What makes Global Referral Groups different from other groups?
This is a great question; and, of course, it depends on what type of leads group with which we are being compared.

We are different from an independent, free leads group in that we: have an agenda and we follow it; require our members to be committed; track results and set goals; expect excellence and reject mediocrity.
We are different from BNI or LeTip (or other similar groups) in that we are less regimented; advocate smaller group sizes to reduce intimidation; don't believe in fines or penalties; and, in general, have a more relaxed, friendly feel to our groups.

What is the difference between a B2B and a B2C group?
This can be a confusing choice. Please see B2B vs B2C, Making the Decision.
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What's in it for me?
You will discover a new set of contacts and gain knowledge and expertise that will help you cost effectively grow your business. Whether you are new to your business or well established in the community, you will discover that a referral group is an extremely cost effective form of marketing.
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What are leads or referral groups? I've never been involved before.
The best way to understand is to attend a meeting or two. There is no charge to check us out and get a better understanding of what we do and how it works.
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What does Global Referral Groups expect from me?

Expect to give a referral before you expect to receive one
Focus on your team members rather than yourself
Attend meetings regularly - you can't pass a referral or receive one if you don't show up
Arrive on time, preferably early, and stay for the entire meeting
Be coachable / teachable - willing to take suggestions from Global Referral Groups, leadership and fellow members in order to make your experience as successful as possible
Be a coach / teacher to help the other members of your team to be successful
Commit to growing and maintaining the membership of your group
Have integrity - do what you say you will do, and do it in a timely fashion
Commit to growing your sphere of influence through active networking
Commit to meeting each of your team members one-to-one on a continual basis
Realize that your success is in direct proportion to your contributions

How soon will I see results?
If instant gratification is a requirement, word of mouth marketing is not the answer. It takes time to build know, like and trust relationships with your team members. Research has shown that success in a referral group requires a long term commitment. The longer you stay in a group the more referrals you will receive.
In addition, you should begin your referral group experience with the idea of giving rather than getting. Word of Mouth marketing is the most cost effective form of marketing; it is NOT a get-rich-quick proposition.
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Will this work for me?
Like most other things in business, being a member of a referral group will only work if you work it. Referral groups have been around for at over 30 years, and the concept has worked for tens of thousands of business people just like you. But, it does take effort and perseverance, and an attitude of giving before you receive. Over time, your referral group will become your sales team - an extension of you and your company. Each of you will be advocating other team member's businesses as well as your own while you go about your normal daily activities.
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How is this different from my local Chamber of Commerce?
Global Referral Groups recommends that you join and participate in your local Chamber when it fits into your budget and marketing plan. You will find that the Chamber does not limit their membership; there can, and likely will be, multiple people representing the same business/profession. In a true referral/leads group, there is only one person per industry/profession. Many Chambers have their own leads groups, but these are limited and frequently there is a waiting list for these internal groups.
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What if my category is already taken?
If you attend a group and your industry/profession is filled, you have three choices. You can check the Global Referral Groups website to find another group in the area. You can contact us to be put on a waiting list. Or, you can contact us and request to start a new group. We are always looking for leaders who would be interested in doing this.
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As a guest, how many meetings can I attend before I join?
You may attend two meetings before you make a decision to join. This is not two meetings per group, but two meetings total across all groups.
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How large are the groups?
Groups vary in size from just a few members up to 30. Global Referral Groups believes a group size of 25-30 is ideal. We feel that groups of this size are less intimidating and have the ability to out perform larger groups with respect to the ratio of referrals passed to total membership size.
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Am I guaranteed membership in the group if my category/profession is available?
Current group members have the ability to accept or deny membership into their group. You will be notified within 5 business days of your application as to whether your membership was denied by the group.
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What is the cost of membership?
Global Referral Groups offers two levels of membership when you decide to join: Standard and Premium. Standard membership is $25/month and includes a listing on our website with your name, company name, email, and phone number. Premium membership is $30/month and additionally includes a company logo or your picture, a company description or biography, and a link to your website. Optionally, dues can be paid on a semi-annual or annual basis at a slight discount. In addition, there is a one-time $75 registration fee. There are no other costs.
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What additional costs are required to be part of a group?
Other than membership dues, there are no other costs. As each group is formed, meetings are held in locations that do not require members to purchase a meal. This reduces the overall cost of Global Referral Groups membership significantly relative to most other leads groups that charge an additional $8-$18 per week to cover meals, venue, and administrative costs. Established groups may select a venue that does require a food purchase.
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How frequently does each group meet, and how long are the meetings?
Groups meet weekly at the same time and place. Smaller groups meet for one hour, while larger groups may meet for up to 75 minutes. Groups do not meet on national holidays. Check with your group leadership for other dates that your group may have elected to not hold meetings.
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How many categories/professions can each member represent in their group?
Global Referral Groups allows each member to represent only one category or profession within their group. Representing more than one category can reduce your success by making it confusing, or otherwise difficult, for your team members to refer you. With word of mouth marketing, it is extremely important to focus on one business. In fact, many businesses have discovered that it is valuable to further develop a niche within their industry. Representing only the category that represents your primary business does not prohibit you from presenting your other products or services to the prospects that are referred to you.
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What industries/professions are represented within a group?
Almost any businesses can benefit from word of mouth marketing and client referrals. However, a "good fit" for a Business-to-Business (B2B) group would not necessarily be the same as that for a Business-to-Consumer (B2C) group. Please see B2C vs. B2B, Making the Decision.
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Can I change my category or profession once I have joined?
Yes. If you change professions or the focus of your business changes significantly, you may apply to change your category within your group. The new category must be available, and your application to change categories is subject to approval by the leadership of your team and by Global Referral Groups, Inc. corporate office. You should expect that this will impact the quantity of leads you are receiving while your team members refocus their efforts to refer you.
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Are there fines or penalties for not bringing a lead, or for anything else?
No! Global Referral Groups, Inc. was founded with a philosophy of No Fines, No Penalties, and No Embarrassment. Imposing fines or embarrassing members for not bringing a lead drives the wrong behaviors. We have found that these actions lead to "junk" leads rather than the quality referrals our team members strive to give.
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Is there an annual renewal fee or other costs in addition to my membership fees?
No. Global Referral Groups does not charge a renewal fee. You pay your initial, one time registration fee, and your membership dues. Most of our groups hold their meetings in locations that do not require our members to purchase a meal. It's your choice to buy breakfast or lunch. So, registration fee, membership fees and...that's it - nothing else.
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As a member, may I visit other Global Referral Groups, Inc. meetings?
We do believe that there are times when it is appropriate for members to visit other groups.

The first is to attend a developing group that is having a speaker you are interested in hearing. This is appropriate even if the group already has a member in the same category or profession as long as you do not solicit leads from the group.
The second reason it would be appropriate to attend any group, no matter the size, is if your category or profession is not represented. Global Referral Groups believes in the theory of abundance rather than scarcity. If a category is not represented within a group, we would prefer our members use someone else within our groups rather than to look outside (in the phone book for example).

When I am a visitor, may I talk about my business during the time for introductions?
Absolutely! We feel that this is appropriate even if your category or profession is already represented. An existing member should not be intimidated by a guest. It takes time to build know, like and trust relationships; so, the other members of the group will not pass referrals to a guest who has the same profession or category of one of the group's existing members.
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How many absences are allowed during a 12-month period?
We understand that there can be any number of reasons for missing a group meeting including illness, family, and business. However, we also know from experience that it is extremely important to your long term success within the group to consistently attend meetings. Global Referral Groups, Inc. allows members 9 total absences over any 12-month period, or three consecutive absences. Absences in excess of this may lead to termination of membership. The need for an extended absence should be communicated to the group leadership and to corporate. In certain circumstances, arrangements can be made to suspend payments for those on the monthly membership plan.
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What counts as an absence?
In addition to completely missing a meeting, arriving 15 or more minutes late is also considered an absence. We do believe in "better late than never"; however, frequent tardiness says much about the person. Members will begin to wonder if a tardy person treats their clients with the same disrespect, and they will be disinclined to pass a referral of a valued client or contact. Clearly this will have an impact on your success within a referral group.
In order to avoid an absence, you may send someone (preferably a business partner) to substitute for you.
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Will my substitute be allowed to give a short commercial for their company?
Absolutely! We believe in abundance, and we feel it is polite to allow a guest to introduce themselves and their company. Be sure to have your substitute mention that they are representing you in your absence.
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In general, what happens during a meeting?
During a typical meeting we will welcome guests, introduce ourselves and our business, pass referrals, announce upcoming business networking events or other appropriate events, and listen to an outside speaker present a business or motivational topic.
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Are the outside speakers simply promoting their business to the group?
No. Global Referral Groups only invites speakers who present educational or motivational content. We welcome the speaker to provide a short commercial for their business products or services at the end of their presentation.
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If I'm new to business networking and marketing my business through word of mouth, is there any type of training offered to help me become a valuable, contributing member of my group?
Yes. Unlike some of the larger, more regimented business networking groups, we encourage people who may be new to their business or profession to become a member. To help them get the most from their membership and to benefit their group, we offer mentorship, new member orientation, and other resources.
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Why do groups meet weekly instead of once or twice a month?
Know, like and trust relationships will not develop between people who only see each other on occasion. Consistently seeing the other members of your team will help you keep the top of mind while you are going about your weekly activities. Another reason to meet weekly is that it's a great way to spend an hour of your week. Most people find their referral group meeting to be a very motivating and enjoyable time.
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