Frequently Asked Questions:
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What’s a Referral?
In the simplest terms, a referral is when a person chooses to refer someone they know, like a family member, friend or customer to another person (or business) who will provide the goods or services that they want. Referrals are at the very core of what Network ONE is all about. We are all local business people seeking to build personal relationships with each other that may lead to increased referrals and more business for us all.
Not all referrals are created equal. In other words, there are good and bad referrals. The measure of a good a referral is directly proportional to the amount of credibility the referer (person giving the referral) will lose if the referee (person receiving the referral) messes up the referral. Put another way – if you referred one of your best clients to another business, and your client is treated horribly; you, your business, and your relationship with your client may be damaged.
Conversely a “referral” that could never blow back onto you, is not really a referral, because you are not having to lend your credibility to the referred business. Let’s say your friend tells you they are looking for a good plumber. An example of a bad referral is, “I saw a plumber’s van for XYZ Plumbing in my neighborhood last week, maybe you should give them a call.” A better referral in the same situation would be, “I know a great plumber! He and his family attend my church, and he’s been by our place several times to make repairs. I highly recommend him. Let me get you his number.” The best referral would include your recommendation to your friend, but then you would contact the plumber and let him know your friend’s situation and that he should expect their call. Going out of your way to connect two people who don’t know each other, in the spirit of helping them both, is the ultimate embodiment of a great referral.
What’s Closed Business?
After you’ve received a great referral and done the work for the client or customer, the actual money you (or your business) receive is what we call “Closed Business.” In the end, it’s the increased “closed business” that every member of Network ONE is hoping to earn. Every member knows that every other member’s primary goal is to help their own business, but we accomplish that by helping each other.
If someone helps you achieve your goals, the polite thing to do is thank them for their assistance. That’s why we have a BUSINESS SLIP for Closed Business. The SLIP is accomplishing several things at once: It’s thanking the person who gave you the referral which led to the closed business; and it’s recording the amount of closed business, so you can keep track of it throughout the year. Thanking someone does (2) things. It makes the other person feel good to be acknowledged. It also encourages that person to give you more referrals in the future.
What’s a M&M?
No, we’re not referring to the candy. We’re referring to one of the best ways to build strong business and personal relationships. M&M is a “Member & Member” meeting, where two Network ONE members meet-up (outside of a regular weekly meeting) to catch each other up on what’s new in their life and their business.
Member’s will meet for an hour, grab a coffee, and strategize on ways that they can help each other’s business. They usually spend 10 minutes catching up on personal news. Then each person spends about 20 minutes talking about their business, laying out problems they are trying to solve, or describing the types of customers they are trying to attract. The other person listens and chimes in with specific questions or suggestions in a effort to help. Two heads are better than one. The last ten minutes is spent recapping any plans they have made to help each other, and making a list of people they can contact on the other person’s behalf.
A great M&M is like a mini business consulting session, where each person bounces ideas off the other, and offers advice on how each can be more successful. It’s an INTENTIONAL meeting where both people acknowledge that there are things they need help with, and each offers to freely help the other. This willingness of members to help each other, is another core tenant of Network ONE.
What are the Leadership Positions
in a Network ONE Group?
MODERATOR
Responsibilities:
1) Run meeting according to Meeting Agenda & Policies with an energetic and positive attitude.
2) Responsible for ensuring that all LT positions carry out their function
3) Set a positive example for Group members to follow.
4) Assist Membership by holding M&M’s with all new members.
Characteristics:
1) GREAT Presence and Presentation skills – Is effective “on stage”
2) Understands all NETWORK ONE guidelines.
3) Strong leadership qualities; willingness to make a contribution.
4) Positive, enthusiastic and can-do attitude – attitude is EVERYTHING!
ASSISTANT MODERATOR
Responsibilities:
1) In the absence of Moderator, they run group meeting following the agenda.
2) Helps Moderator provide leadership, motivation & direction to the group.
3) Helps maintain group records (referrals, visitors, closed business, etc…).
4) Gives report each month regarding group accomplishments.
5) Is the third member of Membership Committee. Acts as tie-breaker.
Characteristics:
1) Ability to set, monitor and maintain goals for the group.
2) Detailed and results oriented.
3) Can hold members accountable to their commitments in a supportive way.
4) Good Manager / Communicator.
SECRETARY
Responsibilities:
1) Takes attendance at each meeting. Responsible for transferring attendance data to online spreadsheet.
2) Sets & announces speaker rotation weekly to Group. Adds speakers to online calendar.
3) Makes Announcements & Reminders at end of meeting.
4) Keeps track of Member Birthdays and Events on group Calendar.
5) Takes notes at each meeting.
6) Responsible for getting re-prints of all printed supplies (Attendance Sheet, Meeting Agenda, Visitor Sign-In Sheet, etc…)
Characteristics:
1) Exceptional follow through and organizational skills.
TREASURER
Responsibilities:
1) Gives checks to BOARD TREASURER (or) directs members where to pay ONLINE, after new members have been accepted.
2) Deposits cash from 50/50 bucket each week.
2) Keep track of, and responsible for Group Checking Account.
3) Responsible for payment of approved Group expenses.
Characteristics:
1) Exceptional follow through and organizational skills.
2) Ability to manage funds.
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
Responsibilities:
1) Screen & Interview potential new members.
2) Make sure new members understand their group commitments.
3) Be available to answer all questions of group applicants.
4) Evaluate formal complaints, if any, about members (with help from Assistant Moderator if necessary).
5) Monitor Group Growth and develop plans to increase group membership.
6) Follow-up with group Visitors to ask them how they liked the meeting and find out if they have any questions.
Characteristics:
1) Exceptional decision makers, great attention to detail and follow through.
2) Good conflict resolution skills (at least 1 of the 3 members).
3) Ability to work as part of a TEAM.
4) Positive and supportive attitudes.
5) Values training for themselves and the group.
COMMUNICATION COORDINATOR
Responsibilities:
1) Select weekly networking education to present to members or delegate the “Educational Moment” as desired.
2) Communicate with Leadership Team in selecting a weekly topic to cover.
Characteristics:
1) Creative, Dynamic and Energetic personality.
2) Great Presentation Skills / Confidence.
3) Committed to learning better ways to network, and offering that learning to others to help them succeed.
EVENT PLANNER
Responsibilities:
1) Responsible for planning events outside of weekly meetings.
2) Coordinates with other Leadership members to assist them in their goals.
3) Primary goal is the retention of current members and the attraction of new members.
Characteristics:
1) A positive and outgoing personality.
2) Enjoys planning events.
3) Works well as a part of a TEAM.
4) Excellent follow-through abilities.
WELCOMING MEMBERS
Responsibilities:
1) Responsible for arriving early to set-up group meeting room (business card binder, Visitor Sign-In Sheets, buckets, tickets, etc…)
2) Welcomes visitors and introduces them to other members of the group.
3) Enters Visitor’s info (from Sign-In Sheet) on our website.
4) Responsible for staying late to put away / pick-up all group materials.
Characteristics:
1) Fantastic, positive attitudes – WARM. Always Smiling.
2) Ability to arrive early and stay late for the meeting EVERY WEEK.