caerusnet

Category: Referral Group Benefits

  • Remember who told YOU about Caerusnet?

    1471321_10201379783961977_1247120656_nby Steven Zyskowski

    Last Thursday, the Plymouth/Canton 1PM team, which meets at the TCF Bank in Canton, had its first official meeting as new Caerusnet Members.  It was a huge success and they deserve it!

    This lively group of professionals had met for months as a core group, starting out with just two or three core team Members.  Slowly and surely, over time, they added more like-minded professionals until they had 10+ Members.  Once they achieved this core goal of growing to 10 Members, the team had an orientation meeting where they learned how the regular meetings were going to run and then last week, they passed 30 referrals at their first, official team meeting!  Way to go, Plymouth/Canton!

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    The great thing about this team is that they’ve grown organically from within.  Virtually every Member was referred to the group by one of its core Members.  Rather than waiting for the world to find them, this team has been excellent at telling other professionals about the group and then urging them to visit.  The Members who’ve joined and are now getting referrals are very grateful someone was looking out for them and told them about Caerusnet.

    Do you remember who told YOU about Caerusnet?  Are you taking the baton and paying it forward by sharing Caerusnet with others?  Referring other professionals to Caerusnet is an act of kindness that is deeply appreciated and remembered by the person you refer Caerusnet to.

    In a closing note, the early results from the recent 2016 Caerusnet Member Survey have uncovered a very positive statistic.  Virtually 100% of all Caerusnet Members (past and present) surveyed so far have said “YES” they would recommend Caerusnet to others!

    Please consider sharing this post on your social media accounts to help spread the word.  Caerusnet will always count on its Members to learn how develop a referral mindset and be advocates for the team they’re a part of.  It’s the only way we will continue to grow around here!

     

     

  • Sharpening Your Sales Story

    benbarberby Ben Barber, College Planning Partners, Ann Arbor Thursday 1PM Facilitator

    In his book “New Sales. Simplified.,” sales coach and author Mike Weinberg offers key strategies for improving sales performance. Among the chief reasons salespeople fail at bringing in new business: failure to master “The Sales Story.”

    Sales people fail to grab a prospect’s attention because they can’t “tell their story.” The sales story is our single most important weapon because we use it every day, all day long. We use talking points from our story when we are on the phone and trying to entice someone to meet with us. Bits and pieces of our story end up in our e-mails, voice mails, and presentations.

    Think for a minute. What makes a story interesting or compelling?

    Stories that pique our interest and garner our attention are those that draw us in. Wouldn’t you agree the stories that are most captivating are the ones where you can imagine yourself as part of the story, or perhaps feel jealous that you are not?  The same applies when dealing with our sales story.

    There are three critical sections, or building blocks, to a compelling sales story:

    1) Client issues addressed:

    • Customer pains we remove
    • Client problems we solve
    • Opportunities we help customers capture
    • Results we achieve for client

    2) Offerings

    • A simple statement of what we do – the services, solutions, or products for which we bill our customers.

    3) Differentiators

    • Why and how are we better and different from other alternatives? Provides solid reasons as to why we are the best choice to address the client’s issues.

    Think about your sales story, as related in your Member Minute. How well does yours cover these three critical elements?

    Print off this blog post and break down your Member Minute and list each below (keep reading for examples):
    Client Issues:

    Offerings:

    Differentiators:

    Take a moment and read through my original Member Minute before working on sharpening my Sales Story which talks mostly about what I do:
    “I’m Ben Barber, owner and founder of College Planning Partners. We work with the parents of college bound students to develop customized plans for getting into and paying for college. One thing that sets us apart from our competitors is our ability to offer guaranteed tuition discounts to over 350 of the best private colleges and universities across the country. Nearly every family we work with qualifies for over $5,500 in discounts. Our college planning seminars are free and open to the public. You can find out more at www.MyCollegePlanningPartner.com”

    My new Sales Story has a HEADLINE which I say now for all my Member Minutes and  carefully crafted TRANSITION statement.  I then select one or two the CLIENT ISSUES, go into MY OFFERINGS and then specific DIFFERENTIATORS.
    HEADLINE: College Planning Partners is a full service college search and funding advisor serving families in Ann Arbor and surrounding communities.
    TRANSITION: Parents of college-bound students turn to us when they . . .
    CLIENT ISSUES:
    • Are confused by today’s convoluted financial aid system.
    • Don’t know where to begin when faced with choosing among 3,000+ colleges and universities
    • Feel frustrated with kids who seem unconcerned about their futures. They’re worried about their kids making the right choices.
    • Overwhelmed by the paperwork associated with college testing, applications, financial aid and student loans.
    • Struggling to manage cash flow and balance the college bill, retirement and everyday expenses on a limited budget. They’re worried about protecting their savings and investments.
    • Are committed to finding the college that will be the best social, academic and financial fit for their kids, but they don’t have the time or the energy to learn everything there is to know about getting into and paying for college.

    OFFERINGS:
    We help families tackle the challenges of getting into and paying for college using a range of customized, client-selected strategies that reduce out-of-pocket costs while positioning students for college and career success.

    (Get more specific? – funding plans, and student services such as test prep, essay coaching, application assistance, college search and financial aid paperwork).

    DIFFERENTIATORS:
    We offer a comprehensive service that families can customize to fit their needs, time and budget.

    We provide a team of specialized coaches who work one-on-one with you and your student . . . don’t just toss them into an automated, one-size-fits all system.

    One thing that sets us apart from our competitors is our ability to offer guaranteed tuition discounts to over 350 of the best private colleges and universities across the country. Nearly every family we work with qualifies for over $5,500 in discounts.

    Remember, your Sales Story is your single most important weapon in your effort to help your Caerusnet marketing team make referrals to you!  Happy sharpening!

    Contributed by Ben Barber, Ann Arbor, MI Facilitator, ben@mycollegeplanningpartners, www.mycollegeplanningpartner.com,(312) 203-4829 . Adapted from “NEW SALES. SIMPLIFIED.” by Mike Weinberg. Copyright © 2013 by Mike Weinberg. Published by AMACOM Books, a division of American Management Association, New York, NY.

  • How many referrals will I get if I join?

    By Steven Zyskowski

    “How many referrals will I get if I join?” It’s an honest question that I do get asked from time to time by those considering being a Member of Caerusnet.  I sometimes even get asked how much money the referrals will be worth.  So, how do I answer these questions?

    I will usually respond with the statement that every person has a different experience when it comes to business referral groups.  Each team has its own synergy.  Each professional has their own goals, capacity and limitations.

    Let me paint a picture of a successful team and a successful professional on that team looks like …

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    A successful team has achieved a noteworthy size.  Sizes does matter when it comes to business groups and  the referral opportunities they can generate.  I think a group of 24 or so Members is noteworthy size and should mean more referrals.  But team size isn’t the only thing that counts.  Team synergy counts, too.  How long have the people known each other? Are they referring each other?  Are they newbies learning the ropes of networking (often ‘newbies’ haven’t formed bad habits and are eager to help) or seasoned pros that are willing to create opportunities for each other?   Sometimes a smaller team that feels more intimate can also pass a good number of referrals, but they will always have the desire to be a larger team because it usually spells more opportunity.

    People who are successful in networking groups should join only because they feel they have something to give to the team … NOT because they are desperate to receive.

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    The right Members join because of how being well connected and bringing people together allows them to deepen their relationships with their clients.  Referral groups are extremely local.  While some people may start a businesses with the goal of selling to the world via the internet, the professionals I help most are the ones who need to be recognized at the local level. People who do well on referral teams attend most of the meetings so they can get to know the other Members and give them the opportunity to get to know them.  They try to get quality referrals to as many of the Members that they can, as often as they can.  Some Members regularly bring 2-3 referrals to each meeting.

    Remember, people refer to those they know, like and trust.  Being a Member of the team opens the doorway for you to become that person … however, you are the one who must walk through the door and take charge of the relationships.

    Finally, those Members who do invest the time to having Trust Builder Meetings with other Members always seem to talk about how those have helped them become more referable.  They know that the Trust Builders help them become someone others will get a chance to know, like and trust.

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  • RSVP To The Caerusnet 2015 Michigan Member Celebration

    2015 Holiday Party V2 PING

  • Member Highlight: Doug Moffat Shares ‘Referability Habits’

    MEMBER HIGHLIGHT:
    Caerusnet Member Doug Moffat
    shares the concept of ‘REFERABILITY HABITS”

    Doug Moffat hates to miss his 8AM Wednesday CaerusNet referral team meeting in Brighton, but this morning he made an exception. Big Brothers & Sisters of America holds an annual Rise and Shine Breakfast in Ypsilanti and this is the second year that Doug has been involved with the organization. I asked him how the event was this year. “Breakfast was wonderful. It was a large group of about 250 people.  They hold the charitable event to solicit for donations and support- that’s how I’m involved. A couple years ago, a guy in our office was involved with them. I was invited to attend a golf outing put on by Big Brothers & Sisters and I really enjoyed what the organization did. I wanted to give back.”
    That sounds like Doug. In his professional life, he gives peace of mind to his clients so they can carry on with their businesses and personal lives knowing they have their loved ones covered.  
    Doug, how long have you been in your profession? Eighteen years.
    That’s a long time! How did you get into life insurance? I started because of the advice and encouragement by my father (a life- long insurance agent, mostly life). My sister and I would go to his office. We had our own drawer to keep things in.
    What do you think is the best thing about your business/career? The independence I have and ability to control my own schedule. Oh, and of course, the people I work with are great too.
    So Doug, I have a few CaerusNet questions for you. Could you tell readers what it is about the CaerusNet model that you like most? I like that the meetings are facilitated, so I can just show up and focus on being myself – “the defensive specialist”. Also, the 1-hour format is so efficient and well balanced. We get a lot done in 60 minutes!
    Do you have a success story about why giving referrals is beneficial to you? A couple years ago I was able to refer two couples to my friend and fellow inaugural member of CaerusNet, Steve Giroux. He sold both their houses within a month of each other. All parties were ecstatic, and it made me feel good to contribute to such a huge decision in their lives by making the introduction.
    Giving is a huge part of CaerusNet. Sometimes members struggle with that part and ask for tips on how they can learn to find situations where they can create a referral or invite visitors. What would you say? I’m one of those people who believe God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason. Being a good listener creates opportunities because people are always talking about problems in their life, and with CaerusNet, you have a team of people who can provide solutions to those problems. Second, thinking of yourself and striving to be a Trusted Advisor makes a huge difference because people will ask you for help.
    What is your strategy with your member minute and your spotlight presentation?  Being myself and allowing people to get to know me and trust me. Mixing up my member minute – trying to always have a message that is fun, informational, educational, relevant and helps that “light bulb go on” for other members of the group.
    CaerusNet helps entrepreneurs and small business people get and stay connected within their community. What is your approach to positioning yourself as a resource in your community? The approach my Dad taught me from the very beginning of my career: (1.) Meet people (2.) Tell them who I am, who I represent, and what I do (3.) Ask them good questions and get to know them and their story. Find out if they have problems you might be able to solve (4.) Tell them you would like to be a resource for them (5.) keep in touch and follow up with them regularly! My business, like many others, is all about relationships. People do business with people they trust and who they like.If I were thinking about joining a referral team in order to grow my business, would you have any tips to share on how to be successful in CaerusNet? Yes, much like Strategic Coach, Dan Sullivan’s “Referability Habits”: (1.) Show up on time (2.) Do what you say (3.) Finish what you start (4.) Say please and thank you.

    Thanks for that share! One last question Doug, and then I’ll let you get back to the important job of being the “defensive specialist”- please tell our readers how CaerusNet members have positively influenced you or your business besides passing referrals. I could probably write a few pages on this, but I will attempt to keep it brief. My estate plan is finally updated. Anytime I have an issue with my car, I call Dave, take it to Mazur and it gets taken care of. Our A/C at home was fixed 2 years ago for a fraction of what I thought. I would have had to replace it. Several of the members have supported my charitable interests – specifically the golf outing for my sister’s scholarship fund and the charity hockey game I play once a year against the Red Wings Alumni. I’ve enjoyed great fellowship over food and even the occasional beverage. Throughout the highs and lows of my business, I know I have a group of people who care about me, support me, and want to see me succeed. The value of CaerusNet could be summed up by the “Priceless” ending- like in one of those old MasterCard commercials!

    Financial Representative, Doug Moffat Doug lives in Brighton with his wife Jennifer and their two daughters Audrey (14) and Josie (12). His office is in Ann Arbor, but his clients are located across Metro Detroit. [email protected]
    Article written by Ava Zyskowski, CaerusNet Member & Facilitator

  • Life Coach, Maria Sylvester Is Unstoppable In Caerusnet!

    lifecoach_maria_42015Whether you are looking for a fast lunch break or a new place to hold a Trust Builder in Ann Arbor, Pilar’s on Liberty Street is a quiet place to meet up, dine on seasonal tamales and learn about your fellow CaerusNet members. On a recent Tuesday afternoon, I had a chance to sit down with Certified Life Coach, Maria Sylvester, in between CaerusNet meetings. I thought I’d squeeze in a few questions regarding her practice, CaerusNet and how she feels about a major automotive company using her slogan, “be unstoppable!”

    Maria, have you seen the latest ad from (insert major automotive company name here), where they have used your slogan about “being unstoppable”? Maria laughs, “No I haven’t! Well actually, my tag line is ‘helping people get unstuck, so they can be unstoppable and soar!”
    After agreeing that imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, we move on to the real Member Highlight questions:
    How long have you been in your profession? I have been a Certified Life Coach for eight years.

    How did you get into this field?
    I worked for 23 years as a psychotherapist in private practice. I realized that psychotherapy gifts clients with insight into their behavior. However, unless the client takes ACTION on that insight, transformation does not happen. I wanted to help clients transform their lives, so I shifted full time into a coaching career. Coaching is all about helping people take action!

    What is the best thing about your business/career?
    The best thing about my career is the powerful connections I make with people. I LOVE helping my clients figure out the HEART of what really matters to them in their lives, and then I help them live from that place. It is an absolute joy gifting clients the tools, strategies and practices that allow them to live vibrant, passionate and purposeful lives. The power to change really is fueled by the connection between coach and client, and the working relationship that develops.

    As long as I have known you Maria, you have been a member of the Ann Arbor CaerusNet Facilitated Small Business Referral teams. What is it about the CaerusNet model that you like most?
    There are two things I really appreciate about the CaerusNet model. The first thing I really value is the same thing that makes my coaching work so well- the idea that the power is in the relationships we form, and boy, do we ever form great relationships in CaerusNet! CaerusNet is leader-run, which is the second thing I really value about the groups. I believe that because it is leader-run, members are even more freed-up to concentrate on forming meaningful connections with each other. We never have to worry about any of the organizational aspects of the meetings, and instead, can focus solely on networking! With a leader-run group, there is great consistency across meetings; members do not have to adjust to new leader personalities or changes every few months. We come to the meetings knowing what to expect and from whom. With this as a blasting-off platform, a sense of general trust, security and good will flourishes among members, enhancing our working relationships with one another.

    Could you share a success story that would highlight why giving referrals or inviting visitors is beneficial to you and your life coaching practice?
    Giving referrals and bringing visitors are things I take great pleasure in because I love connecting people with each other. That point is evidenced by my choice of a coaching profession, in which I value the art of helping people further their lives. Giving referrals and inviting guests to meetings just keeps that positive energy and momentum rolling and this, in turn, can only help to benefit the whole (team)! For instance, each new member added to the group benefits us all. Referral possibilities to and from each new member (and their circle of influence), jump us all tenfold!

    Maria, do you have any tips on how to be successful in CaerusNet?
    My main tip for success in CaerusNet is to come regularly to the meetings and to come with a spirit of openness and readiness to help and serve others. One of my favorite quotes exemplifies this idea beautifully, “We magnetize into our lives, that which we hold in thought.” – Unknown Author.

    So true! One last question for you Maria, and then you and I can head back to our CaerusNet 1pm Showcase team: could you share how CaerusNet members have positively influenced you, or your Life Coaching practice besides passing referrals?
    Sure! I have a wonderful story of how my CaerusNet connections profoundly influenced my life. Several years ago, I visited a Verizon store that a CaerusNet member managed, in order to support his business. I was quite distraught after having dropped my cell phone in water. While at Verizon, I was helped by a wonderful man who is now my husband! Then, the CaerusNet magic continued on to yet another event- my husband recently purchased a business with the help of another CaerusNet member, Wendell Brandt. Wendell facilitates business mergers and acquisitions with his company, Market Point Advisors. Both of these examples are my personal testimony to the power of referral and relationship networking a la’ CaerusNet!

    Maria Sylvester, Certified Life Coach, sees clients in Ann Arbor, “helping people get un-stuck so they can be unstoppable”.
    Life Empowerment Coaching & Healing Arts Center is located on Stadium Drive. Check out her website at https://www.lifeempowermentcoaching.com or more information!

    Ava_smr_dsArticle written by Ava Zyskowski, CaerusNet Member and Facilitator.

  • Most Frequently Asked Questions About Caerusnet

    11046537_10204343184165130_4339082858394475420_nAs of October, 2015, the Caerusnet teams I facilitate in Brighton and Ann Arbor, MI have eclipsed 27,000 referrals passed!  That’s a great accomplishment and it didn’t happen by accident.  We have great Members, a great system and we’re just getting started.  In today’s post, I thought I would share the most frequently asked questions I get about Caerusnet, so everyone’s on the same page.  Enjoy!

    Q:           How long are the meetings?

    CaerusNet meetings are no longer than 60 minutes. We recommend arriving at the meeting site a minimum of five minutes early so the Facilitator can properly welcome you and give you a fast debriefing before the meeting starts.

    Q:           What types of professions are the best fit for a Caerusnet team?

    Any small business that depends on local word of mouth referrals for their financial success is a good fit. Typically, businesses that work directly with the public or directly with other businesses are a good fit. Just 30 Members can belong to any one team, no matter their professions.  Only one business type per team (one website designer, one massage therapist, etc.).

    Q:           How often are meetings and what if I miss a few?

    Caerusnet recommends Facilitators schedule a minimum of 30 weeks of meetings per year. We recommend Members shoot for a minimum of 80% attendance (about 24 meetings per year), which should provide for a multitude of opportunities for the Members to get to know, like and trust each other.

    Q:           How much does it cost and who do I pay?

    Membership costs vary from team to team as the Facilitator (not Caerusnet) determines the prices to be charged.  Facilitators (not Caerusnet) bill the Members directly for the services of facilitating the referral team meeting.

    Q:           What am I paying for?

    That’s the question most Members ask when they belong to a Member-Ran group, because, not only are they asked to be a Member, they’re also often asked to be officers (president, membership committee, etc.) and take charge of the team’s success. At Caerusnet, Members are paying the Facilitator for the meeting facilitation services they provide to the team. These services include, but aren’t limited to: setting up and running the 1 hour meeting, delivering education to the team, site location, following up with visitors/prospects, tracking team metrics (spotlight schedule, referrals, attendance, etc) and stocking meeting materials (name badges, opportunity slips, business card portfolios, etc).  The facilitators typically also have a primary occupation (business coach, Realtor, etc.) and want to be thought of as your “partner in referrals”.

    Q:           Can I invite other businesses to meetings?

    Yes!  Some facilitators even offer incentives for doing so.  We encourage you to invite other professionals to your team meeting so they can experience the benefits of being part of a Facilitated referral team.

    Q:           How do I find a meeting?

    Click here for list of locations.

    Q:           What if there are no Caerusnet team meetings taking place where you want to network?

    No Caerusnet teams meeting in your local market?  If you’re a great networker yourself or you know of someone who is who may also want to Facilitate … click here to learn more about our Facilitator Licensing opportunity.

    Q:           Can I belong to more than one Caerusnet team?

    CaerusNet recommends you belong to as many teams as you can effectively manage.   Remember, each Facilitator is independent of each other and is the ultimate decider of Membership decisions for the team they facilitate.

  • Networker Self-Assessment

    Networker Self-Assessment by Steven Zyskowski

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    Whether you are a Member of Caerusnet or not, if you network with other professionals in a referral passing environment, this fast and honest Networker Self-Assessment might help you uncover areas to improve upon.  Improvement may lead to more referrals for you!

     

    Score Yourself: Answer HARDY EVER (1), SOMETIMES (3), ALWAYS (5).

    Write the number next to each question and then total the numbers.
    1. I arrive at the meetings 5 minutes before they start.
    2. I make a habit of of practicing and planning for my Member Minute.
    3. I pass at least one warm referral at the weekly meetings, 80% of the time.
    4. I present my professional best during the meetings and attend 80% or more of them.
    5. I use ‘referral language’ with my clients and have developed a referral mindset.
    6. I actively invite visitors to attend the meeting
    7. I do a Trust Builder Meeting at least (1 x per month).
    8. I carry my the business cards of the other Members with me and am aware of and use the mobile directory.
    TOTAL SCORE:

    Score Key

    8 Lowest Chance of Success / Right Person?
    16
    24 Medium Chance of Success / Increase Output & You’re On Your Way
    32
    40 Greatest Chance of Success / Right Person … a referral magnet!

    ACTION PLAN:
    Improve on areas where you have scored 3 and under.
    Continue to be consistent in areas you score 4 or more.
    It’s called networking because there is work involved!  Let’s have FUN and INCREASE OUR PROFIT!

    Looking for ways to improve?  Watch these TOOLBOX videos!

  • 4 Most Important Conversations

    11046537_10204343184165130_4339082858394475420_nby Steven Zyskowski

    CREATING OPPORTUNITIES is what the name of the game is all about when it comes to referrals!

    This short video demonstrates FOUR ways you can start creating opportunities now though the influential use of language.

    Learn how to make referrals happen, create visitor leads, get visitors interested in visiting and how to add value to your important client relationships.

    This may very well be one of the most important videos you ever watch about conversations that CREATE opportunities! Enjoy!

  • Early Bird Registration Discount For CaerusNet August GOLF OUTING

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    REGISTER BY AUGUST 14th for early bird discount!  Individuals who bring in a complete foursome with them will receive 50% off their individual fee (1 golfer at 1/2 price, three at full price).  Also, this event is for both Members and non-Members.

    For more information contact Alan Smith of LAMOCU Productions at 810-623-8131 or at email [email protected]

    CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

    Caerusnet Golf Outing

    The premiere business networking system, Caerusnet, is about to launch a college scholorship program for deserving high school students!   With groups throughout southern Michigan Caerusnet feels the time to unite and give back to their communities has arrived.

    Friday, August 28th at 9am there will be a shotgun start at Mt. Brighton’s course in Brighton, Michigan.   We are shooting for 124 golfers this year, cost per golfer will be $85 each or a foursome for $340.   Individuals who bring in a complete foursome with them will receive 50% off their fees.   Several sponsorships are available including hole, lunch, dinner, and several others.

     

    Location:

    The Golf Club at Mt. Brighton
    4141 Bauer Rd.
    Brighton, MI 48116
    click here to view map

    Date: 8/28/2015

    Time: 9:00 AM

    Price: $85 per golfer, $25 for dinner only

    Includes:

    8am registration for 18 Hole Scramble, shot gun start at 9am. Event includes cart, access to driving range before event, continental breakfast, lunch, dinner and two cocktails.

    Format:

    8 am registration of check in if on line.
    9 am 18 Hole Shot Gun start
    Scramble, play best ball format.

    Contests and Prizes:

    Skins, Vegas Hole, 50/50 Raffle, and Mulligans for sale.
    Still working on prizes and packages through possibly Five Star Golf & Mt. Brighton. Silent auction of Detroit Tiger memorabilia at dinner.

    Event Day Registration:

    8am Registration or check in if registered online.

    Sponsorship Opportunities:

    EVENT SPONSOR – $1,500 includes: Cart signs, Banner at event, multiple hole signs AND a free foursome.
    DINNER SPONSOR – $1,000 includes: Banner at dinner, multiple hole signs AND a free foursome
    BEVERAGE CART SPONSOR – $500 includes: Signs on beverage cart(s) and a hole sponsorship
    LUNCH SPONSOR – $500 includes: Signage and table for display at “turn”, exclusive presentation to captive audience
    HOLE SPONSORSHIP – $100 includes: Signage for a hole

    Outing Notes:

    Since originating in Brighton, Michigan, Caerusnet groups are operating all over south eastern Michigan. Caerusnet has become THE networking referral group for businesses to be in. In addition to helping local business grow in each community, Caerusnet now wishes to establish a college scholarship fund for deserving high school seniors in the communities we serve. This outing is the first step in developing funding for this program.