Does Your Networking Group Put Enough Emphasis on Quality?

In order for a networking group to be successful and thus ensure optimum networking results for each of its members, the first thing the group needs to do is ensure they are embracing quality.

Embracing quality means being very selective about who you bring into the group.  The only people you should be inviting into the group are quality business professionals who have a positive, supportive attitude and are good at what they do.  If an individual does not meet these criteria, they should not be permitted into the group, period.

Effective networking is dependent on the quality of the relationships are developed within any given networking group, therefore it should go without saying that embracing quality also means building deep relationships among all referral partners in order to generate more referrals.  If your network is a mile wide and an inch deep, you won’t be getting the referrals you expect.

Another aspect of embracing quality is ensuring quality participation which means there absolutely must be accountability within the group.  One of the greatest strengths of a good network is that many of the members are friends.  One of the biggest weaknesses, however, is that . . . well . . . many of the members are friends; friends don’t generally like to hold other friends accountable.  You need to remember, as do your fellow networking group members, that the purpose of your group is not to be a friendship club–your purpose is to be a referral group and in order to generate quality referrals, all members of the group must hold each other accountable for maintaining quality participation.

If you expect the best from your fellow referral partners, you’ll get it.  Likewise, if you expect less than the best from them, you’re guaranteed to get that as well.  Why accept mediocrity when excellence is an option?  Accountability within a group will help all involved to achieve excellence.

The last part of embracing quality is applying the Givers Gain® philosophy within the networking group (i.e., when each member focuses on helping their fellow members achieve goals, gain referrals, and grow business, their fellow members will reciprocate by helping them back in the same way).  The more members who live this philosophy (particularly as it relates to referrals), the more successful a group will be.

How does your networking group currently excel at embracing quality?  Which aspects of embracing quality could your group stand to improve upon?  Please share your thoughts in the comments section and I’ll be more than happy to offer suggested solutions to any challenges your group may be having with putting enough emphasis on quality. Thanks!

7 thoughts on “Does Your Networking Group Put Enough Emphasis on Quality?

  1. Great article Dr Misner, while a lot of it is common sense, many people need to be reminded. I’ve only been a member of BNI Saturn chapter in Merseyside, UK for about 5 weeks but already I’ve seen the benefits of passing on good referrals to my fellow members in the chapter. Last week I passed on 12 referrals, half of which were already closed business during the same week.

    I look forward to your next tips, been following you on BNI Connect and YouTube, been a great help so far!

      1. Thank you Hussein, I’ve embraced it as much as possible. On the same day as the referrals, I also had 3 written testimonials, had 2 1-to-1 sessions with 2 other members and also invited a visitor for the second time who then applied to join!

  2. Sincerely enjoying the information you are posting here. And we are working ever so hard to keep the quality of our chapter, both in the members as well as referrals, where they need to be. In the first 18 months in BNI I have made 30 new friends that are helping me cultivate my business in areas that I have never explored.
    Thanks!

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