Business Education

Strategic Secrets to Build a Networking Group That Unlocks Real Opportunities (Not Just Referrals)

When someone starts their first business, they do what every entrepreneur is told to do—join a networking group. They meet, shake hands, swap business cards, and trade referrals with people who barely remember their name the following week. After months of forced small talk and zero real opportunities, most entrepreneurs are ready to quit.

But what if that entrepreneur met a mentor who invited them to a small, curated group of professionals who approached networking differently? No scripted pitches, no transactional exchanges—just meaningful conversations and a shared goal of lifting each other up.

This wouldn’t just be a networking group. It would be a community built on trust, collaboration, and real growth. And the good news? You can create one too. Here’s how.

How to Form a Local Networking Group That Goes Beyond Referrals

Building a local networking group can be a powerful way to foster professional growth, collaboration, and community impact. While many groups focus solely on generating referrals, a truly effective network can offer much more—think skill-sharing, mentorship, and collective problem-solving. Here’s how to create a local networking group that delivers lasting value beyond business leads.

Define a Broader Purpose

Start by crafting a mission that transcends referrals. Ask yourself: What unique value can this group bring to its members and the community? Perhaps it’s supporting career transitions, promoting innovation, or addressing local challenges like sustainability or education.

For example, a group of small business owners might focus on sharing operational strategies, not just client recommendations. A clear, inspiring purpose attracts like-minded individuals and sets the tone for deeper engagement.

Keep it specific but flexible. “Empowering professionals to grow through collaboration and skill-building” beats a vague “networking for success.” Write this mission down—it’s your group’s North Star.

Identify Your Core Members

Recruit a small, diverse founding team who share your vision. Look for people with complementary skills—say, a marketer, a tech expert, and a local chamber member. Diversity in backgrounds and industries sparks richer discussions and ideas. Reach out through personal invites, local events, or platforms like Meetup or LinkedIn.
Aim for 5-10 committed starters; too many early voices can dilute focus. Screen for enthusiasm and willingness to contribute, not just attend. These pioneers will help shape the group’s culture and activities.

Design Meaningful Activities

Ditch the “elevator pitch only” format. Plan events that encourage real connection and value exchange. Also, host workshops where members teach skills—like a graphic designer leading a branding session or an accountant explaining tax hacks.
Organize roundtables to tackle industry trends or local issues. You can choose such things as adapting to economic shifts or supporting a charity. Even casual meetups can include a “challenge swap,” where members pitch problems and brainstorm solutions together.
Rotate formats to keep it fresh. The goal? Every gathering leaves members with new insights, not just business cards.

Set a Simple Structure

Keep logistics light but intentional. Choose a regular cadence—monthly or bi-monthly works well—and a consistent location, like a local café, library, or co-working space. Also, do the following:

Assign basic roles. a coordinator to schedule, a communicator for updates, and a facilitator to guide meetings. Avoid over-formalizing; no one joins a networking group for bureaucracy.
Membership can be open or curated. Open groups grow faster but may lack cohesion; curated ones ensure alignment but require more effort. Decide based on your mission and capacity.

Leverage Technology Wisely

Use tools to amplify, not replace, in-person connection. A group chat on Slack or WhatsApp keeps conversations alive between meetups. Share resources—articles, templates, event invites—in a Google Drive or newsletter. A private Facebook or LinkedIn group can house discussions and profiles, making it easy to match skills or needs. Just don’t let digital tools overshadow face-to-face interaction; the real magic happens in person.

Build a Culture of Contribution

Encourage a give-first mindset. At each meeting, ask members to share one resource, idea, or contact—no strings attached. Celebrate wins beyond referrals, like a member landing a new skill or a collaborative project taking off. Recognize contributors publicly (a shoutout or “member spotlight”) to reinforce this ethos. Over time, this builds trust and a sense of ownership, turning attendees into active participants.

Impact the Community

Extend your group’s reach beyond its walls. Partner with a local nonprofit for a volunteer day or host a public panel on a hot topic. For instance, a group of creatives might offer free workshops for students, boosting both visibility and goodwill. These efforts deepen bonds among members and position your group as a local force for good—far more memorable than swapping leads.

Measure Success Differently

Track metrics that reflect your mission, not just referral counts. Are members collaborating on projects? Learning new skills? Solving real problems? Survey them periodically: “What’s the most valuable thing you’ve gained?” Adjust based on feedback—maybe they crave more structure or fewer sales pitches. Success isn’t size; it’s impact.

Start Small, Then Scale

Launch with a single event—say, a coffee meetup with a discussion prompt like “What’s your biggest professional hurdle?” Gauge interest and refine from there. As momentum builds, add members gradually to preserve quality. Once stable, consider sub-groups by industry or goals, but only if demand emerges naturally.

Things to Remember

A networking group that does more than provide referrals requires intention, not complexity. Focus on connection, contribution, and community, and you’ll create a hub where members grow together—not just transact. Start with a clear why, rally the right people, and let the group evolve. The result? A network that’s less about “who you know” and more about “what you build.”

Want to Accomplish More?

Do you want your company to grow faster and earn more while you spend more time with your family doing all the things you started your business to do?

We can make that dream a reality. Give us 30 minutes and we will show you how to get your life back. Skeptical? Good! Put us to the test.

You can call us for your free appointment at 480-636-1720, or, if you prefer, Waters Business Consulting Group to learn more about us and the services we offer.

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How to Get Past All the Hype about a New Business

September 7, 2018 No Comments

Samuel Langhorne Clemens, otherwise known by the pen name Mark Twain, once said, “There are three types of lies: lies, damn lies, and statistics.” Today, we’re past the sad story of Theranos and the fall of Elizabeth Holmes. But, Elon Musk and Tesla are filling the void. (As are a number of other brands and emerging technologies.) You can pick your favorite, because there are a number of these hyped or buzz generating entities out there. And, it’s precisely the attention and shine that fools so many people. This includes people looking for opportunities to go into business for themselves. So, how do you know if it’s legitimate or just hype? Why Hype often Falls Short Let’s begin with an important lesson. Buzz dies down and hype eventually wears off. But why? The question is more about a matter of time than some exotic explanation. The fact of the matter is, when an organization or a product is surrounded by hype, it’s usually due to an artificial yet real, phenomenon. In other words, some outrageous (or ingenious) marketing tactics work. People are awe-struck and want to believe. Fortunes were made on products using such hype marketing strategies. Many a consumer bought in to the sizzle once, never to be burned again by products that couldn’t possibly live up to the hype. The world’s a different place today, and consumers are far more demanding. The list of tactics that no longer work on today’s savvy consumers is long, and so is the list of things you can learn from the failures of hype-marketing tactics. —American Express OPEN Forum Although, we all know, reality will rear its presence, at some point. There comes a time when hype and buzz just can’t conceal the fact there’s not much there, there. When the dust settles, hindsight becomes 20/20. Now, sometimes, like in the case of Theranos and Elizabeth Holmes, it’s just investigative reporting. But other times, it’s just high expectations. Remember when the Segway concept first leaked to the public? It proclaimed the future of transportation. That fell way short. How to Get Past All the Hype about a New Business So, just how do you tell if a business idea or even a product or service is only hype? What are the telltale signs? Unfortunately, there’s no magic bullet. But, there are some things you can to do get past all the hype about a new business: Quick! Stop the press! Thomas Edison didn’t exactly invent much. In fact, he once said he’s more of a sponge than an inventor. He also used what’s known as the vaporware marketing tactic. Hearing a rival would soon introduce the first incandescent light bulb, he invited newspaper reports to see his, first. He brought them into a room, one-by-one. And, showed them a prototype. He’d then hurry them out just before it burned out. The same remains true today. You’ve got to look past the glowing press coverage. Look at the fundamentals. Speaking of looking past the media buzz, how about going a bit deeper and actually investigating the fundamentals. Is the company sound? Does it have a workable plan to grow? These and other questions will help you separate fact from fiction. If it sounds too good to be true… Okay, this is practically cliché. Or is it? Take a big step back. Take time to breathe. And, come back with a fresh disposition. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. But, it takes an objective look to cut through the buzz. What other ways do you spot hype? How do you look past the buzz and get to the real story? Please share your thoughts and experiences by commenting! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

How to Deal with a Client Who Keeps Breaking their Promises

September 3, 2020 No Comments

What do you do with a client who keeps breaking their promises? It’s certainly not an easy problem to solve. And, even more difficult when you come to the realization you’re a bigger part of the issue than you originally thought. As is the case with so many complicated circumstances, you probably share a good amount of fault. That isn’t to excuse the promise-breaker. But, it does serve as a reminder that it takes two people to take responsibility. About Promise-Breaking Clients It’s a more common phenomenon that you might believe. Not that it’s justified or even reasonably expected. However, clients have many reasons why — yes, some are excuses — for not following through with their word. It could be something beyond their control. Or, just a change of heart (and perhaps, circumstances). It’s an old rule of life that we teach people how to treat us. Yet often we can struggle when it comes to managing accountability and calling people on broken promises. It just feels like less stress to say nothing; even to just do it ourselves. But here’s the deal: when you decide not to call someone on their broken promise and ill-managed commitment, you’re, albeit inadvertently, being part of the problem. —Forbes.com Regardless of how often it happens, it does happen. So, that’s something you should be prepared for, because eventually, you’ll run into it. Usually, it’s not out of malice or selfishness, but rather, unrealistic expectations. When it does happen, you should know how to respond. How to Deal with a Client Who Keeps Breaking their Promises There’s an old saying in the real estate sales industry, “Buyers are liars.” It comes from a modicum of truth, but is obviously more of an exaggeration. Although, it does point out how people tend to embellish or overstate their resources and intentions. If you have a client who doesn’t always follow through on his or her promises, try these suggestions: Remind them. The first time won’t be the last. So, let him or her know what you expected and that you’ll expect them to deliver in the future. You don’t have to be rude, just stern but kind. If you show you’re willing to call them out, he or she will be less likely to do the same again. Don’t make up for them. It’s tempting to pick up the slack yourself but that rewards their behavior by avoiding consequences. After all, you value your reputation and take pride in your work. So, you make up for the short fall. But, this will only backfire. You’re only teaching him or her you’re always there to make things right. So, they don’t have to worry about it. That will only lead to more trouble. Don’t stay vulnerable. This is the most difficult, though it’s sometimes unavoidable. If it happens more than once and you don’t say anything, expect it to keep happening. Conversely, if you let them know you’re not going to tolerate his or her behavior, you can help break the cycle. What other suggestions do you have for dealing with a client who breaks their promises? Please share your thoughts and experiences by commenting! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

How the Lesson of the Gordian Knot Can Help You When Your Business Faces a Difficult and Urgent Problem

February 23, 2024 No Comments

How the Lesson of the Gordian Knot Can Help You When Your Business Faces a Difficult and Urgent Problem Recently, we discussed how to deal with the fallout of falling into the key person dependency trap. But, what happens if you unwittingly run into such a scenario or a similar situation? In other words, what if you’re faced with making an urgent and crucial decision? Well, let’s look back at a historical event that can help guide business owners in such situations, courtesy of one of the most recognized leaders in all of antiquity – the son of King Phillip II – Alexander of Macedon or as he would come to be known, Alexander the Great, and his encounter with the Gordian Knot. The Gordian Knot was a complex knot tied to an oxcart in the ancient city of Gordium. According to legend, whoever could untie the knot would be destined to rule all of Asia. When Alexander the Great arrived in Gordium in 333 BC, he was presented with the challenge of untying the knot. Instead of spending time trying to untangle it, Alexander took his sword and simply cut through it. This bold action came to be known as “cutting the Gordian knot,” which means solving a difficult problem with a quick and decisive solution. How to Make an Urgent and Critical Business Decision with Confidence Fast forward to the present. Today’s business world is very fast-paced. And being able to make quick and critical decisions is essential for success. The power to make confident choices under pressure can set you apart from your competitors and propel your business to new heights. Okay, why this sounds like a viable solution, exactly how does someone go about it? Well, there are steps you can take: Assess the situation. The first step in making a quick and critical business decision is to assess the situation. Gather all relevant information and analyze the facts objectively. This will help you understand the problem and identify potential solutions. Identify your priorities. When making a critical decision, it’s important to know your priorities. Determine what is most important to you and your business. This will help you weigh the pros and cons of each option and make a decision that aligns with your goals. Consult with your team. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when making a critical decision. Consult with your team and gather their input. This will not only give you a fresh perspective, but it will also help build trust and confidence in your decision-making process. Trust your instincts. While it’s important to gather information and consult with others, remember to trust your instincts. Sometimes, the best decisions come from following your gut. If something feels right, it probably is. Conversely, if you get a bad feeling, it’s probably the wrong decision. Act decisively. Once you’ve made a decision, act on it with confidence. Don’t second-guess yourself or hesitate. Quick and decisive action is key to making a critical business decision with confidence. Bonus Tips for High-Pressure Moments Always take a step back. If overwhelming emotions threaten your clarity, take a short break to clear your head and regain perspective. Then, be bold and embrace the unknown. Accepting that perfect information is rarely available empowers you to make decisions despite uncertainty. Additionally, hone your focus on learning. View every decision as an opportunity to learn and adapt, even if the outcome isn’t ideal. Making a quick and critical business decision with confidence requires assessment, prioritization, consultation, and trust in your instincts. But remember, even the most confident decisions carry some risk. Embrace the process, learn from each experience, and trust your ability to navigate challenging situations with courage and wisdom. Want to Accomplish More? Do you want your company to grow faster and earn more while you spend more time with your family doing all the things you started your business to do? We can make that dream a reality. Give us 30 minutes and we will show you how to get your life back. Skeptical? Good! Put us to the test. You can call us for your free appointment at 602-435-5474, or, if you prefer, send us an email. You can also visit us at Waters Business Consulting Group to learn more about us and the services we offer.