Author: Steve Zyskowski

  • Caerusnet Jan 14th Member ROGUE ONE Celebration A Success!

    11046537_10204343184165130_4339082858394475420_nby Steven Zyskowski

    On Saturday, Jan 14th, Caerusnet Members and guests traveled to Howell from distances as far as Lansing, Chelsea, Dexter, Ann Arbor, Fenton, Novi, Canton and more to attend the Caerusnet Member Movie Celebration and Caerusnet Team Member MVP Awards!

    Высокодисперсионные слоты подходят для продолжительных развлечений и длительного ожидания выигрыша крупной суммы. А вот здесь вы сможете почитать другие статьи по этой теме. Особенно ценится сегодня возможность избавиться от рисков — на «фантики» https://kazino-pin-up.online. Настольных и карточных игр тоже около 40 штук – основу составляет рулетка и блэкджек.

    With Chuck Dodge delivering a great introduction, Steven Zyskowski addressed the audience about the importance of being great at referrals as a local business professionals and thanked the Members, guests and sponsors for their efforts!  Then, MVP’s were introduced (see list below).  Once the awards were presented, Star Wars Rogue One got started after a short Caerusnet Star Wars video appeared (see below).  The after-glow was at Howell’s Silver Pig oyster bar!  We look forward to doing this again next year and thank everyone for making it a great time.

     

    Enjoy these pictures of the event!

    15895272_10208749340836293_5398307289070765481_n 16113910_10208749327635963_5771093585982272314_n 16114148_10208749336636188_1856817000320215660_n16106025_10208749331676064_937810471556847589_n 16105955_10208749333196102_6982442592136820065_n 16105754_10208749330196027_3804830664917384412_n 16105615_10208749333556111_8020575233516435217_n 15978045_10208749332796092_9186645067124171495_n 15977255_10208749332516085_5879527715914505039_n 15966299_10208749335436158_5881189047771477640_n 15965109_10208749336916195_7642881480996223055_n 15937015_10154159471022124_2509906267164316794_o 15940361_10208749328555986_4606012474537172063_n 15940755_10208749334196127_799474353121900839_n 15940828_10208749334796142_6142758816089931463_n 15941045_10208749331236053_2002931010507734395_n 15941417_10208749331956071_7995477361019672238_n 15896322_10208668233928671_6236952627280019440_o 15726752_10208749338236228_1460186956203946894_n chariot 16107404_10154159471967124_6544871993432746136_o 16003239_10208749341356306_3244820477136263736_n 15940478_10208749341996322_9107978033514909422_n 15994574_10208745447858971_4913852645210465331_o 15823279_10208668233088650_2784298548482745006_n 15826185_10208668233488660_7378491493350527828_n 15826438_10208668232808643_6371865216528954239_n

     

    Caerusnet Michigan recognizes the 2016 Team MVP Members and MVP Facilitators in our great state of Michigan! 

    Note:  At a November Caerusnet team meeting, attending Members were asked to nominate another Member from their team as 2016 “Team MVP”.  Criteria: This person has participated at a high level (attendance and referral passing).

    Often, they are the ones who bring the most visitors and pass the most referrals.  However, it’s no coincidence they are also the recipient of many referrals themselves due to their professionalism and giving nature. 

    Please join us in recognizing…

    Caerusnet MVP Members!

    img1480973720450


    Caerusnet Lansing AM – Janice Szur, Union Home Mortgage

    jan-szur

    Caerusnet Lansing PM – Ashley Barbeau, Adams Outdoor Advertising

    ashley

    Caerusnet Jackson – Cathy Osborn, Shaklee

    cathy-os
    Caerusnet Fenton: Paul Dille, Edward Jones

    Dille, PaulÑ12/10/13Ñ325663

    Caerusnet Dexter (Central Washtenaw) AM: Shasta Grifka, Grifka Marketing

    shasta

    Caerusnet Dexter (Central Washtenaw) PM: Leslie Olivarez, Rodan + Fields

    leslie

    Caerusnet Novi PM Team: Stephanie Saia, The Chair-iot

    saia
    Caerusnet Howell AM: Conor Krause, Lakeside
    conor
    Caerusnet Howell PM: Amy Zoldowski, Auto One

    amy-z

    Caerusnet Saline AM, Cheryl Clossick, Real Estate One

    cheryl

    Caerusnet Brighton Tues AM, Joe Gabrielle, Farm Bureau Insurance AND Dr. Aaron Bannister, Two Roads Wellness

    joe-gaaron

    Caerusnet Ann Arbor Tues AM, Brian Truskowski, BMT Wellness

    briant

    Caerusnet Ann Arbor Tues PM, Carl Gunderson, Simply Healthy & Fit (multiple MVP winner)

    carlg

    Brighton Wednesday 8AM, Jim Campbell, Hartland Insurance (multiple MVP winner)

    jimc

    Brighton Wednesday 10AM, Mary Beth Potrykus, Mama Bear Productions & Shaklee

    mb

    Brighton Wednesday 1PM, Erika McNamara, Erika McNamara Law (multiple MVP winner)

    erika

    Canton Thursday PM, Tim Beebe, BeeBe Painting

    beebe


    Please also join us in recognizing …

     

    Caerusnet Facilitator of the year:             

    Wendy Caverly, Caerusnet Connections.

    wendy

    Best New Caerusnet Facilitator of year: 

    Chaz Carrillo, The Carrillo Agency, Lansing Green Team.

    chaz

     

    Caerusnet is thankful to have so many wonderful Members and FacilitatorsWe look forward to making 2017 great again with all of of you!

    Stay connected,

    Signature SZ

    Steven Zyskowski

    President, Caerusnet

     

     

  • Referrals Are Good For Your Health with Steve Bebber

    14494698_101318357002465_4034751211475858063_nAs an active professional in the fields of health and wellness, Steven Bebber, of Bebber Health Pro, knows how important it is to be well known in the local business community. Armed with a killer smile and and an abundance of positive energy, he’s been strategically networking for over a decade in Washtenaw County.  He is currently a Member of the Caerusnet Ann Arbor Tuesday mid-morning team.  Not only is Steve a Caerusnet Member, but he’s also the Facilitator of the Thursday morning Saline Caerusnet team, right in his hometown. We recently had a chance to interview Steve and his advice is spot on.

    HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN YOUR PROFESSION?

    My B.S. & M.S. educational degrees are in the field of Human Performance & Health Promotion and I have now been working in this field for over 25 years.   Also I have been certified as a Specialist in Fitness Nutrition by the International Sports Sciences Association.

    HOW DID YOU GET INTO THIS FIELD?

    For many years, I was in the educational field of health & fitness and also coached football and track & field. Over the years I saw a dramatic decline in the health and conditioning of kids compared to when I first began my career. Prior to leaving education I had started business in the health & wellness arena because it was the largest and fastest global trend and was my “hot button”. When I left the education field I continued with and expanded my health & wellness business working with general nutrition and sports nutrition.  My products and services are from certified organic farms.  I have a health & wellness weight loss program.  I recommend the #1 air & water purification systems globally, 4 genetic tests, anti-aging skin care, & gift giving program for attitude health. It has been the largest & fastest global trend since the late ‘90s.

    WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS/CAREER?

    The best thing about my business is being able to help people improve their health and/or lifestyle because of making changes and improvements in their daily routine or adding something healthy to their home environment that can positively impact their health and their family’s health. When I’m able to help someone safely lose 20, 50, or over one hundred pounds for the long term and improve their looks and the way they feel, they are extremely happy and so am I. When I’ve helped an athlete improve performance levels naturally and gain more energy, they are very pleased and, of course, so am I. Helping create positive health outcomes in people is the best thing about my business.

    WHAT IS THE MOST VALUABLE PART OF FACILITATING A CAERUSNET MEETING?

    team21_1462393709There are many things I can think of. Probably the most valuable part of the meeting is being able to bring people together and help them make connections that create more business for the Members. Seeing Members have more business come their way is a great feeling because then you know they are very possibly benefitting from being part of the team, which is good.  But also HAVING FUN is a big one because we are always laughing about something and if it isn’t enjoyable to be with a group then the group won’t last very long. You have to enjoy what you’re doing or otherwise why do it?

    WHY DO YOU THINK HEALTH COACHES ARE WELL-SUITED TO BE A FACILITATOR?

    The key thing about being a health coach is being able to help bring out the best in someone or helping guide/facilitate a positive outcome in a given situation. Caerusnet Facilitators that are able to help business owners see the value in being part of a referral team are able to help create a positive outcome for that business owner as that Member receives referrals for their product or service. Facilitators don’t have all the answers for success, but, can be very instrumental in bringing awareness to the Members about techniques and methods they can use to help improve their customer relations, selling techniques, and style, which the Facilitator draws on from the Caerusnet Toolbox resources.

    SHARE A SUCCESS STORY ABOUT WHY GIVING REFERRALS AND BRINGING VISITORS IS BENEFICIAL TO YOU.

    There have been a number of incidents when we’ve had a visitor come to our meeting and right off the bat they received a referral that turned into an immediate business transaction for the visitor, and then became a Member because of it. Also, when we’ve had visitors and they see referrals being passed, it’s very rewarding to see them become Members because they see potential and possibilities for their own business. Personally, I’ve been able to pass referrals to new neighbors and clients that have asked who I know or use for certain jobs or products. Then I’ve been able to promote Members of my group; lawn care, garage doors, therapeutic massage, office technology, etc., that I’ve done business with, with great satisfaction, and pass referrals to them for the person needing the solution the Member can give. When I give referrals or bring visitors, it’s beneficial to me because it shows that I’m concerned about helping others with a problem, grow a business, or create business for the Members. And if you’re willing to give and help others, then it comes back to you in many ways. The secret to success is giving. That is what Caerusnet is all about.

    TIPS ON HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN CAERUSNET?

    13925003_10208635520437140_4985474531894611786_nIt is very simple to be successful in Caerusnet by following a few simple points.

    1. You show up, on time (EARLY!), 80% or more of the times you meet.
    2. Ask clients and/or acquaintances more about things you hear them mention that may be a problem or ask them if there is any connection you might help them with for solution connections you may have.
    3. Pass a warm referral to a team Member 80% of the time or more.
    4. Always have your antennas up listening for triggers that help you think of a Member you could pass a referral to.
    5. Attentiveness. No sidebar conversations at all. If we’re talking to someone, we are being rude and disrespectful to the presenter during a Member minute, a 10 minute Spotlight Presentation, or the Facilitator. If we’re talking then we’re not hearing what the Member is saying about their business and information that might help us pass more referrals, or key things the Facilitator is saying that could be helpful for us to bring a visitor.

    Also, phone calls are a big NO.  If a Member was giving a Spotlight Presentation, they wouldn’t stop to take a phone call. That is their precious time to inform their sales team, the Members, of important information to help their business. And they want us as Members to hear the important information that they have spent time on preparing for us to hear. So if they wouldn’t take a phone call during their own presentation, then, as Members, we shouldn’t either during other Members presentations. We would all feel short changed if we worked hard on making a concise, important, presentation that would help our business and then someone leaves the room to take a phone call. Realistically, 99% of the time the phone call can wait until we are done with the meeting.

    By following these few simple points, a Member can be very successful as a Caerusnet Member and have good results come back to them for more business. A Member gets out of the Caerusnet system what they put into it and that’s what has made Caerusnet very successful in 8 short years.

    Want to connect with Steve Bebber?  Email: [email protected]  Phone: 734-646-1232

     

     

  • Michigan Movie Celebration RESCHEDULED to Jan 14th 2017

    img1479473416349A Message from Caerusnet Michigan:

    12/17/2016 – 8:54AM

    Today’s event is being RESCHEDULED due to the Winter Storm Watch issued by the National Weather Service which is in effect until noon today, which may bring freezing rain along with it.  The decision was made especially out of concern for the well being of those Caerusnet Members traveling longer distances, since many who registered for the celebration are not from Livingston County and would be driving a longer distance to attend.

    Please save the date of Sat Jan 14th, 2017 for a TBD Movie at the Historic Howell Theater for our rescheduled Member Movie Celebration (while still yet to be determined, the movie will likely be the new Star Wars movie or Assassin’s Creed).  A new event page will be created and you will need to re-register.  You will be emailed when the new page is up.  Thank you for your consideration.

    Be safe out there, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and most importantly …

    Stay connected,

    Steven Zyskowski

    Caerusnet Michigan

     

  • Top 5 Game Changing Reads For Entrepreneurs

    11046537_10204343184165130_4339082858394475420_nby Steven Zyskowski

    Most successful entrepreneurs (defined as a person who is “in charge” of their own income) have invested a lot of energy in the areas of personal growth and development.  The world of small business and referral networking can often be a tricky landscape to navigate without injury.  Why not learn from the masters of business as often as you like by climbing into their minds and borrowing from their wisdom?

    These five books have significantly changed my life …

    Click on the images to go directly to Amazon.com:

    How To Win Friends & Influence People (In The Digital Age) by Dale Carnegi 

    41wg0ogdwl-_ac_us160_Originally published in the 1930’s, Carnegi’s book has proven that people still have the same basic needs then as they do today (in 2016).  Due to the point and click word of instant gratification, texting and social media sites, people today seem to have lost touch with the art of face-to-face interactions.  If having a positive influence on what happens in your own life and how you relate to people is important to you, don’t miss this one.


    Go-Givers Sell More by Bob Burg & John David Mann

    41ynq9j5-jl-_ac_us160_As the name implies, most professionals want to be “go-getters” who go out in the world, conquer and take what they want.  However, the world isn’t as friendly a place when you’re always taking from it. Burg’s book talks about being  a”go-giver”; one who becomes successful by giving to others.

    Your Roadmap For Success by John Maxwell
    41erabhtspl-_ac_us160_Feeling stuck?  Not sure if what you’re doing professionally is in alignment with who you are as a person?  Maxwell’s book is perfect to help peel back the layers of crud we’ve accumulated in our daily living and allows us to examine or lives and give us a map for new beginnings.

     

     

    Rich Dad / Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

    51m2u9ifmtl-_ac_us160_If you don’t fully understand how money works … the differences between types of income, etc., virtually no other book has helped simplify the concept of assets and liabilities than by Robert Kiyosaki sharing his personal journey in the highly entertaining Rich Dad / Poor Dad.

    51ccfb-qbgl-_ac_us160_Traction: Get A Grip On Your Business by Gino Wickman

    While computers have an operating system the ensures they run smoothly, most small businesses don’t.  That’s why the failure rate is so high!  They’re reacting and flying by the seat of their pants.  Wickman’s book Traction can help anyone from a startup business to an experienced business improve the way the business performs and help create a culture of abundance.  Gino gives away all the tools and formulas larger companies use to gain Traction.

  • Self-care & Happy Stockholders!

    liza-bakerby Liza Baker, Ann Arbor Tues 1PM Caerusnet Member

    As a solopreneur or small business owner, you’ve probably spent a lot of time thinking about your target market, your niche—whom you serve and how you serve them. But have you ever considered your stockholders? You don’t have to be a publicly traded company to have them!

    In addition to you clients, your stockholders are yourself, your family, your friends, your employees, and your colleagues. While they may not all benefit from financial returns, they do all depend on you to run a successful business and all for different reasons: your clients rely on your goods and services; in addition to making a living, you might get enormous satisfaction from your work; your family depends on your income and on you being present for them; your friends enjoy your company; your employees benefit from your wisdom and mentorship; your colleagues appreciate your mutual support.

    That’s a lot of pressure! How can you do and be all that? You’re probably familiar with the oxygen mask metaphor: you have to take care of yourself before you can take care of others.

    Self-care

    Entrepreneurs—especially solopreneurs—are generally a tough lot. Through rain, and sleet, and snow…. No wait, that’s the USPS. But it’s relevant.

    There is always something for an entrepreneur to do: in most cases, we wear the hats of the entire C suite—CEO, COO, CFO—the sales and marketing department, the facilities maintenance department etc. You’ll find us skipping breakfast, eating lunch al desko, and putting in late nights. And most of the time, we’re deliriously happy: our work feeds our souls in a way that working for anyone else does not.

    But what happens when we can’t stop working, when we keep telling ourselves, “Just 5 more minutes, just 1 more call, just 1 more email…?” Very often the things that fall by the wayside are good nutrition, sleep, regular physical activity, nurturing relationships, a fulfilling spiritual practice.

    Primary Foods

    lizabakerfood_shootone_031416-090-200x300As an integrative nutrition health coach, I work with clients to find the healthiest way to show up in their lives, and most often, that begins with a hard look at how we are spending our time and energy.

    A useful tool for measuring this, called “The Circle of Life” from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition®, can be found at https://is.gd/circleoflife <link to https://is.gd/circleoflife> I encourage you to give it a try.

    All the spokes of the wheel represent what are called “primary foods:” aspects of our lives that nourish (or toxify) us just as much as “secondary food,” what we put in our mouths. This is not a complete list—for example, adding “sleep” would be good, in my opinion, and you might come up with some others as well.

    Very often, we consider “self-care” to be luxuries such as visits to the spa, a massage, a mani-pedi. But can you see how regular physical activity, a meaningful spiritual practice, healthy relationships, plentiful sleep, etc. can be a form of nourishment and an act of self-care?

    How do you show up at the table of life?

    I often ask my clients how they show up at the table/in the kitchen—or whether they show up there at all—because it is most often a reflection of how they show up in their lives. Nine times out of ten, an entrepreneur who grabs a breakfast bar or gulps a protein shake, gets fast food for lunch, and opts for takeout for dinner has a junk food lifestyle as well as a junk food diet, and we all know where our junk food and fast food have gotten us as a nation in terms of obesity and ever-earlier manifesting chronic disease.

    Your relationship with secondary food is intimately related to your primary food intake: if you pay any attention to health news, you know that exercise is related to weight; there are many studies that indicate stress and sleep patterns can affect your weight as well; food cooked from scratch at home tends to be more healthful than processed food; etc.

    But have you ever considered that if your relationships—professional and/or personal—are strained, you are much more likely to empty that pint of Ben & Jerry’s because you weblizabakercookingdemo-65700-200x300are trying to replace the sweetness that is lacking in a primary food area with the sweetness found in the ice cream?

    As entrepreneurs, we could fill every minute of every hour of every day with work and still feel that we’re never done. Our “career” primary food may be a 10 to the detriment of the rest of the categories and the deep dissatisfaction of our “stockholders.” And in truth, it’s highly likely that we are feeling the onset of poor physical and/or emotional health, we may be putting on some extra pounds that we can’t shed, our numbers at the physician’s office are looking a little less than ideal….

    If you are feeling run down and think it’s time to change your diet, maybe it’s time to take a hard look at your primary foods—your lifestyle choices—as well as your secondary foods—your dietary choices.

    You can learn more about self-care, keeping your stockholders happy, and integrative nutrition health coaching at https://simply-healthcoaching.com <link to https://simply-healthcoaching.com>.fyk_cover-final

    Integrative nutrition health coach, kitchen coach, and COO of a family of four: Liza brings her passion, knowledge, and experience to the table to help you reach your goals and achieve optimal health by discovering how best to show up in your life (and in your kitchen). She lives with her husband and 2 children in Ann Arbor, MI and is passionate about health and happiness, education and exercise, SOLE  food and social justice. Her first book, Fl!p Your K!tchen: How to cook 21 meals a week from scratch (without spending your life in the kitchen), comes out October 31, 2016.  

  • 4 Minute Video Helps Capture Everyday Opportunities

    195886_1651050441542_5478213_nby Steven Zyskowski

    This fast four-minute HOW TO video show you how you can have conversations that create opportunities!

    • How to connect the dots and make a successful referral happen.
    • How to have your clients and associates refer new contacts to you.
    • How to start the conversation with someone you just met about visiting your referral team.
    • How to let your customers know you how much you value them.

     

     

  • Why You Should Regularly Be Giving Testimonials

    Why You Should Regularly Be Giving Testimonials

    195886_1651050441542_5478213_nby Steven Zyskowski

    Would you like to generate more referrals for BOTH someone else and yourself?  Start giving testimonials!  It’s surprising how something so simple can have a positive impact on referrals.

    Definition of testimonial:  A statement testifying to benefits received.

    So, what are the benefits of a testimonial?

    • Rewards and  recognizes others for providing good service.
    • Creates credibility, trust and value for an individual and/or their business.
    • Added visibility  for both the person giving and receiving at the Caerusnet meeting.

    What goes into a great testimonial?

    • Make it interesting.
    • Be brief and to the point, using simple language.
    • Focus on true-to-life success stories.
    • Focus on positive outcomes  (example: solved a problem, saved time and/or money, went above and beyond with expertise in their field and/or outstanding service given).
    • If you can, dollarize, or quantify the results (example: “I’m saving $200/mo after switching to AT&T and the service is excellent!”)

    10649478_10205948543658114_5353083861502429810_nGiving someone a testimonial may not guarantee new business immediately but it will create the opportunity for a new business relationships to start.  Be a role model and find opportunities to share your endorsements and testimonials and you will be amazed at how others will begin to endorse YOU!  Finally, don’t forget to show an abundance of gratitude when someone gives you a testimonial!

     

     

  • What does golfing & networking have in common?

    1471321_10201379783961977_1247120656_nby Steven Zyskowski

    On Friday, August 26th, Caerusnet Members from teams across Michigan gathered at The Jackal at Mt. Brighton for a fun filled day of golf!

    Around 20 teams competed in this year’s social scramble which included a light continental breakfast, boxed lunch and a taco dinner afterward (see all pics below).  13625387_1400832123265291_7634745169557696314_nThanks to promoter, Al Smith from Lamocu Productions and a host of energetic volunteers and Members with great spirit, the 2nd annual Caerusnet Golf Outing was a success.  As I saw the golfers take off in their carts that gorgeous, sunny morning and before I left to attend the first ever Caerusnet Friday 10AM Whitmore Lake core team meeting I asked myself the simple question, “How is golfing alike to networking?”  These are the two best answers I came up with …

    You have to show up to play the game.  Just like golfing, you can’t win if you don’t show up to play at the regularly scheduled team meetings.  You can’t learn what works if you don’t practice.  Developing a referral mindset where your customers refer you more often and other area professionals start to learn to refer to you isn’t an easy game to master, but one well worth the effort.

    You must keep your eyes on the ball.  In golf, if you take your eyes off the ball, you will likely whiff your shot.  In networking, keeping your eyes on the prize of being most referred to is a noble goal that you shouldn’t get distracted from. 14199594_1400833103265193_8809410205187493374_n Focusing on creating good referrals for others is what will allow those good referrals to flow back to you.  Don’t get discouraged if you haven’t gotten a good referral in a little while.  Stay positive.  Keep you eyes on the prize of developing strong referral relationships.  Don’t get distracted by the shiny stuff in marketing even though face-to-face networking isn’t easy.

     

    10481389_785612701460107_3823844851196587027_nWith 50% of all purchasing decisions being made at the recommendation of those we trust, it’s certainly worth it to always provide the best service to our referrals so future referrals keep rolling in (the other 50% of purchasing decisions come from advertising).  Caerusnet was created to help you stay connected to the movers and shakers in your community.

    Signature SZ

    Golf outing pics:

    14202778_1400834746598362_7105854082874434310_n 14199594_1400833103265193_8809410205187493374_n 14199337_1400832923265211_8299142847924051596_n 14192789_1400832166598620_1691763567674024923_n 14192537_1400830806598756_1973094555618238156_n 14141649_1400834696598367_2968532850208653266_n 14141944_1400830876598749_2172412681320310592_n 14184562_1400833026598534_5623912995079757445_n 14192120_1400832059931964_2197166589778640074_n 14192180_1400830849932085_7864557627366282426_n 14141491_1400833069931863_3490362300410737491_n 14102512_1400832196598617_7146559806432037744_n 14102478_1400832086598628_5136863033974288792_n 14102328_1400834726598364_6342434602951998265_n 14102268_1400830776598759_2516548799487086018_n 13625387_1400832123265291_7634745169557696314_n 14088473_1400830746598762_4257560477854168391_n 14100358_1400830829932087_3628257004891631140_n 14100499_1400832959931874_7342301312876990686_n 14102263_1400832999931870_8802123938287078991_n 13511983_10208508050690429_8999969154943351437_n 13508939_10208508050490424_9025656116622117492_n 10481389_785612701460107_3823844851196587027_n

  • Action Strategies For Growing by Referral

    1379558_10201059721200608_85830681_n by Steven Zyskowski, Caerusnet Founder

    Any local business that wishes to grow by referral needs action strategies that are the seeds that will grow your business.  Once one or more of these actions strategies are in place, it’s important to work them consistently to allow yourself to gain traction.  Pay attention to what works and modify over time.

    Start using referral language with all clients and every prospect.  Phrases like “I want to be more to you than you might expect from your <insert profession.>” will solidify you as a professional seeking to add more value to your client interactions.   When someone says “Thank you” to you for providing great service and/or products, don’t simply say “You’re welcome!”  Learn to start responding with statement similar to this  “Please don’t keep me a secret as referrals are the lifeblood of my business.  Not just getting referrals but by recommending other good local professionals that I can refer to you when you need someone good.  I trust that when (now that) I’ve delivered on/above the promises I’ve made to you, that you will consider referring me to those people you care about who might have similar needs.”

    12472505_10207330003433745_4078204148844426315_nWork referrals into your sales routine.  Pre-plan for referrals, so they don’t happen by “luck”.  Think about potential referral needs for your clients and pre-plan business card introductions into every client interaction.  Example:  “Mary, I know we are meeting today to talk about your situation, but very quickly, I wanted you to know about these two businesses (hand over cards).  They do great work and are friends of mine and I wanted to spread the good word.  Not sure if you have a need or not, but if you do … these are the people to call.”

     

    Capture all contact information from clients / prospects.  Use email marketing a minimum of 1x per month.  It’s important to stay connected with your clients and prospect so they are softly reminded about your value and will call on you again in the future for additional business.
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    Remember, we’re all in this together as entrepreneurs and professionals completely in charge of our own incomes.  Referrals are a great way of giving back to the business community.  Enthusiastically look to grow your own referral team by always being on heightened alert for other professionals you can invite to visit your team.

  • Chris Sabolik’s MOVING Caerusnet Success Story

    12391925_1082533058447709_2445324515572938506_nSince first joining Caerusnet in January, 2011, Chris Sabolik of Morse Moving in Belleville, has been one of the most referred-to Members of his Tuesday 1PM Ann Arbor Caerusnet team.  At the team meetings, Chris shares “moving” success stories and always finishes with a great tag line, “You’re friends don’t want to move you, but I do!”  We recently had a chance to interview Chris about his Caerusnet success.

    Chris, how long have you been in your profession?

    “I have been in the moving industry for 16 years. I started off working on the trucks while I was attending Eastern Michigan University. I was soon promoted to operations manager and spent about four years overseeing and managing daily operations.  Later, I was asked to step into sales and take over the Ann Arbor market. Ann Arbor is probably one of the top markets in the Midwest to consult and cultivate sales. So it was kind of like a dream come true for me.”

    What would you say is the best part about your job?  I’m always on the fly and in a different situations; a different house every day. I likely estimate around 500 moves a year and always get a different scenario at each quote.  I get to meet great home owners on a daily basis which usually opens up a lot of referral opportunities (and this are where I find most of my referral leads).

    11903785_1152375174777655_1717575792924257511_nWhat is it about the Caerusnet model that you like the most? The one thing that I like most is that every meeting is facilitated. I know that at every meeting, a motivated Facilitator will be there to make sure it is a successful one. I stay away from a lot of other networking groups just because they are Member-Facilitated. With my business being somewhat seasonal, I am often working 60 plus hours a week in the busy season. The last thing I need is to have the pressure of being elected or to be in charge of running a networking group. It is more work than you think having to come up with a curriculum, having to police any conflict or group issues. I cannot imagine having to have to take on that huge responsibility during my busy season. I really appreciate the fact that I always have the same go-to Facilitator to make sure things run smooth and the group is inspired and passing meaningful business.

    Do you have a strategy with your Member Minute and your Spotlight? I really try to take that time to show what separates me12316160_10208215244768561_7559887364203990899_n from my competitors. There are hundreds of moving companies in Michigan and the competition is fierce. So I really try to educate people on why Morse Moving, year after year, moves more people than any other company. I also really try to show people the whole picture. Anyone can stand up for their Member Minute and talk about jobs that went flawless and perfect. I like to talk about the jobs that did not go so perfect and what my company and I did to fix it. I truly feel the goal of the Member Minute is to gain trust in your group. Once you have that trust, the referrals are going to come. If someone does not have that trust in you or your service there is no way they are going to stick their neck out and refer you.

    What are some tips on how to be successful in Caerusnet?

    It is very easy to be successful in this networking group!  Take the time to gain the trust of your fellow Members- whether it’s sitting down 13124690_1017904008291753_2187371232862296096_nfor a Trust Builder Meeting, or just making sure you are delivering on a referral you received. I have been a Caerusnet Member for a long time and have seen a lot of Members come and go. It is amazing some of the relationships I have built and maintained. I get so many referrals from people who are in Caerusnet and ones from people who are no longer even in the group and I haven’t seen in years. They don’t have to stick their name out and refer me but they do. Why? They do it because they trust me and know I am going to take care of friend or client every time. Trust and professionalism is what makes you successful in a Caerusnet networking group.

    Want to connect with Chris Sabolik?  Email: csabolik@morsemoving  Tel: 734-740-2072

    Interviewed by Ava Zyskowski, The Wellness Ladybug.