Skip to main content

Networking: Exclusive seats vs. Non-Exclusive seats

I've had several people recently bring up a discussion of exclusive networking groups vs. non-exclusive networking groups, so I thought this would be a good topic to bring to my blog.

Please note: This is just my opinion

1. Exclusive Networking Groups 

        Pros

  • No competition in your industry
  • Many exclusive groups are highly based on passing referrals (lead share)
        Cons

  • We all have specific referral partners, if you don't have chemistry with that person in your group, you're pretty much stuck. 
  • If you don't care for someone in a specific seat in an industry, you may not want to refer them business, but feel obligated to.

2. Non-Exclusive Networking Groups

           Pros

  • You are not excluded from joining regardless of how many other people in the group are in your industry.
  • You are able to invite anyone you know/meet to visit the group without worrying that you're stepping on anyone's toes. 
  • You have the opportunity to have several referrals partners in the same industry, in your group. 
  • You learn that there is so much business out there that it's OK to share. 
  • Sometimes you will meet someone in your own industry and can become a referral partner with them.
  • A lot of non-exclusive networking groups are educational groups.
          Cons
  • Can be an unlimited number of other members who are in your industry, which means more competition.
  • Many non-exclusive networking groups aren't referral based.
As you can see from my thoughts above, I like non-exclusive groups better than exclusive. I think the pros far outweigh the cons. I really have no problem with a bunch of other insurance agents in the room. I am confident in who I am and what I have to offer. I love the educational aspect to non-exclusive groups and find that I form far stronger relationships when the entire meeting isn't focused on "selling" each other. I've said it before, there is more than enough business out there for everyone. I can't write everyone's policy, there just aren't enough hours in the day - even though I know you'd all like for me to be your agent! It's just not possible.  ; )

I'd love to hear your thoughts and opinions on this topic. Please comment below! 



MW
Copyright 2016

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Ins and Outs of Networking

I thought I'd talk about networking for those who are just starting out in their networking journey. And maybe, just maybe, someone who's a pro, will learn something or get a new idea. When you start out on your journey of networking, you're not sure what you're going to find. If you're like me, you're a little intimidated by everyone. They all seem so put together, so confident. It feels like everyone knows everyone else and you don't know anyone! You might sit there thinking "What the heck am I doing here?" But guess what? What you're feeling is 100% normal. And guess what else? We all felt the same way when we started networking. Because I'm one of those people who remembers feeling that way, I make it a point to go out of my way to talk to newbies, show them around, introduce them to others, give them networking advice. It's funny because the very first networking group I ever attended is the one that I'm currently the ...
Post a Comment
Read more

How would self discipline benefit you?

Picture your life a year from now if you actually accomplished the things on your list. How would this benefit your life? Seriously, just stop, close your eyes and imagine a year from now. For the past year you have ______. (Fill in the blank with something from your list.) # selfdiscipline # livingyourbestlife # lovingyourlife # happiness # workhard # besuccessful
Post a Comment
Read more

2016 Business Plan Ideas - Part 2

Here it is the first Monday of 2016. This morning at my networking group, we discussed what is your greatest need this year: Help me, Help you! We weren't talking about referrals or new clients - because the bottom line is that's something we all need. However, the overall consensus was that just about everyone wanted to get more organized and wanted advice on how to do that. Of course, this brought me back to my business plans for 2016. Time Block scheduling. I've tried unsuccessfully to set my calendar this way. I'll pick dates that I'm going to do a certain task and somehow they don't get done at that time. They'll usually get done that day - but the time varies based on what's going on in my day. I'm not quite sure how people stick to the time they say they're going to do something. If I walk into my office and have clients needing me, they're going to come before anything else. However, in thinking about this. I do like the idea of givi...
Post a Comment
Read more