Ever wondered what exactly is a Business Referral Group, and if joining one would help grow your business?
Networking is a great way to connect with local business, but to really form strong business relationships a more structured form of networking is required. This is where a business referral network has it's place in the mix.
What is a Referral Group?
A business referral group is a group of business owners who meet on a regular basis (usually weekly) to refer business between each other. The group offers small business owners an opportunity to establish mutually beneficial business relationships.
A referral network is a group of business professionals who actively work together to grow each others businesses. The each generate referrals by recommending other members product or services within their networks.
It is a form of referral marketing where members of the group act as a sales force for each other, helping to generate new leads and potential customers.
How can a referral group benefit my business?
Joining a referral group can have several benefits for your business. It allows you to build a referral network and tap into the network of other members. This can lead to a regular flow of new business and referrals. It also provides an opportunity to network with industry professionals and potentially collaborate on projects or partnerships.
Joining a referral group can boost your business by providing you with a steady stream of new leads and potential customers. The referrals you receive from other members can help you expand your customer base and increase your sales. Additionally, being a part of a referral group allows you to tap into the expertise and knowledge of other members, which can help you improve your business strategies.
To join a referral group, you can start by searching for local networking groups or checking with your local chamber of commerce. Many business organizations and networking groups have referral groups as part of their offerings. You can attend their meetings as a guest and see if the group is a good fit for your business needs before joining.
What type of business gets the most out of a referral group?
Small businesses where the owner of the business can join the group and be an active member often get the most out of a referral group. The main benefit of the group is the ability to create a mutually beneficial relationship with the members of the group. This works best when the business owner is directly involved in the group as a member.
What are the different types of referral networks?
There are many different types of referral networks, each with its own unique referral processes and rules. Some referral groups focus on a specific industry, such as a group for real estate agents. Others may be more general and open to businesses from various industries. It's important to find a group that aligns with your business and target audience.
Can other people in my industry join?
This depends on the type of referral group. There is usually only one person from each category allowed in a referral group, ensuring that the member is not competing with other members. When a member leaves the group, the category is deemed to be open and local businesses are invited to join to fill the category. It is important that when a business joins the group, the category they take up is their main business category.
How long until I start to get referrals?
This really depends on the type of business that you have. A service based business with a low price point should start to see a return fairly quickly. For example, businesses such as hairdressers, massage therapists and beauticians should see receive internal referrals fairly quickly. Other business that have a much higher price point and commitment can take a longer to show return on investment.
To speed up the process, you need to be proactive in the group.
- be present at each meeting
- send a substitute if you can't make it
- do one-on-ones with all the other members to be sure that you fully understand their business
- give referrals and testimonials to other members of the group
- become a referral partner with another member of the group
Do I need to come each week?
Yes, you really need to be present and active at the meetings each week. The success of a business referral group is based on mutual trust and respect of the members. Coming to the meetings each week shows that you are reliable and dependable and increases the trust factor required for members to refer to you. Remember, when someone recommends you, they are putting their reputation on the line and trusting that you will not let them down.
If you can't come to a meeting, then send a substitute to stand in for you. This shows that you have respect for the other members of the group.
What do I need to do to make my membership profitable?
To be successful in a referral group, a member must think “What can I do for the group?” rather than “What can the group do for me?” and generally the by-product of this attitude is in increased business through referrals.
To effectively benefit from a referral group, it's important to actively participate and engage with other members. Attend meetings regularly, contribute to discussions, and actively refer business to other members. Building strong relationships and trust within the group will increase the likelihood of receiving referrals and growing your network.
How can I expand my business through referral marketing?
Referral marketing can be a powerful tool for expanding your business. By actively participating in a referral group and building strong relationships with other members, you can tap into their networks and reach potential customers you may not have otherwise reached. Referrals are often more likely to convert into actual customers, making referral marketing an effective strategy for growth.
By leveraging the connections and relationships of other members in your referral group, you can expand your reach and connect with potential customers who may not have heard about your business otherwise. Referral marketing works on the principle that people are more likely to trust recommendations from someone they know and trust.
Yes, utilizing social media platforms like LinkedIn can be an effective way to build a referral network. You can connect with industry professionals, potential customers, and other like-minded individuals who can refer business to you. Joining relevant LinkedIn groups, participating in discussions, and sharing valuable content can help you expand your network and generate new business opportunities. But regularly attending a weekly meeting and being up front and centre for 60 seconds each week in front of other like minded group of individuals will a higher percentage of quality and then as a result, successful referrals.
Is there a membership fee?
Most referral groups have a membership fee, along with a once off joining fee. Referral groups have become a big business with many privately owned groups and franchisees running referral groups.
What makes an effective referral in a referral group?
An effective referral in a referral group is one that leads to a meaningful business opportunity. It should be a recommendation of your products or services to a potential customer who is likely to have a genuine need or interest. An effective referral should also include relevant details and context, highlighting the unique benefits your business offers.
What makes Bayside Redland Business (BRBN) Network different?
BRBN is run as a not for profit where any additional money raised outside of the general running of the meeting is given back to the community. This means the focus of the group is switched from a money-making operation to a community based business support group.