caerusnet

Category: Common Traits of Referral Teams

  • The Caerusnet REDEMPTION – Team Canton’s “Near Death” Experience Should Inspire US All

    The Caerusnet REDEMPTION – Team Canton’s “Near Death” Experience Should Inspire US All

     

    Enjoy and learn from this insightful discussion between Caerusnet Founder, Steven Zyskowski, and the founding Members of Caerusnet Canton. Their journey to success was earned through doing the right things and having the right attitudes.  This team has faced challenges that other teams may not have rebounded from.  Not only did team Canton rebound from major member loss (they went from 15 Members down to 7) but today, they are a prized Caerusnet team of almost 24 Members.  What did they do to break through the glass ceiling?  Watch Caerusnet Canton’s Redemption to find out.

    A BIG “thank  you” to Members Steven Burkhalter, Stacey Jaime, Todd Barr, Wade Myers and Julie Riley for volunteering your time to share your story with the entire Caerusnet network!

    Caerusnet has been an innovator and pioneer in the business networking arena since 2008. In early 2020 the company added ONLINE facilitated referral teams to its offering, supporting LOCAL small businesses with global technology. Caerusnet Facilitators organize local 1HR referral team meetings in the communities they do business in. The meetings can be online, in person, or a hybrid of both. Caerusnet is also SUPER affordable for most small business professionals. Want to find out if Caerusnet could help you and your business make great local contacts that will help you get more referrals in your business? Great! Visit our website today and contact a Facilitator to determine if we’re a good fit for you!

  • 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.

     

  • 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! 

     

  • PODCAST: Skydiving for Referrals Without A Parachute

    PODCAST: Skydiving for Referrals Without A Parachute

    Listen in on this “So, You’re In Sales?” PODCAST featuring Caerusnet Facilitator, Wendy Caverly (Caerusnet Connections) and Caerusnet Member, Roger Burnett (Social Good Promotions) for a valuable discussion about her path toward capitalizing on her biggest strengths and finding the courage to go for it when nothing even suggested success was waiting. We also cover the exploding referral team trend and why participation in one-on-one networks has leapfrogged digital platforms in creating meaningful scale for small and medium sized businesses.

    Love the mechanics of selling? Looking for ways to improve your skills? Wonder how other successful salespeople manage their lives? Time spent listening to guests of the “So, You’re In Sales?” podcast will sharpen your ax and make you better at what you do.  Be sure to check other the other treasures in the free library of podcasts found on the “So, You’re In Sales?” podcast.  Follow, like and share!

  • Tim Beebe Gets A “Buzz” Over Referrals!

    Tim Beebe Gets A “Buzz” Over Referrals!

    Tim Beebe enjoying the Caerusnet Member Movie with company at the Historic Howell Theater.

    Tim Beebe began his Caerusnet referral team journey several years ago as a founding Member of the Canton Thursday 1PM team of which he is still an active Member of today.  He has also been a Member on multiple Caerusnet teams over the years (in Brighton & Ann Arbor) where he learned how to develop himself into an excellent referral partner.  Tim’s success in Caerusnet with referrals has inspired the professional painter (BB Painting Services) to also take the plunge as a Facilitator and start the Caerusnet Northville team which is currently forming.  Let’s learn from Tim as he paints the picture of his success and we especially loved his answer to “TIPS ON HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN CAERUSNET?” at the end of this story.

    How long have you been in your profession & how did you get into it? 1 I was employed in the property management and apartment maintenance business for over 20 years prior to opening a property maintenance company of my own. After a few years of operating the maintenance company, I narrowed down our services to offering quality and affordable painting. It’s now 10 years operating BB Painting Services.

    What is the best thing about your business/career? Helping homeowners update and upgrade their home’s appearance is very rewarding. Seeing a customer’s positive reaction after we’ve come in and ripped down wallpaper and paint a room that’s been neglected for 30 years is what makes me love what I do. I enjoy helping people by giving their home a fresh, clean look.

     

    Tim Beebe featured with  other Michigan Facilitators at a recent Facilitator retreat.

    How are you different and/or what’s your niche? I strive to understand a customer’s needs and wants before I suggest a product or repair. My focus is helping people … not profiting off them.

     

    What is it about the Caerusnet model that you like most? I like that it’s flexible in the fact that you can expand your network outside of your own local team and attend other team meetings as long as there isn’t someone on that team that does what I do. Also, I like that we are a big network and have access to every team’s Members by looking at the main website.

    Share a success story about why giving referrals/bringing visitors are beneficial to you.  I’d love to share a success story from this past summer. One of our awesome Canton Members gave a multi-Member-referral for a client who had a house to sell but needed to hold an estate sale prior to selling. A referral was given to the real estate agent on our team.  Then the team Member who specializes in estate sales got involved.  Once the estate sales was over, I got the referral to paint the house. I took the time to get to know the client while working on her parents’ house (another referral). She had some additional items to move out of the house, and a Member of our group had a need for some of the medical equipment that she needed to part with. I coordinated with the client and the other Member and volunteered my time to deliver the equipment. In the end, this was a financial success for many of us, as Members. But the bigger celebration was for being able to help another Member and the client with needs way beyond the job and on a personal level. This is the “why” in why I love working with people. Finding ways

    Tim’s bumble bee branded, black and yellow logo transferred over to his Caerusnet Northville banner!

    and opportunities to help them in their time of need and exceeding expectations. Caerusnet helped us do that.

    What is your approach to positioning yourself as a resource in the community?  I feel like I really try to be involved in my community by interacting in many aspects of networking. I try to use local businesses for my business and personal matters. I also try to interact with local community Members and businesses on social media pages. The forefront of my effort is being involved in Caerusnet and attending meetings in my city. I create partnerships and personal relationships with business professionals, so that I can gain their trust and referrals to create partnerships.

    Tips on how to be successful in Caerusnet? To be successful, you have to learn how networking is imperative to growing your client base. You have to be willing to attend meetings and treat your Caerusnet meeting as a part of your weekly routine. You cannot create and sustain partnerships with other Members if you are not fully engaged and committed to your team. Allowing yourself to listen for opportunities to create referrals for other Members while you’re going about your daily life and in all your interactions, is a skill that should be mastered as well.

    Want to connect with Tim Beebe?  Find his Member listing here by searching “Beebe”.

     

     

    Click logo to go to BB Painting Services

     

     

  • Kevin’s “At Liberty” To Be An Awesome MVP Caerusnet Member

    Kevin’s “At Liberty” To Be An Awesome MVP Caerusnet Member

    Kevin Damesworth is all about deepening relationships.  As a founding Member of the Lansing Thursday Caerusnet 1PM team, Kevin has been recognized as the team’s MVP multiple times over the years.  While some professionals and their efforts are flashes in the pan, Kevin has put his stake in the ground at Liberty Mutual Insurance and is making a difference in the lives of his customers and his fellow Caerusnet Member.  We had a chance to catch up with Kevin in Howell recently at the Caerusnet Member Movie Celebration, where he collected yet another team MVP award (accompanied by long time Caerusnet Facilitator, Tom Hamp).  Let’s learn from this seasoned professional …

    How long have you been in your profession? First Day was 1/2/2005 and I started in Grand Rapids, MI. In 2008, the Okemos,MI office opened up. I’ve been with Liberty Mutual all 15 years.

    How did you get into this field?  I was in B2B sales for a uniform company and a friend of mine who is still a sales rep with Liberty Mutual in Grand Rapids referred me to his manager. I figured if I could sell B2B I could sell a product like auto, home and life insurance because everyone has to have it. I like the personal side of it and the idea of helping people protect what they value most. I work hard to help people embrace today and confidently pursue tomorrow.

    What is the best thing about your business/career?  I like being able to deliver my customers peace of mind by helping them protect their cars, homes and financial picture with life insurance. I like the support I have from Liberty Mutual as an employee. Because of our partnerships, I am able to write and bind policies through multiple insurance providers to better meet the needs of people who contact me. So I’m a captive agent with some of the flavor of what an independent agency may have. It’s a very unique and fantastic operating model that allows me to help more people with their various insurance needs. I was promoted to Executive Sales Representative in 2016 and by consistently helping people I’ve been able to earn one of Liberty Mutual’ s highest honors, the Liberty Leaders Award 11 times, being one of the top 180 reps countrywide.

    How are you different and/or what’s your niche?  I’m not a robot or another “order taker.” I am personable, always honest and try to be completely up front with the process. I know your time is valuable so I work quickly without missing the details that are important to my clients insurance. A warm referral is really my niche, as the trust building process is quicker. We work well for responsible individuals who own a car, rent or own a home. To start a quote with me is easy, visit: www.libertymutual.com/kevindamesworth

    What is it about the Caerusnet model that you like most?  I like the ability to meet people and learn about ways we can help each other. The repetition of seeing each other and thinking of how we can refer to one another is great. I also like not having to drive all over the place to network. I know that many of my key professionals will be at the same place, so it gives me the chance to make a stronger connection with people.

    Share a success story about why giving referrals/bringing visitors are beneficial to you. Bringing visitors is really key as it helps the whole group especially a visitor that I already know well to introduce them to the group. If they have my endorsement it would work out for them. Timing is everything so making the opportunity available to someone to visit a meeting and check it out really makes it exciting. I’m also a basketball coach so I was talking to one of my parents who is a realtor and we had an opening so I invited him on a Monday and he was at the meeting the next day on Tuesday! I was excited that the timing all worked out so quickly and that he wants to make Caerusnet a part of his overall marketing strategy. I like that I can just invite people to the meeting, it is well run and same format each week so I know it will work for those who consistently come.

    Any tips on learning how to find situations where you can create a referral or invite a visitor? For me, I don’t want to high pressure anyone. I simply send an e-mail letting them know of my group when we meet and see what the meeting is like. After the meeting I let them know that I think they would be a great addition to the group. I’ve found many of the visitors at other networking events or larger gatherings find it hard to make end roads. Caerusnet helps them make more of an impact. I’ve also found ways to create a referral by thinking about who I talked to at other networking meetings and mention that I have someone I trust and work with all the time and invite them to the next meeting. I want to be as genuine and real with people as possible…nothing fake about how I say it or how I’m trying to make the connection. I feel that if I can bring someone into Caerusnet and then they start seeing referrals happen they can really be a great member. But it has to be honest and genuine.

    What is your strategy with your member minute and your spotlight presentation? I like to relate to they type of people I have recently helped with their insurance. I like to ask for referrals for people who are like the people I describe in my minute.  I like to answer questions…as with personal insurance…there are always questions. I also like to explain how I am different and how I work with people to make the process as easy as possible and get things done for people in a timely fashion. I explain that I am not an order-taker; I am a trusted advisor when it comes to personal lines of insurance. Being with Liberty Mutual for 15 years has given me the experience needed to adjust to most situations.

    What is your approach to positioning yourself as a resource in the community? I feel I am a resource in my community by being a trusted professional who is experienced and strives to make the process of ones personal insurance easy to do business with. I share about other activities that I am involved with in the community such as coaching youth sports, being involved in my church and other charitable organizations. I also enjoy playing Basketball and often use that as another way to invite those I play with to Caerusnet.

    Tips on how to be successful in Caerusnet? Be open and willing to get out of your comfort zone and meet other professionals who are looking to connect and have trustworthy sources to refer their friends and clients to. I also encourage people to try for themselves personally some of the services other professionals offer and see if it makes for a more solid connection and this often happens by to doing Trust Builder Meetings with each other. Always be thinking of who you can refer to each day. Keep a referral slip right by your desk so it can be top of mind when having a conversation. Also, don’t quit, show up and participate. Find common interests with others both personally and professionally. It’s a great way to make a friend and strengthen a relationship. I try hard to invite friends and people I’ve personally done business with as I know their work and the quality good job they will do.

     

    Share how your Caerusnet members have positively influenced you or your business besides passing referrals. I’ve been able to learn more about other industries and how they work. I also learn about other positions at companies that I can refer someone to who may be looking for a job. I’ve learned to be a good listener and look for triggers words where I can come in and be of help in some way.

     

  • Dreams Are Real Podcast With Dan McPherson & Steven Zyskowski

    Dreams Are Real Podcast With Dan McPherson & Steven Zyskowski

    Be sure to give a listen to this episode of the Dreams Are Real Podcast with Caerusnet Saline, Michigan Member, Dan McPherson of Leaders Must Lead and Steven Zyskowski, the Chief Referral Officer of Caerusnet Facilitated Referral Teams.

    Click the photo below and off you go!

  • The Power of Referral Teams Episode 1

    The Power of Referral Teams Episode 1

    Great watch and learn from the Fuel4Business first episode on YouTube !   Great interaction and synergy with host, Chris Smith of Fuel For Business and guest, Wendy Caverly, Chief Referral Officer and Caerusnet Facilitator for Caerusnet Connections. Be sure to watch both Part A & B of Episode One of Fuel4Business.