I was recently looking at a new networking group. Since it is a new group I am finding the dynamics very interesting.
Most Networking Groups in my experience have fallen into one of two groups; the first is for local personal referrals. Typically any professional that can really only draw referrals from a local audience; such as realtors, doctors, dentists, financial planners.
The second group tends to be looking to deal with businesses and preferably the owners of those businesses. Typically this group is looking to sell services to this group; such as a CPA, PR service, consultants or business attorneys.
If both groups are represented equally then there is the strong potential to be a bit schizophrenic but there can be business.
In one group I was in there was an awning and air condition cover business. I can honestly say no client has ever come to me to find someone to add a canvas awning to their home. So I was of no use to them and they were of little use to me in the group. Very nice pleasant people, but not good for my business, since they already had an accountant and I had a cover.
So in watching the dynamics of this current group, one individual is doing their level best to ensure that this group is a local personal referral group. Stating that all members would be better served if they lived and worked in close proximity to the group’s current location.
That would be great for them, but that is not what am looking in a group, I want to continue to grow the business to business segment of my practice and this just was not the group for me.