Networking opportunities…

Hey Guys and Gals:

Some talk about different networking groups…

Hi Steve-

Little by little, day by day, I'm doing something toward making my window cleaning business a reality.

My quick question is this: Since you spend an enormous amount of time & effort on making the right impression, having the right image and creating consumer trust and confidence…

How do you feel about joining the Better Business Bureau? Cost: 1st year $375 2nd year and following: $325

Is this worth it? Or perhaps the correct question is: Is this worth it at this stage of my business development?

I have already joined a very strong Chamber of Commerce (Cost:$200). My initial feelings are that proper licensing, bonding, and insuring do enough to create the trust and the image a business owner needs to be successful.
What do you think?

How about networking/referral groups like LeTip and BNI (Business Networking International)? These groups tend to be fairly expensive (Altogether the annual cost would be around $1,000,00. Again, my hunch is that they are not
worth the expense. At least not right now. Your take, please?

Regards,
Patrick

My Response:

Hi Patrick:

Good to hear from you. Sounds good going day by day. :o)

My own personal view point as mentioned in chapter 7 is to skip the chamber and join forces with a group like bni or letip. In my town I was part of an organization called the breakfast club which resulted in a lot of business coming my way. I much preferred being part of a group that was dedicated to helping/supporting other business owners in the group. I didn't feel the chamber did that.

And I can't really see the advantage of the bbb. If you have the extra money, it certainly can't hurt. But if you're watching your money, I feel the best groups to invest in are bni and letip. I know the bni prices vary from chapter to chapter, but it's probably close to or a little over $300, right? So that would be a wise investment for sure.

Hope this helps. Take care for now and please keep in touch.

Regards,

Steve