If you've ever tried bartering, it might have left a bad impression with you. John Green of Green Business Associates (GBA), has put a new spin on networking and bartering with his goal being to make sure the transaction is a win-win transaction for both parties.
John allows you to charge cash, barter points, or a mixture of both for your product or service. A barter point = $1.00. Example- you own a beauty salon and charge $20 per haircut. You might allow a fellow barter group member to pay half in cash and half in barter points. You can take those 10 barter points and bank them then use the points in the future to purchase products or services from other members in the group.
John has thirty members in the group called Green Business Associates Networking Group. They hold two meetings per month- one in the morning and one in the evening. Members can attend both, one, or none. There is a business round table topic of discussion at each meeting, a member spotlight, and, really great food. There is time for networking both before and after the meeting.
Members in his directory include a home remodeler, a pet sitter, and a snow plowing business. Some members offer the purchase of gift certificates. John encourages creativity in transactions. Recently a writer in the group offered his service payable with 100% barter points.
Peter Patrician, owner of Pater A. Patrician Design & Illustration and Patrician's Auto Detailing gave this testimonial about the group:
"I always knew the value of networking, but it wasn't until after the first GBA meeting that I realized the rewards firsthand. Within a week I had two cash clients with my graphic design business. Within a month I had detailed three vehicles for barter and cash clients. The volume of business I have is exciting. I have never been this busy! I wouldn't be as successful if it weren't for John and Jenn at GBA. They get to know their members businesses very well and are completely committed to promoting them. In addition, their knowledge and expertise on how to barter and network effectively is invaluable. Not only are John and Jenn advocates of their members, but the members themselves always support each other, offering advice and also referrals. I am grateful I joined GBA and will without a doubt be a longtime member. The benefits are undeniable."
A three month membership costs $90.00; six month membership $150.00; twelve month membership $240.00. For more details see the website http://www.GBAconnecticut.com .
The next meeting is February 18, 2010, 8:00 AM, at the Water's Edge Center for Health and Rehabilitation, 111 Church St., Middletown, CT. The round table topic is "Avoiding Operational Pitfals." Guests can attend one meeting for free.
Networking tip- read "Avoid the Mousetrap Mistake" in John's newsletter. See
http://www.gbaconnecticut.com/uploads/January_web-pdf.pdf
Comments
As an member, I have to say Green Business Associate is a great group of mutually supportive people. I love people John and Jenn Green have pulled together and I am excited for them to see it grow. I have no doubt that we will see great things from this team in the year and years to come. Joyce, you did a nice job writing about the group too.
I am glad to be a part of a very talented and caring group, that is much more than networking or barter and more like a family.
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