Network Referral Clubs - Do You Know What They Are & Are You A Member Of One?

I have been in the network Marketing Profession for 2 years. Up until very recently I have built my business(es) strictly online. Yes, it can be done but quite honestly I have found that most people don't have the patience or resources to build their business solely through internet marketing. I found myself constantly plugging holes in my organization as I wasn't recruiting members that truly understood what it takes to start and run their own business.

Unfortunately, the alternative of contacting friends and family and hosting home parties is very unappealing to most. Many of these folks don't "Get It" either. Although I have to tell you if you look and talk to all of the industry leaders(The true six and seven figure earners) most will tell you that is how they built their business.

A few months ago I connected with my now good friend and colleague Michael Butler. He is a director of a referral club. I didn't know and had never heard of a referral club prior to meeting Michael. And I honestly didn't check his out right away. It took me about 3 months into our business relationship for me to finally click on his link and check it out.

Q. What is a Referral Club?

A. Referral Clubs provide a structured and positive environment for businesses to pass referrals to one another... a proven way to get business. Members meet eekly for breakfast or lunch for the sole purpose of passing qualified referral to one another.

A light bulb went off. bankers, Real Estate professionals, financial planners, mortgage brokers, chiropractors.... These are the business professionals who belong to these clubs. These are the type of people I wanted to target. However, I must admit approaching these professionals intimidated me. I know our industry's reputation is improving, especially among top earners in business, but the general population still suspects us and many still look upon us as pyramid schemes. (Ok, I know it is only their ignorance)

Now, my primary business is a very reputable company, six years old, and in the health and wellness industry with a solid product line, so I definitely have an edge there.

Tip Before joining any referral club, you need to take into consideration your company's product line. Is it something you would purchase if there wasn't a compensation plan attached?
If you are only working the selling of the franchise in your company and not building a customer base of satisfied customers, then a referral club probably isn't for you.

There are several different types of referral clubs, BNI and Le Tip and Gold Star just to name a few.
You need to research each one to see what is the best fit for you. Most of these clubs are industry exclusive, which means if your industry is already represented, you can not join until they leave the group. It could be a very long wait. Referral Clubs work and most members stay put.

Being the entrepreneur that I am and still hesitant about feeling slightly out of place as a member; I went a different route. I wanted credibility. I wanted to be looked upon as a true business professional. In my research I found a club that I could become the director and actually start my own club. Instant creditability. I now approach the business professional on their level. I am helping them build and grow their business. I am serving them first. They just naturally want to know about me and what I do. In today's economy many people are looking for a second income stream. Within the club they get to "Know, Like and Trust" you. A winning combination to grow your business.

Whether you choose to just become a member or to start your own club, I cannot recommend enough to just get started with a club one way or another. If you are serious about growing your business, you need to be in a referral club.

You can learn more in my group: http://sta.rtup.biz/group/goldstar

Julie Booz
www.GoldStarClubs.com
www.NetworkReferralClubs.com