email: SheldonNeal@remax.net
website: www.SheldonNeal.com

Follow Sheldon on these sites below !

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Posted by Sheldon Neal ~ That British Agent ~ Bergen County NJ on 08/17/2009 11:01 PM

Comments (52)

7 Reasons to Join a Business Network Group - PART 3 ~ "Great Source of Referrals for Your Clientelle in the Sales Strategies / Tactics Channel

7 reasons to join a business network group part 3 great source of referrals for your clientelle

Originally posted at: Sheldon's Blog: 7 Reasons to Join a Business Network Group - PART 3 ~ "Great Source of Referrals for your clientelle !"

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This post has been included in New Jersey Real Estate News Bergen County, NJ Real Estate News
Post is included in group: Agents who want REFERRALS!
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52 Comments on 7 Reasons to Join a Business Network Group - PART 3 ~ "Great Source of Referrals for your clientelle !"

AUG

2009

Sheldon, this #3 reason for business networking has to be one of the best, namely, we are all in this together, and the more we know about each other, the tighter and more effective group we are. Bravo on this point.

Sheldon - You make an excellent point here. The more you can do for your clients, the more valuable you are. Being the go-to-guy is certainly a great reputation to have. Thanks for the tips.

Fantastic Sheldon! The more people we know, the more valuable we are to our clients and customers. Great series you have going on here, friend!

AUG

2009

Howdy Sheldon-You outdid yourself on this one. But a halo. Isn't that stretching it a little LOT. LOL Love ya bro. <SMILE>

Sheldon - this has been a great series, and an incentive for folks who are not already in some sort of networking group to find a way to get involved.

Maybe AR doesn't help us become better speakers but it sure adds values in lots of other ways.

Jeff

you make a excellent point here i appreciate your work..The more people we know, the more valuable we are to our clients and customers. Great series you have going on here, friend!

thanks

AJAY Cash Online Get Easy cash at your door step

Sheldon, I totally subscribe to this referral system. I always try to help clients with reliable service providers....they really appreciate that!

Good information Sheldon. I think you have convinced me that my fall project should be joining or forming a chapter of one of these groups here.

This was a great idea for a series, Sheldon! Just this week I received a letter from a client of mine who I gave referrals to for a lawyer, realtor, house cleaner, and painter...all from my bni group. She said how much it meant to her to have people she could trust, because she got them from me. It made me feel really good to know I made her life a little less stressful.

Gary ! Yep thats how I look at it - if we all understand we're on the same team and can help each other along the way, then everyone usually wins !

Erik ! You're welcome, and the more valuable you are seen to be, the more likely you are to get more and more business !

Mary ! Thank you !

Sharon L - ! LOL !! Well maybe it should be looked at more like a 'hat' than a 'halo' ???? lololol !!!

Jeff - Oh absolutely A|R has parallels - and so much additional value than just a blog platform :o)

Ajay ! Well thank you ! I appreciate the comment :o) Cheers !

Caren - Thats a great feeling aint it !!! ... of course providing we dont recommend a sub-par service !!!!

Paddy :o) Nice !!! ...there's more too, so stay tuned !

Ah Sharon T thats exactly what this post was all about ! The clients see you as their savior at that point right !!!

Sheldon,

I really enjoy your blogs, thank you for sharing such great information!

I am part of a phenomenal networking group that a friend and I started. We have seen exponential growth and it's so exciting to be able to refer business and know my friends and clients will be taken care without me having to worry.

Sheldon: The more people you know, the more folks will come to you for a referral. So true. On my website, I have actually listed what I call my Reliable Resources Directory. That way, if I'm super busy and can't dig out a phone number on command, I can point folks to my website to grab it and go.

Hi Crystal ! Thanks and glad to have you stop by :o)
Your network group sounds like it is doing exactly what its supposed to do, and I'm sure it's reaping the benefits for all your members ! Nicely done :o)

Chris Ann ! I'll have to check yur website and see how you put that list in play - nice idea !

Hi Sheldon, even if one is not part of a formal group, networking with other professionals can only be beneficial for all concerned! You never know when you will need a certain professional so better get to know them ahead of time!

Sheldon ~ Another well-explained point about the great value in networking groups. Being able to make good referrals to clients is an excellent value-added service. And of course all Realtors should have their "go to" home stager/interior redesigner on their list ;^) !

Sheldon,

YOu are absolutey on point.

I have found that we all have more of a comfort level of doing business with somebody when they are referred than looking in the phone book or googling a service to find somebody. It is great business for us if our clients can think of us as a one stop shop. They will be happy with thier service (hopefully), and then they will rave to their friends and family about their one stop shop Realtor. It is also good for you from the business networking perspective, becuase they also know people that are looking for a home. When you refer somebody to them, they tend to think of you and possibly even feel obligated to refer somebody to you to return the favor. It's a win win situation!

Sheldon-

I really don't like networking groups, but after reading your post I am reconsidering. Thank you!

You are so encouraging! Your blogs are motivating me, and I mean that sincerely. I decided to post ONE business related blog per week. It does take time, and energy. But, you really have helped me make up my mind to set this goal, and hopefully stick to it! Today, I will venture to a nice bakery, French themed in a lovely part of town. My mission is not only blog about it, but buy my favortie loaf of artisian bread!! YUMMY!

Silvia ! Yup whether you are in a network group or not, if you have this mentality, it will make you a more valuable asset to your peeps ! Cheers !

Mary ! lol...well of course they should !!!!

Renee ! Bingo - if you believe in it, and dedicate to being the one stop shop, then you will be known that way - win for everyone ! Cheers !

Tim ! :o) ...you made my day ! If I can get just a couple of people to consider the benefitis of checking out a network group, then this series is a wothwhile reminder to the readers. Thanks and good luck !

Carla :o) !! I try ! lol ... and post a nice pic of that French Bakery, it will whisk me back to my days of holidaying in the south of France and grabbing breakfast at the local 'boulangerie' each morning :o)

Great points Sheldon! I really liked the first three and I'm eagerly awaiting #4!

My brother is in a successful BNI group and has done well with it for his profession. I approached the franchise owner for BNI in my area about opening a chapter and I have never heard back from him.

Great idea for a series, Sheldon. Network groups can work very well, the idea is to actually participate fully, which I see some not doing and wondering why it is not working!

Going to to dinner tonight to my "business club"-- we call it the "fish pond"! It really is great.

I just stumbled on to this ! I'll go back and read 1 & 2 !

Jim ! Glad you are tuned in ! #4 out Thursday :o)

Damon ! That stinks - the Regional guy in my area is all over people who want to start a new chapter. Hopefully you'll get an opportunity soon. Cheers !

David - You got it - the key is for everyone to understand they have to 'do their part' which includes attendance, referring others, being positive, and providing outstanding service for their product. Do these, and it will be a success !

Erica ! Aha - you are socializing with these peeps to huh ! (thats another part of this series ;o)

Michael ! Excellent ! Thanks for checking it out !

Gee . . . I think that's the name of the place: 'Boulangerie'

Hi Sheldon,

You are so right -- belonging to a business network group is so important! They help you connect to your community in many ways, including the opportunity for volunteer service. The network just grows with every event and activity. The more people know you and respect you, the more your business opportunities will grow!

Cheers!

Sheldon: Thanks for the post. I have been a part of a myriad of business networking groups. Some work better than others. I personally think that groups such as the Chamber of Commerce where a person can choose which events, etc. to partipate in are the best. The groups that require weekly attendance and monitor leads, contribution, etc. I'm not that high on. Thanks!

Sheldon: Great point... it's not just about you, it's about what you can do for your client by belonging (and participating)... I also agree with Paul, just above... groups like The Chamber are fabulous...

Since clients are choosing us more and more via online... you definitely want the support, confidence, and authority of being recognized by them (the group) online...

Great post, thanks!

Alrighty there you cute little Angel! Your mother must think you're the cutest thing on earth!

And- seriously - you've done a great job on this series. So many folks don't understand the power of the network and how that can help everyone tremendously. I've had a Business Partners link of my website for years - all my folks know who to call (or go online ) to find the folks that they know they'll be able to trust. Good stuff!

I look foward to the next angel boy!

Sheldon - Nicely done, my British friend! On a somewhat related note, I have often mentioned when teaching about social media that it is not intended to replace face-to-face interaction, but to enhance it.

Carla ! - See ! I was telling the truth :o) lol

Marcy - Thats the plan :o)

Paul ! Thats the beauty of the options we have - for some the Chamber structure is better, and others the weekly one. Something for everyone, both with real benefits !

René ! Hi There ! It all makes a difference right ! Thanks for the comment :o)

Anna Banana !!! Ha ! You're fun ! So many people still think its a waste of dedicated time. But You and I know better ! Cheers !

Hey Jason ! Well thats the ultimate position - a BALANCE between the great vaslue of online social media, and the real life interaction with peers and networkers - my guess is that you have mastered that balance !!! Cheers mate !

Sheldon - what - a waste of dedicated time? They just don't get 'it' and that's where folks like you and I come into play (ha ha no pun intended)

Congrats on the feature Sheldon. I could not agree more that it makes YOU more valuable if you share your clients with your group. You are much more valuable to that client when you bring them customers. Good idea.

I think I am going to send this series to all members considering our BNI group. This is the NUMBER 1 reason why I joined. I need the source of professionals with good reputations to refer my clients to!

Sheldon - Great series and I have enjoyed reading it so much. I've been part of a couple of groups in my area but they never really got off the ground. A couple others I tried to get into already have a real estate agent as a member and do not take on any additional members if they have a member already in that profession. Instead I try to attend Chamber meetings and build my network from the different businessess I meet at those events.

Anna B ! You know it :o)

John C ! - Yep the more you can offer, the more 'super' you are !! lol

Renee - I use this benefit the most of all too. I am constantly hooking people up with other people who have a need, and I would say at least 75% of them, come from my Network Group ! Nice to see you ! Hope all is still super busy for you :o)

Donna ! Thank you ! And yes, sometimes it takes a few tries to see which type of group actually is the right fit for you. For some its the Chamber groups, for some its the Elks or KORT groups, and others its the weekly BNI / LeTip type groups. No one is right or wrong for you - just a better value to you by choosing the most beneficial. Thanks Donna !

Interesting post, I'll read parts 1 & 2 and give the idea serious consideration.

Patricia Aulson/portsmouth nh

Sheldon, great plan I just had a client whose AC went on the blink while I was measuring the house and I gave them the name of a local AC repair man who was out that day to fix it. I think I'll I'll start me a network!

Excellent thanks for checking it out Patricia !

David ! Sounds like a good idea to me ! It takes dedication, but the rewards are usually terrific ! Good luck !

AUG

2009

Great job, as usual, Sheldon!

Now featured on the Optimist Group.

Sheldon, great post. Networking or (pressing flesh) is the best way to grow our businesses...

Helping you live your American dream...

Sheldon, Wonderful feature! I used to do much more networking then I do now but you're right, it was a wonderful way to meet others and get referrals. Maybe it's time to get back to it........

HI Sheldon - congrats on the feature, and it is definitely a great post. Being a "go to" person is awesome for your clients, and they will always remember you.

The team concept of real estate has to go beyond the Realtors working with you. The techs, the contractors, mortgage companies, stagers, etc are allpart of your team. Thanks for the clarity.

Sheldon once again you have written fabulous educational post! Well done my friend!

One more thing....

...not so sure about that halo, who are you tryin' to fool? ;0)

Hi Mirela ! Thanks and nice to see you :o)

Michael ! You betcha !

Carole ! - Its been a foundation for me :o)

Sharon ! Thanks and the more they think of me when they have a need the better !

Joe - Yep thats how I look at it :o)

Hi Cyn ! I'm honored I pulled you away from Mr May for a moment !!! lol !!! :o) And Shhh about the halo - I think some people are buying it ;o)

Hi Sheldon,

It will be interesting to see your subsequent reasons, but #3 here for me is important. When someone challenges me and says "yes, but how much will this networking generate for me", my first response is that building a team you can count on to support you, and more importantly, your clientele is priceless. Oh sure, money is nice too, but a strong professional support team is cirtical.

Happy I found this, I'll have to keep up with your further posts.

_Claude

AUG

2009

What a terrific reason to join a BNG!!! And you are absolutely right - clients are always asking for referrals for various needs they have after they move! You do make us LOOK GOOD Sheldon!!

Claude ! Developing a reliable team around you has been a HUGE plus for me. I am a one stop shop for many of my clients - and they are typically very happy with the receommendations !

Pam ! Thanks - and it keeps us in their thoughts even long after the closings :o) Cheers !

AUG

2009

This is a great idea Sheldon. How did you begin your search for such groups in your area?

Check into BNI and LeTip in your area, or do a search for business network group for your towns. Good luck !!!

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Maywood, NJ

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