caerusnet

Author: Steve Zyskowski

  • Ben Torres Has The Referral Mindset In Caerusnet

    Ben Torres Has The Referral Mindset In Caerusnet

    Ben Torres started his Caerusnet Membership journey back in 2013.  As a Member of an Ann Arbor Caerusnet team, he learned the magic of developing a referral mindset and experienced success for both himself and other Members.  In 2015, he joined the Caerusnet Saline team, facilitated by the outstanding Steve Bebber.  One thing is for certain, Ben has earned the respect and trust of his Caerusnet team through his actions.  Let’s learn together from this team MVP.

    How long have you been in your profession?  Over 30 years.

    How did you get into this field?  My mother was a State Farm Agent, at a young age I started working with her.

    What is the best thing about your business/career? We can help people in a way that almost no other profession can. The right coverage can make all the difference in the worst times in people’s lives.

    How are you different and/or what’s your niche?  My team and I are amazing at what we do, and we are passionate about helping people. When you come to us, we take great care to make sure you understand what you are getting. Explaining the complex in a simple way is our greatest strength.

    What is it about the Caerusnet model that you like most?  It has to be the Members.  I know that the team is like minded and will take care of people I refer to them. Just as they can trust I will do the best for people they send to me.

    Share a success story about why giving referrals/bringing visitors are beneficial to you.  I find you usually get back twice (2x) what you give. Bringing visitors also has led to some lifelong relationships. I invited a guest, a startup payroll company in 2013, that I was using at the time. Now they are thriving and even facilitate their own Caerusnet team in Adrian!

    Any tips on learning how to find situations where you can create a referral or invite a visitor? I think having a mindset that your Caerusnet team is your go-to people for services you do not provide.  This opens up a lot of opportunities. When you are using a service you cannot find it your team it’s a flag “Hey why are you not in my inner circle?”

    What is your strategy with your member minute and your spotlight presentation? I always try and bring true value to the Members. Member minutes are more about reminding everyone what we do and a quick hit on anything topical or a success.  A spotlight is my time to really bring some depth. Again, insurance is complex what we do is educate people. What a great platform to show how we can bring value.

    What is your approach to positioning yourself as a resource in the community?  I always say: If you want more referrals – be referable. Present times aside we are physically right down town, Ann Arbor and Monroe. We are of course part of the chamber and other business networks but we also have many events. Bike safety rodeos, client appreciate tailgates, other community events. We are not just located “downtown” we are part of the downtown community.

    Tips on how to be successful in Caerusnet?  I think having a referral mindset is key. Consider your network as your extended resources to expand your influence. Trust builder meetings are great to get to really know the other Members and strengthens trust. Be on time, let others share and finally don’t forget to give sincere referrals and business will come back to you.

    Share how your Caerusnet Member have positively influenced you or your business besides passing referrals.   I have made connections that I am sure will last a lifetime. It has also helped me grow and be a better leader of my own teams.

    Do you have a referral success story (passed or received) that you’d like to share?  There is a lot of success back and forth. It is hard to pick. My team and I have helped many people that were not understanding or had the wrong coverage or were paying for things they did not understand. I would say that the Realtor on my team has really stood out. She has helped several of my clients, and in particular I have watched her go above and beyond, sometimes on her own dime, just to a help someone that really needed it. I can think of in instance that she did not get any commission at all but was able to really get the customer on track and ultimately get back to the table on a new home purchase with another realtor. Ultimately that deal fell through anyway and the client came back to work with her. That is dedication and integrity that paid off!

    Want to connect with Ben Torres?  You can find him here on the Saline Caerusnet team listing!

     

  • This Event Planner Is a Real ‘Jem’ In Caerusnet!

    This Event Planner Is a Real ‘Jem’ In Caerusnet!

    As I’ve gotten to know Julie Palmer, I realized that she has an unmistakably unique presence, anchored by personal warmth, enthusiasm and creativity.  She’s following her passion in Caerusnet, expanding her network and helping Members and their referrals plan their next amazing events.  She’s the driving force behind ReferralTopia, Caerusnet’s annual Michigan Member extravaganza (scheduled for Sept 17th this year in Ann Arbor).  If you’re a Caerusnet Member and you don’t have a trusted event Member on your team ready to handle personal and corporate events,  please consider passing Julie a referral (using the button at the bottom of this Member Success Story).

    How long have you been in your profession? 3.5 years.

    How did you get into this field? I’ve always loved planning events. It all started in high school when I was tapped to plan the school’s homecoming celebration. Still, it took 25 years in the “corporate” world to decide to follow my true bliss and start my own business.

    What is the best thing about your business/career? The best thing is doing what I love, every single day. Even my most challenging day with JEM Events is better than the best day in my corporate job.

    How are you different and/or what’s your niche? I am different because I choose not to carve a narrow niche for myself. I love the variety. I also focus on the experience, both that of my client’s as well as their guests/attendees. I love to challenge myself to create an experience that sets my events apart from other, similar events.

    What is it about the Caerusnet model that you like most? I love the connections that go beyond business to become friendships. I love the trust we share and the heart & soul of our generous Facilitator.

     

    Share a success story about why giving referrals/bringing visitors are beneficial to you. I’m delighted that I’ve been able to bless others with referrals that turn into customers. I’ve also been blessed with guests showing up to my meeting and referring me. I’m proud of the experience visitors have when they spend an hour with my team. A significant portion of my current work is because of Caerusnet and the referrals I’ve received.

    Any tips on learning how to find situations where you can create a referral or invite a visitor? I suggest people approach it as they would tuning a radio. Tune your mind to being curious about how you can serve the person you meet. Listen with that curiosity and ask questions that encourage others to speak openly. One never knows when that perfect moment appears. If you’re not tuned in, you won’t recognize it.

    What is your strategy with your Member minute and your spotlight presentation? I want to be a positive blessing to others. For me, it’s about speaking from my heart and not my ego. I love celebrating the wins and I’m certainly proud to have my team celebrate my wins. I see what I do as a service to help others experience joy, connection and community. The more I convey these three elements, the more I know that my authenticity shines through. 

    What is your approach to positioning yourself as a resource in the community? I often tell others that I love blessing my friends & loved ones through the work I do. I also know that the more I do work for other Caerusnet Members, the greater our collective success story is. 

    Tips on how to be successful in Caerusnet? Show up, share and give! The model truly works when we come from a space of giving first in order to receive. Be authentic and trust the process. Invest the time to connect deeply with your team Members. The resulting trust is beautiful. Have fun! Yes, this matters. Make the time you share with your team joyful.

    Share how your Caerusnet Members have positively influenced you or your business besides passing referrals.  Oh my goodness. This is the icing on the Caerusnet cake! Or for me, it’s the whipped cream on top. I love whipped cream even more. This yumminess includes the life-long friendships I’ve already formed. These are the people who care if I’m OK. The hugs we share are authentic and I trust their hearts. I also know that unlike many of my family and friends, Caerusnet Members get it, completely. We share the entrepreneurial bug. We know what it takes and what each deals with. Together we’ve created a home. It’s safe and warm and we laugh a lot.

    Want to connect with Julie Palmer?  You can find her listing on the GODDESSES OF OPPORTUNITY team listing or by using the Member Search Engine!

    Want to pass Julie a referral? Click button below!

  • Referral Networking & How To Add It To Your Marketing Plan

    Referral Networking & How To Add It To Your Marketing Plan

    Enjoy listening to this awesome Trailblazer podcast on Spotify, featuring Caerusnet Facilitator, Wendy Caverly of Caerusnet Connections.

    https://open.spotify.com/episode/4yvUJ6wPdJX8gfeJZ2MC7e?si=ayxgkmtGQjGBJCsW7WU5qw

     

    Episode Description

    Pt. 1: Why is having a referral network important to all types of businesses? It’s not what you know, it’s who you know. Pt. 2: What advice or what do you say to owners that focus mainly on networking events vs. joining a referral network to actually building relationships? Referral networks are not just business people. They are both personal and professional. What are some general networking tips that could help listeners get the most out of this method? Does this change if long term habits change? Pt. 3: I am sure you have heard business owners focus on building relationships with the Chamber of Commerce or even being involved in their DDA, Main Street or Convention & Visitors Bureau. These are great organizations to help grow businesses so why should a business join a regular referral group? Pt. 4: What types of industries benefit from a referral network? Why when businesses look at referrals they tend to shy away if they are a retail or restaurant business? Pt. 5: Why is the CaerusNet and CaerusNet Connections philosophy of give to get so important and so different?

    For more insightful business discussions, be sure to add Trailblazer to your Spotify favorites to be informed of new additions when they happen!

  • Brian Surowiec Is “Essential” In Caerusnet

    Brian Surowiec Is “Essential” In Caerusnet

    Years ago, I was deeply disappointed by the company I hired to revamp the Caerusnet website.   As a result, I had become very skeptical of people in the website design space making promises they couldn’t deliver on.    I asked a Caerusnet Member and Facilitator, David Kozler from Kingdom Cartridge, if he knew of someone he really trusted to work on my website.  I said “Please don’t refer me to someone, unless you really feel they’re fantastic.”  Dave said, “I have the guy you’re  looking for!” and he quickly referred me to Brian Surowiec from Essential IT.  Since then, Brian’s company not only fixed the issues with the Caerusnet website but they’ve since gone on to do more work for me and I am an extremely satisfied customer.  Brian also joined Caerusnet as a Member and a couple years later, decided to launch the Caerusnet Milford team as a Facilitator.  Brian is also instrumental in a company he and his wife run together, Strawesome, which sells reusable glass straws all over the world.  I had the chance to interview Brian for this unique and informative success story.

    How long have you been in your profession? 25 years.

    How did you get into this field? I was offered an entry-level IT job right out of high school at Oakwood Healthcare in Dearborn (now part of Beaumont).

    What is the best thing about your business/career? It’s like a game of basketball – a constant movement that requires changing, adapting, problem-solving, creativity, new relationships, teamwork, keeping score, training, coaching, etc.

    How are you different and/or what’s your niche?  Essential – in that we also work well with essential business, like hospitals, etc.

    What is it about the Caerusnet model that you like most? I like that it’s facilitated – both as a Member and as a Facilitator. As a Member, I can just show up to the meetings and focus 100% on connecting with the team rather than having my attention split between connecting and doing some other job/role. I’m an ‘ex-BNI’ Member who served in all the leadership roles during my 5 years in that organization; it felt like it was like having a second job to me.  As a Facilitator, I enjoy leveraging my networking and small business experience with the great tools and structures Caerusnet provides to lead my group. Facilitating a group to benefit my local small business community is very satisfying and fulfilling to me.

    Any tips on learning how to find situations where you can create a referral or invite a visitor? I always ask my customers what marketing methods they choose to grow their business. Usually, that opens up the conversation where I might learn something new and they typically ask me the same question back. It leaves a wide-open opportunity to share Caerusnet or anything else that might be valuable for them to explore.

    Tips on how to be successful in Caerusnet?

    Two part answer.  A) Set your intentions. Make a list of what you want to create or have happen out of your participation in Caerusnet. Then make a list of actions you could take to move towards those outcomes. Pick a few and take action. Show up and participate. Look back at your intentions from time to time. You might be amazed.  B) Do Trust Builder Meetings every week. Find ways to get to know and trust your Members; work-related and personally, if possible. I find getting to know what life experiences the other person has and what they are interested in supercharges my ability to become aware of ways I can support them in addition to referrals.

    Want to connect with Brian?  Find him using the Member Search Engine by clicking here!

  • Staying Connected With Erika McNamara & Steven Zyskowski

    Staying Connected With Erika McNamara & Steven Zyskowski

    Join Caerusnet Founder, Steven Zyskowski and long time Caerusnet Brighton Member, Erika McNamara (estate planning attorney), as they discuss the importance of having our affairs in order … especially in these times.

  • Staying Connected & Doing Virtual Trust Builders

    Staying Connected & Doing Virtual Trust Builders

    One thing is for sure, using online video meeting platforms is a great way for “Caerusnetters” to stay connected.  With virtually everyone working from home these days, this is the perfect opportunity for us all to connect online and do those all important Trust Builder Meetings.  When the social distancing orders are lifted, those of us who used our at-home, online time wisely will be in a great position to succeed when the world returns to “normal”.

    Before the social distancing orders were put in place, the Founder of Caerusnet, Steven Zyskowski, paid a visit to the Caerusnet Milford team where he met transformation coach AJ during their team meeting.  Then, the two connected on LinkedIn and agreed to follow up by doing an impromptu Trust Builder Meeting on ZOOM, which they agreed to share with the Caerusnet network.

     

  • Staying Connected with Caerusnet’s Facilitators

    Staying Connected with Caerusnet’s Facilitators

    In this video recorded ZOOM meeting from March 27th, 2020 – Caerusnet Facilitators discuss how to effectively lead during the global crisis and the commitment to stay together. Most Facilitators attended the ZOOM meeting and the ones on the screen are: Tom Hamp and Chaz Carrillo (Lansing) Steven Bebber (Saline), Doug Moffat (Brighton & Ann Arbor), Brian Surowiec (Milford), Amber Keyes (Ypsilanti) along with Caerusnet Founder, Steven Zyskowski.

     

     

     

     

     

    https://youtu.be/RWHmG50BmZo

  • PODCAST How cold is cold calling these days?

    PODCAST How cold is cold calling these days?

    From Soundcloud’s “So, your in sales?” podcast, enjoy listening to this new “know, like, trust” discussion between Michigan Caerusnet Members Roger Burnett (Social Good Promotions) and Val Kearns (Paychex).  Especially important if you do hunting and farming in the sales world.

    Payroll processing industry vet Valerie Kearns joins me for a look at the COVID_19 economy to learn which industries are still open and working, how employers are approaching their own payroll and how changes in approach-ability among business owners make this a unique opportunity in sales for those still willing to put in the work!

  • Destruction Depot Stays Connected In Caerusnet

    Destruction Depot Stays Connected In Caerusnet

    by Steven Zyskowski

    To say Rachel Crawford has been “destroying it” as a Caerusnet Connections Howell Member would be an understatement.  I met Rachel recently and was fascinated by her unique business.  I would assume that after everything we’ve all been through, and stay at home orders are lifted, more people than ever will be paying a trip to Destruction Depot to let our their inner anger and rage.  Plus, it’s just plain fun to smash things.  Join me as we all learn more about this awesome business and Member!

    How long have you been in your profession? We opened Destruction Depot in August of 2018.  Prior to that, I spent 15 years working in public education as a truancy officer, teacher and school counselor. I spent 18 months working at an awful job in corporate America before I took over running the rage room full-time.

    How did you get into this field? On our first date in 2014, my husband, Matt, spoke of opening a business where people would pay to destroy things as a stress reliever. I thought he was crazy, but he never let go of this vision. In June of 2018, I encouraged him to make it happen. We found a little space in Brighton and opened six weeks later. At the time, we were both working in corporate America and were only open on the weekends. In January of 2019, I was downsized from my job and we decided that I would take over running the business full-time. My background was in public education, so running a business was a new domain. I had to learn and hustle, and Caerusnet helped me grow my skills and provided new resources to learn more about running our business.  I helped grow our business into Michigan’s Top Rated Rage Room and a destination for date nights, parties and corporate team building events.

    What is the best thing about your business/career? Nearly everyone who visits Destruction Depot leaves smiling. We offer a unique experience and we work hard to provide a personalized and memorable experience to our customers.

    How are you different and/or what’s your niche? Rage rooms are a unique industry. Our personalized customer service sets us apart from the other rage rooms. We also allow our customers as much time as needed for their sessions, which is much different from other rooms that only allow 15-20 minutes per session.

    What is it about the Caerusnet model that you like most? I like the opportunity to get to know my teammates through Trust Builder Meetings. I’m a bit awkward so having the chance to talk to people one-on-one is much easier for me than in a whole group setting.

    Share a success story about why giving referrals/bringing visitors are beneficial to you. When I first joined Caerusnet, I was new to business ownership and new to the area. The team helped me build my network and also become more comfortable about talking about my business. Through passing referrals, I’ve had the opportunity to host several birthday parties at the rage room for teammates and their families.

    Any tips on learning how to find situations where you can create a referral or invite a visitor?      I still find inviting visitors to be a challenge but there are referrals everywhere. It’s nice having a team filled with professionals that you can trust when any need arises.

    What is your strategy with your Member Minute and your Spotlight Presentation? Having people actually experience the rage room first hand is amazing. We hosted the end of year Caerusnet meeting for all of Wendy Caverly’s Caerusnet Connections teams. It was fantastic to allow the team Members to experience first hand how good it feels to break a mug or a wine bottle or destroy a printer.  The hands-on approach is always key for our business.

    What is your approach to positioning yourself as a resource in the community? As a former educator, I value anything that can help children. We try to support any organization that benefits children. Although, it’s not the biggest part of our business, we are sometimes recommended by local therapists as a place for people to physically release their feelings of grief, loss, trauma. Most of the time, we provide a unique entertaining outlet, but we are also a therapeutic resource for those who need it.

    Tips on how to be successful in Caerusnet? Attendance is important. Be there.  Let your team know that you can be counted on to show up. Even if you are not someone with a huge network, take the time to hold Trust Builders with your teammates to learn more about them, so you can brag about them and recommend them to others when appropriate.

    Share how your Caerusnet Members have positively influenced you or your business besides passing referrals.  I first learned about Caerusnet from Rachel O’Connor (Massage Livingston) through a Mom-to-Mom group on Facebook. Rachel is brilliant, kind and creative and I have learned much from her about promoting business and being a positive team Member.

    Want to watch a cool video and learn more about Destruction Depot?  Watch this CLICK ON DETROIT link for a featured story!

     

  • Sarah Harrier’s Referral Therapy In Caerusnet

    Sarah Harrier’s Referral Therapy In Caerusnet

    Most of our Caerusnet Member Success Stories come from Members who have been around for a year or more.  In this piece, we will get the perspective of a newer Caerusnet Member, Sarah Harrier from Blue Lotus Therapy Services in Brighton.  Her fantastic charm, confident smile and humble intelligence make for a fantastic combination of someone the Brighton Tuesday 8AM team Members are encouraged to get to know, like and trust – and start referring to.  Caerusnet Members throughout Michigan should be inspired to share this story with therapists in their communities an encourage them to visit and possibly join their team!

    How long have you been in your profession? I graduated from my master’s program in 2010 and began working in the facility where I completed my internship during school immediately following graduation. But, my program had us start doing therapy after only one semester of school! So I’ve been actively practicing therapy since the beginning of 2009.

    How did you get into this field? I took a class in psychology when I was 16 years old. I knew at that time I wanted to be a therapist. Upon pursuing my bachelor’s degree in psychology, I realized that I wanted to not only work with individuals, but couples as well. My undergraduate advisor recommended I look into an accredited marriage and family therapy program for graduate school and I never looked back.

    Brighton Tuesday 8AM Referral Team

    What is the best thing about your business/career? I love being able to help facilitate positive changes in people’s lives, both directly and indirectly. I have received client feedback over the years that I have helped prevent suicides, divorces, panic attacks, and isolation for people, by providing therapy services with them. That kind of feedback is extremely humbling and valuable to me. I know I am doing something special and helpful for people who are ready to work on their struggles.

    What is it about the Caerusnet model that you like most?
    I have only been a Member of Caerusnet since September, 2019 and thus far I can say that I really enjoy both the concept and the process. I like the idea of not having competitors in the same team, that it doesn’t meet every single week of the year, but that there is a clear connection between the Members in the team. It’s nice to see familiar faces and engage in Trust Builder Meetings outside the team meetings to get to know people even better on a personal and professional level. It’s all encouraging without feeling forced.

    Share a success story about why giving referrals/bringing visitors are beneficial to you.
    I think it helps to build that trust piece. It shows that you are listening to what people say in the meetings and are keeping your eyes and ears open out in the world to look for opportunities to connect people. After all, I am all about helping others! Connecting someone to a service provider they are looking for is just another way to provide help and appreciation on both sides.

    Any tips on learning how to find situations where you can create a referral or invite a visitor?
    Because I’m so new, I’m still learning this myself! I think it’s really a matter of paying attention to opportunities out in the world. Who is struggling with a concern that now you suddenly know of someone who can help them? The attention to detail shows people that you are listening to their stories, and in my experience, people are generally open to receiving a connection to another professional.

    What is your strategy with your Member Minute and your spotlight presentation?
    For my Member Minute I like to share both positive feedback I have received from clients as well as moments where I have seen success and growth in clients because of interventions I have incorporated to help them. What I choose to share for Member Minutes varies based on who I have seen recently or something I am particularly proud of having accomplished. I think it’s nice for the Members to hear the confidence in my abilities, as well as indirect feedback from my clients to help them build trust in me that I am a qualified therapist to refer to.   To date, I have done one 10 minute Spotlight Presentation. In it, I wanted to focus on educating the team on what therapy is, what my particular license and degree means regarding the work I do, and the population I serve. I also wanted the team to learn a little something about coping strategies they could practice at home, so I gave a sneak peek as to what that might look like. I like to help people feel empowered and educated, so I strive to convey those pieces in my presentation.

    What is your approach to positioning yourself as a resource in the community?
    Word of mouth referrals have been the most impactful in helping me to become a better known resource in the community. My name has popped up in mom-to-mom Facebook teams multiple times as a valuable and helpful therapist, and my clients have told me that they pass along my information to other potential clients. Additionally, I have reached out to a few medical professionals in the area so that my name can become part of a conversation for someone seeking services. Of course, my connections have continued to grow through Caerusnet!

    Tips on how to be successful in Caerusnet?      Participation! To this point I have attended every scheduled Caerusnet meeting for my day and time; because of this I feel like I am getting to know my team Members better, they’re getting to know me better, and we’re building trust together. I think it helps to do Trust Builders, one-on-one outside of the team for an even more personal approach. I find it very rewarding to not only find and connect with various professionals in the area, but even start to build a friendship where I can joke around with the other Members. I regularly have my team Members on my mind and when someone in the outside world is looking for a referral I do a quick reference to see if I know someone that could help them. If I do, I ask if I can make a connection. Most of the time I am met with a happy “Yes, that would be great!”

    Share how your Caerusnet Members have positively influenced you or your business besides passing referrals. For one thing, I have been able to utilize some of the services personally, which has been incredibly helpful. Additionally, I think the attitudes of the different Members play a big role in the desire for me to keep coming to the meetings. I like looking forward to the meetings and getting a chance to chat even before the business aspect begins.

    Want to connect with Sarah?  Click here for her website and contact information!