If you haven't figured it out yet, "Business by Referrals" members love having 1-2-1's. Also, our chapter is one of the most successful networking organizations in the country. Coincidence? No...
A 1-2-1 is a meeting where members get to know each other. I'm not just talking about what a business does or how referrals can be passed... I'm talking about getting to KNOW each other... the person. I'm talking about getting to KNOW the company, their culture, and their real value to their clients. Why is this important?
Our members don't "buy referrals" with their membership. Instead, they make a commitment to invest time with each other. This means that getting referrals from other members of the chapter requires more than just a membership. It requires an investment. Our members focus on passing quality referrals... both inside and outside of our chapter. Our members know that referrals reflect on them personally and professionally. Their recommendations aren't for sale.
This is why 1-2-1's are so important. Once you know the person, you begin the process of being able to persaonlly vouch for an individual and a company. For example, last month, I met with Joe Everest of Ozarks Fence within our chapter. It is tempting to not meet with Joe because fencing isn't too hard to understand, yet I know better. I met Joe in his office and got to see him with his employees. I got to see him help a neighbor business. I learned that he had actually done a project for me as a subcontractor years before. I learned that Joe is a just a great guy. After this meeting, I became much more likely to stick my neck out to get Joe in the door in some business. I can tell people that I've seen his product, worked with him, that his company is in its 3rd generation, and that he does things the right way. This is a big difference from "I know a fence guy".
If you aren't getting the results you want from the chapter, most of the time the best fix is to have more 1-2-1's. You will get to know others in the chapter and they will get to know you. This way when you get a referral from one of our members, you know you are getting a good, solid referral based on personal knowledge... not just a membership. We wouldn't want it any other way!
