caerusnet

Tag: #godsofopportunity

  • Staying Connected In Caerusnet During These Times

    Staying Connected In Caerusnet During These Times

    Caerusnet Facilitators ready and willing to help Members stay socially connected and safe during the COVID-19 crisis via ZOOM Meetings.

    Lately, business is anything but usual! In order to help us all stay connected during these interesting times, Caerusnet Facilitators met virtually last week to discuss how to keep referral team Members connected virtually, via video conferencing.   We are an inspired organization and we understand how valuable staying connected is, especially in today’s world.

    Around this time in March every year, most Michigan Caerusnet teams take a “spring break”.  Most teams are not scheduled to meet in-person again until after mid-April (check with your Facilitator for your team specific meeting dates and times).

    In the event in-person meetings are not an option, most Facilitators will be fully ready run live, real-time, virtual Facilitated referral team meetings via video conferencing for our Members (and their guests) during the regular posted meeting times.

    What will a virtual Caerusnet Facilitated referral team meeting be like?

    Much like the in-person meetings:

    • Toolbox Education to help us stay referral-sharp.
    • Member Minutes to educate, coach and motivate us.
    • We will Pass Referrals during the online meetings.
    • Visitors are welcomed to attend the online meetings.

    Stay tuned for personal instructions from your Caerusnet team Facilitator.

     

  • PODCAST: Discovering Sales Greatness, Even During the Great Recession!

    PODCAST: Discovering Sales Greatness, Even During the Great Recession!

    2008 was an unfortunately unforgettable year for most Americans and Mike Langford’s sales and marketing career was forged in some of the most difficult days of that Great Recession!

    Listen in on this “So, You’re In Sales?” PODCAST featuring Caerusnet Members Mike Langford (Turtle Hut Internet Marketing) and Roger Burnett (Social Good Promotions) for a relevant discussion about how new entrants into the economy back in 2008 handled that challenge within the economic conditions of the time and the ways it has affected Mike’s willingness to take risk to achieve increasing levels of success today.  This is especially relevant as history often repeats itself … or at least rhymes with the past.

    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!

    Click the link below to hear the podcast!

  • PODCAST: Defining Your Career On Your Own Terms

    PODCAST: Defining Your Career On Your Own Terms

    Can a career that conforms to the specific needs of your situation bring happiness AND success? Does cynicism and fear stand in the way of your personal progress?

    Listen in on this “So, You’re In Sales?” PODCAST featuring Caerusnet Members MaryBeth Potrykus (Mama Bear Productions) and Roger Burnett (Social Good Promotions) for a timely discussion about the ways everyone can marry their needs with their vocation and take control of your career, on your own terms.

    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!

    Click the link below to hear the podcast!

     

  • 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!

  • Doug Moffat’s Transformation From Caerusnet Member into Caerusnet Facilitator

    Doug Moffat’s Transformation From Caerusnet Member into Caerusnet Facilitator

    The last time we sat down with Doug Moffat was in 2015.  At that time, he was working for a large insurance company and was a Member of the Brighton Wednesday 8AM team, of which he was also a founding Member.  Fast forward to today, Doug is now self-employed and enjoying his new found freedom to truly be himself and do things he’s passionate about.  Over the past two years, he also decided to switch from being a fantastic Caerusnet Member to being an equally awesome Caerusnet Facilitator. He actively leads two teams; one in Brighton and one in Ann Arbor.  As we begin the new year, we felt Doug would be a great person to catch up with.

    How long have you been in your profession? 23 year now.  My dad encouraged me to give it a try.

    What is the best thing about your business/career? Independence, impact and the opportunity for me to make real a difference in the world.   I work with business owners, executives and sales professionals, who also want to learn, grow and make a difference in the world, themselves.

    What is it about the Caerusnet model that you like most?  An Optimal calendar of 30 highly productive and efficient 1-hour meetings which attract like-minded professionals looking to learn, grow and improve all the time. I find a lot of professionals who truly have a “Give First” mentality.

    Share a success story about why giving referrals/bringing visitors are beneficial to you. Transitioning from a Member to a Facilitator has helped me see how essential it is for the Members to take personal ownership of the team and like it so much they want to tell other friends, colleagues and professionals about it. Both of my teams have grown because our Members are inviting visitors consistently.

    Any tips on learning how to find situations where you can create a referral or invite a visitor?
    Be Curious! One of the my first great business mentors had “Curious George” as one of his top 5 Leadership books to emphasize how important it is for us to always be asking good questions, listening, and striving to help add value.

    What is your strategy with your Member Minute and your 10 Minute Spotlight Presentation? Prepare, practice, be sure to educate and have fun! Make it a goal to have the “light bulb” go on for people on the team for who they can introduce you to next.

    What is your approach to positioning yourself as a resource in the community?

    One of the big reasons I made a transition two years ago to being self-employed was so I could live and work in the same community, so I could go deeper with all the relationships around me. Finding the right balance of organizations to be a part of as well – I recommend people be part of a Caerusnet Referral Team, a service organization (I’m a Rotarian), a Chamber, a health/sports/fitness league or group, and a faith organization for starters.

    Tips on how to be successful in Caerusnet?  Having a positive attitude, bringing great energy and being consistent are keys in my book. It’s a marathon and not a sprint! Don’t keep score! Give with an abundant mindset and approach everything you do with an “open hands” mentality as well.

    Share how your Caerusnet members have positively influenced you or your business besides passing referrals.  The Members of my teams have helped me more than they know! They show up with a great attitude, a smile on their face and a readiness to learn, grow and give. Through “Positive Focus” and interaction during Toolbox training, we learn so much about each other.  We are building referral teams which really stand out from the others and provide so much value to everyone involved. I look forward to going to our meetings and feel energized when I leave.   Go Caerusnet!! Let’s have our best year ever in 2020!

    Want to get in touch with Doug Moffat?  You can find him most Tuesday and Wednesdays facilitating his referral teams in Brighton and Ann Arbor.

  • It’s all “Good” with this Caerusnet MVP Mortgage Lender

    It’s all “Good” with this Caerusnet MVP Mortgage Lender

    Cherie Good wants to be known as “Your Good Lender” with Level One Bank.  Beyond that, Cherie wants to be much more to her clients than they may typically expect from a mortgage lender and she does that by being a fantastic referral source.  Giving great referrals allows Cherie to deepen her relationships with her clients.  Being a Caerusnet Member gives her many great opportunities to learn how to create referral opportunities.  She is also one of a small number of Caerusnet Michigan Members who is a participating Member on two different Caerusnet teams. This gives her the opportunity to develop relationships in two different markets, Ann Arbor and Adrian (she was named MVP of her Adrian Caerusnet team in 2019).  And Cherie is a really good giver in general! Not just in Caerusnet passing referrals but also by supporting food pantries and helping feed the hungry.  Enjoy our conversation with this this extremely “Good” Caerusnet Member!

    How long have you been in your profession? I’ve been in the mortgage industry since 2016 but started out in financial education back in 2003, which has been a critical influence for me to get into the mortgage industry. I was encouraged by my financial and realtor friends to look into mortgage lending because it seemed to be a natural fit.  They were right!

    What is the best thing about your business/career? I get to help provide education and support with the largest purchase likely anyone will make … their home! If you know of an individual that deserves to have strong support with their new home purchase or refinance, I’d be happy to offer this guidance to them. We have a variety of unique programs at Level One that offer additional assistance to our clients such as: low down payment options, lower closing costs, and portfolio programs with no mortgage insurance.

    What is it about the Caerusnet model that you like most?   As professional service providers, we are stronger together.  Why not have 20+ advocates out in the community that can look out for opportunities for each other?

    Share a success story about why giving referrals/bringing visitors are beneficial to you? I believe in strong partnerships and I love being able to introduce a client to my Caerusnet partners to offer additional support to them. This, in return, helps to build stronger relationships and improved loyalty for all of us. We are all experts in our fields and this is validated when we are able to work collectively to help improve the lives of our clients.

    Any tips on learning how to find situations where you can create a referral?  I’m always listening.  Whether that is at a family function or hanging out with friends. I want to genuinely know how things are going for them and if I can help them in any way, including making a strong connection with a Caerusnet partner.

    What is your strategy with your member minute and your spotlight presentation?  I try to provide education or mortgage tips that are valuable, especially since many of us currently own a mortgage. Not all of us had an opportunity to understand the “WHY” when we secured our last mortgage and I want people to learn how easy it is to get ahead of their mortgage and to regain control.

    What is your approach to positioning yourself as a resource in the community?  I focus on my continued education in the mortgage industry. There are many intricacies and for some it can seem overwhelming. I want to be that trusted resource that can help guide people through a variety of scenarios. Mortgage situations are not all the same and I want individuals to know they can turn to me to get answers, no matter what stage of the mortgage process/cycle they are in.

    Tips on how to be successful in Caerusnet?   Passing along a warm referral (email introduction, CCing your Caerusnet partner) is highly effective. It establishes a trusting connection with that potential client.  Get to know your fellow Caerusnet referral partners. Find commonalities and ways in which you can champion each other keeping your eyes and ears open for any possible referral or connection.

    If you want to connect with Cherie Good, you can find her on the Caerusnet website Member directory search engine and here’s a link to her website: www.YourGoodLender.com

     

    In addition, here are some of Cherie’s unique ways to provide lending scenarios to specific audiences:

     

  • Jason Tracey’s “Business On A Bike” With Wendy Caverly

    Jason Tracey’s “Business On A Bike” With Wendy Caverly

    Enjoy this episode of Jason Tracey’s “Business On A Bike” he rides into Howell to spend time with Wendy Caverly, the Chief Referral Officer of Caerusnet Connections!

  • Caerusnet’s Doug Moffat Talks Opportunity in Kairos @ Hero Roundtable

    Caerusnet’s Doug Moffat Talks Opportunity in Kairos @ Hero Roundtable

    Learn something new and powerful from Doug Moffat, of The Moffat Group, leadership coach and Facilitator of the Caerusnet Brighton Tuesday 10am & Ann Arbor Wednesday 10am teams!