So How Does It Work?

Networking

The core function of our group. We encourage our members to arrange one-to-one sessions with our members to find out more about each other’s businesses, the services they offer and their target audience. Between these one-to-ones, our half hour before the meeting and sitting down over breakfast. Our members really understand each other’s businesses, allowing the group to act as the sales team for every member’s business as well as being a great support network.

Presentations

Weekly every member has a one-minute spot to update the group on how their week in business has been, share success stories, give industry-specific tips or news and make specific requests of the members, this can be anything from peer reviews of new websites, business-related questions, or introductions into businesses they are looking to work with.

Alongside the 1 minute presentations every week a different group member gives a 10-minute presentation about themselves and their business. Members can alternatively deliver 10 minutes on a chosen subject relating to their business providing valuable insights into that industry or business function.

Passing Business

The main reason anyone joins a networking group and the bit we’re most proud of. On average £8,000 a week is exchanged across our meeting room as members pass leads onto each other, request one-to-one meetings, give online reviews to members for works undertaken, and thank other members for the business they have received.

Group Members have coined the terms 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Tier referrals for passing business. For example, if our group Electrician has referred the Group plumber to one of their customers for a job they needed doing that would be a 1st Tier referral and the Plumber would thank the Electrician at the meeting once the job is completed and paid for.

If the people who needed the plumbing work undertaken then go on to recommend our Plumber to a friend or colleague and they contact the Plumber to undertake work this is then a 2nd Tier referral. If the 2nd Tier customer then goes on to recommend the Plumber to another party that becomes a 3rd Tier referral.

The fact that we regularly track 2nds and 3rd Tier referrals at our meetings is a testament to the power of Networking and the strength of our group.

Breakfast

After all that our members have worked up an appetite! Upon leaving our meeting room, members head downstairs to the Cafe Area in Blackpool Carers Centre where the centre’s team have prepared Breakfast. The centre has a 5-star Food Hygiene Certificate and when signing into the building before the meeting you can submit any dietary requirements or menu choices for your Breakfast after the meeting.