Are you a realtor, financial advisor, or insurance professional feeling stagnant in your current networking group? If the usual meetings no longer excite you or push your career forward, it's time to consider a pivotal change—one that redefines your professional journey and business growth.
In the world of real estate, finance, and insurance, networking isn’t just about exchanging business cards—it’s about building meaningful partnerships that grow your business. However, not all networking groups meet the expectations they set, leaving many professionals feeling stuck and unproductive. If you find yourself in this situation, starting your own networking group could be the solution you need.
Recognize the Signs of an Underperforming Group
Lack of Engagement: Meetings that lack enthusiasm or active participation can hinder your networking goals.
Poor Fit: Sometimes the group's focus does not align with your specific industry needs, especially in specialized fields like realty, finance, and insurance.
Limited Growth Opportunities: A good networking group should bring new opportunities regularly; if that's not happening, it's a red flag .
The Benefits of Leading Your Own Group
Tailored Networking: Create a group that perfectly suits your niche in the real estate, financial, or insurance sectors.
Control Over Members and Meetings: You decide who joins and how the meetings are structured, ensuring every session is productive.
Enhanced Visibility and Leadership: Leading a group establishes you as a thought leader and go-to expert in your field.
Personal Experience: From BNI Director to Network in Action Leader
A few years ago, I made a pivotal decision in my networking career. After nearly seven fruitful years with Business Network International (BNI), where I rose to become a BNI Director and helped start new chapters in the Denver Metro area, I found myself at a crossroads. These chapters thrived, generating significant revenue for their members, and I’m incredibly grateful for the experiences and opportunities BNI provided during my early business days.
However, as my business grew and my networking goals evolved, I realized that the traditional model of weekly, structured meetings was becoming less effective for me.
The commitment—ranging from the weekly gatherings to additional volunteer duties—was substantial, often amounting to several hours each week. This was time that could otherwise be spent on high-value activities, given my hourly rates as a business coach.
As I sought new ways to network, I discovered Network in Action (NIA) quite by accident at a Franchise Expo. NIA offered a refreshing model with monthly meetings, which not only respected members' time but also attracted proactive, go-getter professionals. The absence of volunteer roles meant I could focus solely on fostering relationships, and the diverse meeting agendas kept our interactions relevant and engaging.
Seeing no existing NIA groups in Denver, I seized the opportunity to start my own. Now, I run three local groups and a new virtual group expanding nationwide. This transition has not only allowed me to create a reliable network tailored to my needs and those of my clients but also to establish a secondary revenue stream while continuing to serve my community effectively.
If you're feeling stuck in your current networking group and are looking for a change, maybe it's time to consider leading your own. I'm here to share my experience and guide you on this rewarding journey.
Conclusion
Starting your own networking group can seem daunting, but for professionals in realty, finance, and insurance, it’s a step worth considering. By leading your own group, you not only overcome the limitations of existing groups but also set a new standard for networking success in your industry.
Call to Action
Ready to redefine your networking experience and elevate your professional journey?
Click here to schedule a discovery call with me, and let’s explore how you can lead a successful networking group that meets your career aspirations and business needs!
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