Q:   What is networking and why should I do it?

A:   Networking can be done in a social, personal or professional way.  It is simply making connections from people and businesses we know to new people and businesses that they know.  Those connections become a "network", expanding your exposure to a greater number of contacts than you would meet on your own.  That network becomes valuable when you give someone a referral or get a referral from someone based on those connections.

You should network because you can gain more and better business if you have a team working for you.  Why?  Because a referral generates 80% more results than a cold call, and because most people have at least 250 contacts and those 250 have their own 250 and so on.

Q:   How do traditional professional networking groups work?

A:   A group of business people meet on a specific day at a specific time for the specific purpose of doing business with each other and for trading leads and making introductions, increasing the amount of potential business each member of the group is exposed to.

Q:   How are TeamLeads Network TeamLeads™ meetings different?

A:   On the surface, we appear to be very similar.  However, by utilizing an online, live, real-time virtual meeting forum, we have eliminated the pressure and expense of the physical attendance requirements associated with traditional leads and networking groups.  We've made it convenient and efficient. 

Most traditional group meetings start at 6:30 to 7:00 a.m. over breakfast, last about an hour and fifteen minutes to an hour and a half, putting you in the middle of rush-hour traffic which requires even more commute time, plus the additional cost of breakfast.  To make sure you follow their rules, some organizations fine you for numerous infractions.  If you have to go out of town, if your kids make you late or need extra attention in the morning, preventing you from attending two "excused" or four total meetings in a quarter, your chapter can vote to replace you. 

Because TeamLeads Network meetings are conducted online, you can log on from home, the office, a hotel, a plane, or even the beach.  All you need is access to a computer.

Q:   What makes the meetings effective?

A:   During the course of our day-to-day lives, we run across people who need things that they can't provide for themselves and that our business dosn't't provide.  These are the "leads" that we pass on to our team member that does provide the service or product in need.

 Q:   How are TeamLeads Network TeamLeads™  meetings conducted?

A:   Each member will receive an e-mail invitation with a meeting link or they can go directly to their group's portal page to join the meeting. The members should log into their meeting ten to fifteen minutes prior to the scheduled meeting time. This allows some open networking time before the standard formatted meeting begins. Each meeting will have a host that facilitates the meeting, and there is an agenda that all teams follow so the members know exactly what will be done.

The meeting is done using the latest technology in audio/VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) and video conferencing.  Each member will do a 30-60 second introduction stating who they are, what they do, and how you can best help them. Each week one member gets 10-15 minutes to make a full company overview either through a web tour, a Power Point presentation, or a white board presentation. 

Q:   Who can join?

A:   The basic criteria is simple:  you must have or conduct a legitimate business in the geographic area of the TeamLeads™ team you wish to join, you must be reputable and conduct your business with integrity, and you must be willing to provide leads and contacts for your fellow team members.  If your business can be done regionally or nationally, we suggest your inquire about our TeamLeads™  Regional and National Teams. 

Only one member from a professional field is allowed.  When a new team is being formed, the TeamLeads Network sales team will build the five-member charter team.  They will be chosen according to TeamLeads Network guidelines.  The sales team will continue building the team from referrals from the charter members and from guests that are invited by the members to observe a meeting.  Guests are allowed to observe two meetings.  If you are a mortgage broker and the team that you observe already has a mortgage broker, we can refer you to another team or allow you to open another team.

Q:   How much does it cost to join a TeamLeads™ team?

A:    There is a nominal one-time membership fee . Charter membership is available at a reduced cost to the first five (5) members in any TeamLeads™ team. For prices contact us at 1(888) 909-1031 or via e-mail sales@teamleads.net.
  

Q:   What do you get?

A:   When you join a TeamLeads Network team, you will receive the following as an added value:

Q:   What occupations are appropriate or the most common?

A:   The most common are service industries such as insurance brokers, mortgage brokers, Realtors, dentists, chiropractors, accountants, landscapers, pool service companies, heating & air conditioner repair, attorneys, florists, veterinarians, auto repair & service, carpet cleaners, telecommunication providers, pest control, printers, investment & financial services, contractors, and hair stylists.  These professions usually meet more people on a regular basis.  However, some businesses don't need a lot of customers to succeed, so it really is more a question of the person than the profession.  A few extra leads a week can make the difference of just getting by rather than getting ahead. 

Q:   What if I don't know how to network?

A:   Everyone already does, they just may not be aware of it.  If you have told a friend to go see a movie, about a great restaurant, referred them to your dentist or your mechanic, you have been networking.  We help you do it in a structured and systematic way so that you benefit from it.  TeamLeads Network also provides you with lots of information to become better at it.  We have over 30 years of experience in networking and have affiliates whose profession is networking.

Q:   Who from a company participates in the meeting?

A:   In most cases it is the owner, but it can be someone responsible for business development.

Q:   Can I get special or extra exposure to my members?

A:   Each week one member gets 10-15 minutes to make a full company overview either through a web tour, a Power Point presentation, or a white board presentation.  The members will do this on a rotating basis so that the member will have plenty of time to prepare.  TeamLeads Network also encourages its members to drop by their fellow team members place of business to learn more about each other's business. 

Q:   Why can only one person per professional field join each team?

A:   One local member represents each business category so there are no conflicts of interest.  It ensures that each member will get the maximum benefit of receiving all the leads and referrals for their professional field and a greater increase in business.  If more than one person represented a particular field they would be competing for the same leads and the person making the referral would have to choose which one to give it to.  This is another reason why choosing and referring top professionals in each field is imperative.

Q:   How do you get invited?

A:   Usually you are invited by a member or a representative of TeamLeads Network.  If you are interested and don't know any members, please contact us (see below).

Q:   Are there any monthly dues and when are my dues required to be paid?

A:   Yes.  Dues are collected on a monthly basis via an automated deduction from the member's selected checking account or credit card.  For prices contact us at 1(888) 909-1031 or via e-mail sales@teamleads.net.

Q:   What is a Qualified Guest?

A:   A Qualified Guest is a person whose occupation is not represented in the Team and would not be in conflict with any of the Team's members. Guests are allowed to observe two (2) meetings, and they must decide about joining at the second meeting.

Q:   Once a member of TeamLeads Network, am I confined to conducting business only with other TeamLeads Network members?

A:   Your fellow TeamLeads Network members are your business' best references, as you are theirs. Member's support of each other will have a marked effect on your TeamLeads™ team's success.  Support your team and they will support you.  If you do business with someone whose professional field is not yet represented in your Team, invite him or her to be your guest at your next TeamLeads™ meeting. 

TeamLeads Network places high emphasis on and encourages loyalty among the members of each team.  This will only make the team stronger and more valuable for each member.

Q:   How many leads do I have to give?

A:   What you really need to ask yourself is what is it that you want to receive. The more leads you give, the more leads you will receive. TeamLeads™ is not just about 'what's in it for you' but about 'what's in it for the team'.  To maintain your membership - two (2) leads per month are required.  Remember you are there to give value to the team, not just take leads from them.

Q:   Whom do I contact if I have a problem or a conflict with another member?

A:   Members are asked to talk directly with your Team's Ethics Chairperson about any problems that arise. Most of the time this will be an adequate solution. This is a person who is not on the Board of Directors and will assist you with the problem. Every issue is confidential and will be kept that way. The Ethics Chairperson will take steps as necessary to resolve the issue using specific guidelines set by TeamLeads Network.

Q:   Can someone attend meetings in my place?

A:   Only as specified by TeamLeads Network, an alternate may attend six (6) times per year, and never more than two (2) consecutive meetings. That person must be a qualified substitute, not a secretary.

 Q:   Are there any special computer/equipment requirements needed to participate in the meetings?

A:   System Requirements

Your PC must meet the following system requirements to successfully join a meeting:

Q:   Whom can I call if I have more questions?

A:   Contact TeamLeads Network at 1(888) 909-1031 or see our company roster to e-mail a specific department or person.