I have been a member of a local chapter of an international networking group for more than eight years. A unique feature of the organization is a chapter cannot have competing professions. It can only have one web designer, one real estate attorney, one printer, etc.
However, members in complementary professions (a chiropractor, a massage therapist, a fitness trainer, and a nutritionist) could be encouraged to form a “power team” because they may offer services to similar target markets yet not be in competition with each other. It can and does work.
However, another area where power teams could help each other is by tapping into their respective talents. Here are three examples.
- The marketing manager for a privately held insurance company uses a free content management system to update the company’s web site. No one else in the chapter has that skill.
- The professional commercial painter in the chapter was featured in a leading trade publication. He routinely hires sub-contractors for projects that require more workers. He probably knows more about recruiting and managing teams that anyone in the chapter.
- The QuickBooks® advisor regularly offers training webinars for clients and prospects. They are nominally priced and timed mid-week to better accommodate people’s schedules. No one else in the chapter offers such a service.
To some people, bartering is a dirty word. And it can backfire. But why not make a checklist of what you need to help your business run more smoothly, be more exposed, or have a high tech presence. Then look around your networking group or your client list and see if you can help each other.
Here’s the point. There is a good chance you may acquire those skills you need. You may better appreciate what the other person does. What a great commercial! Someone who has actually seen what you do and how you do it.
Add word of mouth advertising to that checklist.
