Have you outgrown your group?

Every time a person enters or leaves a group the dynamics change. Sometimes  for the good and sometimes for the bad. If you are continuing to grow your business there may come a time when you outgrow a group and have to move on to another one. Here are some clues as to when you outgrow a group.

1. When you have the most contacts of the group. This may mean that you are one of the only people in the group still marketing and networking. This will inevitably lead to you being the only one referring with few referring clients to you. If most of the people in the group are only relying on the group to help grow their business then they will not be in a place to reciprocate business. They will end up being predominantly “takers” because their marketing is limited to the group.
2. When you have the highest quality contacts.  If you are one of the only people in the group with good contacts to offer then you may want to look for another group that can be reciprocal. If the group no longer is helping you grow your business then find groups that will help you grow. You want to look for a group that has at least 5 people that are well connected and at least 5 more that are actively promoting their businesses on a daily basis. This is the minimum number.  This will increase the odds that you will get more high quality leads.
3. When the group has stagnated. When groups stop learning and stop trying to be better this is a sign that the group will fail. If a group has stagnated it undoubtedly points to the leadership. Business is vibrant and ever changing. If the group is unwilling to try new things and change with the times then find another group.
4. When the workload falls on you.  This statement ties closely to number 3. If you are one of the only people that is still committed to the group then you have outgrown it. You need to find a place where you are able to utilize your skills and abilities and be rewarded for it.

If you are actively promoting your business and marketing there will be a time when you will need to get to the next level in your business. This growth is uncomfortable and sometimes you have to leave behind friends that you have made in groups that you have been a part of. If they were truly friends they will understand and will want the best for you. If they weren’t friends they will probably “pout” and be mad. They may even speak badly about you to the members of the group that are left. Such is the cost of doing business. What you can’t do is stay in a place where your business will not grow.

Some places I have found in Albuquerque to grow your business is: The Hispano Chamber, NM Business Weekly events, Exhib-it events, and Action Coach Events. Very few people have the time and inclination to network enough to make a weekly networking group worthwhile. Keep this in mind as you visit weekly groups.  I have shifted my focus to top level events that bring out decision makers and cold calling targeted and qualified people and my business has more than quadrupled over the last four weeks. Figure out who is a good customer for you and align your networking accordingly.

A networking group functions much like a company. I found a great article on organizational behavior that would help your group be and stay productive: http://www.org-behavior.com/organizational-behavior-managing-people-organization.php

Contact me at: SVaughn922@aol.com