Business/Barter Groups, Have You or Do You?

[GCCLee]

Seems our area thrives on these,

We have the Options to join in on a few ranging from $200yr on up.
The one we are eyeing runs around $500yr does not have a FloorCare Specialist and contains some Pretty hefty Clientel.
Not sure I can sit still long enough for Friday Morning Coffee and Donut meetings. I guess I could intro by handing out Red Bulls to even the playing field a little

Have you or Do you utilize any Groups like this in your areas?
Did it or Does it show proffitable return?

 

[jcooper]

Yea, Id join my local chamber of commerce if anything. Haven't yet, been thinking about it for a while now. What are you thinking about joining?


I've spoke with a few cleaners that do great with BNI groups(isn't that the one with meetings?), I've went to a BNI meeting with someone before, it was interesting.

 

[ruff]

I did when I just started my business, it was a good way to get some printing done (printing was costly then). I even managed to get the signage on my van + some uniforms. A hotel in New York. And lots of restaurants which was cool.

After a while though, it got really old. Many of the businesses would double their normal prices for barter, It was hard to find businesses that wil take the barter credit and I could not spend all the credit I accumulated. Yet, the barter fees kept coming and they know better, they charge cash.

The hassle became much more than the benefits. Got rid of them.

 

[GCCLee]

Yea, Id join my local chamber of commerce if anything. Haven't yet, been thinking about it for a while now. What are you thinking about joining?


I've spoke with a few cleaners that do great with BNI groups(isn't that the one with meetings?), I've went to a BNI meeting with someone before, it was interesting.

I am sure they have many names, but yes a BNI (type) group.

As Ofer said, Bartering all the time would become a pain in the arse! Plus I'm not sure I wanna play with a bunch of barters, they always want a dang deal!

 

[J Scott W]

There wasn't a BNI or other referral type group down in Winchester or Tullahoma. I did join the Chamber of Commerce and the Real estate agents group. Went to all the meetings. Got acquainted and developed relationships. Resulted in a lot of work over the years, several via barter arrangements.

 

[tmdry]

The last chamber I went to had over 4 carpet cleaners and 6-7 large water damage franchise companies.

 

[steve_64]

im a chamber member, have been for about 5 years. did bni for two. both great for me, not just in sales but bni especially helped my professionalism and gave me insights to the community. it made me get up early at least once a week too lol.

i rarely barter, most offers have me on the short end but i will work for sex! there i said it.

i have some property managers and owners who put me on a website they created to help each other find contractors. im the only carpet cleaner and it doesnt cost me anything. rentals have increased significantly around here the last few years. everybody is doing it so it seems.

 

[Desk Jockey]

i rarely barter, most offers have me on the short end but i will work for sex! there i said it.

Steve on your new cards you'll have to add that under your smilie guy cleaning.

 

[Connor]

Steve on your new cards you'll have to add that under your smilie guy cleaning.

Don't do it Steve. Chavez is looking to take advantage of you.

 

[Desk Jockey]

"Not that there's anything wrong with it"

 

[Chris A]

If your a people person BNI can be a great tool. My wife and I were both in groups for a while and picked up a lot of new business. Now my wife is in a group and I've retired from networking for the time being.

 

[steve_64]

Steve on your new cards you'll have to add that under your smilie guy cleaning.

i had a topless cleaning lady ask me if i wanted to trade services. man if i had a license!

she sent me pics