Netwink

When you search for network groups in the Dallas and Fort Worth metroplex, you will find there are many different flavors of groups with different rules. However, all of the network groups have a common reason for existing and that is to grow businesses and make money by offering products and services that people need.

The organizer of a business network group will be a business owner and people that attend the group also be business owners. The bottom line for every person attending is to develop their business is by giving out referrals and building the relationships to grow a stable and profitable business. The relationships developed in network groups will ultimately become the foundation for growth.

Building a solid foundation is primary and the methods to develop a foundation come from Zig Ziglar who said, "You can have everything in life you want, if you just help other people get what they want." By being the person that people can depend on, and trust.
  
Finding a group that you feel comfortable in, will usually require more than one visit. The only reason you may not return after one visit, is if you found the group is business exclusive and there is already a member of the group that represents your type of  business.

Before I go any further I probably need to explain "business exclusive".

Business exclusive in network groups means that, only one business may be a member in a given trade. This can best be explained by example.
Take for example, a network group is exclusive.  The group has a real estate agent as a member. In this case the position of "Real Estate Agent" is taken and therefore other real estate agents are not allowed to attend the meeting. The trade/position is occupied by a member of the network group who has earned or paid for the exclusive spot.

When you find a network group and you are interested in joining, you want to ask the usual questions; who, what, where, when, and cost, but these are secondary questions, the first question will be "is the group exclusive"? You want to know if a group is exclusive so that you can evaluate if you have a chance to attend the group and establish membership. Be courteous, conduct yourself professionally and try not step on other peoples toes.
There are different types of exclusivity. Some network groups allow for two businesses per category. In one of my groups, we allow two businesses per category but they have to be from different companies.
Some business network groups have no exclusivity, and then some groups allow the first member that represents that type of business to choose if they want exclusivity, and then some you pay your way to get exclusivity.
Knowing how the group is organized will make it easier to find meetings where you can develop your niche.
If the person you are talking to, cannot provide enough information about the network group, then ask if there is a web site or a person that can be contacted for additional information.

There you have a little bit about business network group.
As always feel free to add your voice.


4 Responses
  1. Anonymous Says:

    Good information for someone new.


  2. Brian Says:

    I am going to have my wife read this- she has never been to a networking meeting before. We have her first one this Saturday.


  3. Brian Says:

    There is another networking group that is in the McKinney/75 corridor. It is the North Texas Referral Group it meets every other Wednesday at Applebee's HWY380/HWY75 at 11:45 AM- the next meeting is 7/15. It looks like a good opportunity- everybody is very friendly.


  4. Carlos Says:

    Thanks for the advice, i really need it.


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