caerusnet

Tag: #godsofopportunity

  • She’s a professional connector and a career referrer! Meet Wendy Caverly!

    Since starting Caerusnet in 2008, the only “career” Caerusnet facilitator was its creator, Steven Zyskowski. After years of Zyskowski introducing and proving the Caerusnet concept worked, other professionals started to see that facilitating a Caerusnet referral passing team is a strategic and natural way to help others.   Wendy Caverly, aka Caerusnet Connections, took notice in 2014 and today runs seven Caerusnet teams as her primary profession!  Wendy will be honored as 2017 Southeast Michigan Facilitator of The Year at the upcoming Caerusnet Member MVP Awards & Movie Celebration on January 13th, 2018.

     

    How long have you been a Caerusnet Facilitator?
    I have been a Caerusnet Facilitator since February 2014. Since then, Facilitating has become my primary profession.

    How did you get into your field?

    Previously, I worked as a sales representative for a credit card processor. During that time, I was invited to visit a Caerusnet team, of which I quickly became a Member. Being new to the area, I knew I wouldn’t immediately be able to pass referrals since my personal local network was small, so I focused on having Trust Builder Meetings with other Members and on bringing guests (people I met networking in the community). I loved it! You see, I love getting to know other professionals better, what drives them and then finding out how I can help them connect with others to reach that next level. When I found myself at a crossroads with my job, I chose to follow my passion- supporting and encouraging people to grow their professional lives while connecting them to others who can help them achieve their goals.

    What do you enjoy most about facilitating your team meetings?
    What an awesome job I have! My business is to help others succeed at their business. My favorite part of our meetings is the Spotlight Presenter portion. It’s amazing seeing the sincerity, knowledge and professionalism of my Members. But overall, I most enjoy getting to know everyone and helping them find that person or connection they’ve been looking for. It makes me happy when I see two people having a meeting and connecting who without Caerusnet, may not have otherwise met.

    Why did you decide to manage more than one group?
    I have had the advantage of being a Member of more than one team, as well as guest-Facilitating several other teams. Those experiences gave me the opportunity to meet many quality professionals from all around. They also gave me the ability to expand my own personal network that I can tap into and refer to as needed. Caerusnet teams only take 30 Members and then they are considered full. However, there are hundreds of possible professions in the business community and I wanted as many chances as possible for other professionals and small business owners to enjoy the advantages that come with Caerusnet Membership. Membership gives them the opportunity to be part of and contribute to the much larger Caerusnet network, stretching far beyond just their home team. Having more than one team gives me a larger foot print, and also provides a direct connection for my Members to more than one area.

    Do you have any words of wisdom for those thinking about becoming a facilitator or those seeking to experience more success
    It really is not as easy as you think it might be. Groups may not grow as fast as you think they will. And it takes more time than you’d think to organize and run a one-hour meeting. And sometimes you have to make difficult decisions managing the teams. But Caerusnet Facilitators don’t just talk about ‘give to get’, they practice it as well. Be patient, be as flexible as you can (within reason) and enjoy it. It is worth the effort!

    Wendy (aka Caerusnet Connections) facilitates seven Caerusnet referral teams located in Fenton, Howell, Dexter, Milford/New Hudson, Novi and Pickney. Email: [email protected], cell: 810-348-0820.

    Ava_smr_dsArticle written by Ava Zyskowski.

  • NEW Caerusnet Facilitated Referral Teams in Michigan!

    by Steven Zyskowski

    With credit being given to Michigan Caerusnet Members and the professional Facilitators who run the team meetings, Caerusnet continue to grow its footprint in Michigan by referral only!

    This blog post focuses on new Caerusnet teams and Facilitators!  Feel free to visit (yes, visiting is FREE) and/or share this information with others you feel could benefit.

    If you would like to reach out to any of the professionals mentioned below, please click here to get their contact information.

    Caerusnet breaks into a new Michigan county with the launch of Caerusnet Adrian!  This team is led by Eric Jones from WorkForce PayHub, an Adrian based payroll and HR consulting firm.  Eric was a past Member of an Ann Arbor Caerusnet team and along with his partner and current Caerusnet Member, Chillah Weller, plan to develop and grow a great Caerusnet Adrian team.  This is a brand new team yet to hold its first meeting.

    In Livingston County, where Caerusnet was founded, two new teams are on the rise that are currently in “core” status (meaning they are assembling the first 10 Members of their team) …

    BRIGHTON WED 3PM is facilitated by Jimmie Plaskey, a financial adviser at Executive Wealth Management.  For over two years, Jimmie has been (and is still) an active and well-liked Caerusnet Member of the Wed 10AM Caerusnet team.  Jimmie is looking to grow his team with the “next” leaders of the community and is passionate about helping young professionals learn what it takes to grow by referral.

    BRIGHTON TUES 10AM is facilitated by Doug Moffat.  Doug is a founding Member of the Caerusnet Wednesday 8AM team and recently became an independent life insurance agent after working for many years with a large financial services firm.  Doug is excited about the opportunity to spread his wings and Facilitate his own Caerusnet Tuesday 10AM team from scratch.  His desire is to help others in the community have the same great experience he has had as a Caerusnet Member.  This is a brand new team.

    In the Lansing area:

    HOLT THUR 1PM team is facilitated by outgoing realtor, Olivia Somsel, who is convinced that referrals are the way to grow a small business!  The Holt team meets at Shaheen Chevrolet and is excited to host an upcoming March 29th VISITOR DAY.  Olivia’s plans are to build a great team serving the Holt/Lansing communities and she is committed making it happen.

    LANSING GOLF NETWORKING LEAGUE Powered by Caerusnet is run by experienced Caerusnet Facilitator and small business coach, Tom Hamp.  Tom is launching something new this year as he joins forces with the Golf Networking League.  If you love golfing and also want structured referrals, this team could be the perfect fit for those seeking “referrals on the fairway”.

    In Wayne County, the dynamic duo of Kate Lambert and Vince Engerer co-Facilitate Caerusnet Plymouth on Tuesday at 1PM. They own Apple Graphics, a full service print and direct mail firm, and they have been Caerusnet Members of the Canton Thursday 1PM team for over two years.  They run their fun and welcoming meetings out of the Burroughs Building in downtown Plymouth and are excited to build long lasting relationships in the community.

    In Oakland County, be sure to visit Marie Dowler’s Caerusnet Bloomfield Hills Tuesday 8AM referral team.   As a well-loved professional realtor and experienced networker, Marie is doing a fantastic job facilitating and is ready to take her Bloomfield Hills team to the next level!  The meetings are run out of Max Broock Realtors on Telegraph Rd and they have an upcoming March 13th VISITOR DAY.

    Click here for a list of all Caerusnet Team locations, including (but not limited to) Kevin Suboski’s new Ypsilanti Caerusnet team and Wendy Caverly’s “Caerusnet Connections” teams!

    If you have ever thought of facilitating yourself or know someone who could make a great Facilitator, click here!

    As always, stay connected!  – Steve

     

  • Beth Notarius is Caerusnet’s Chief Heart-repreneur & Grief Recovery Specialist!

    Beth Notarius is known in her 1PM Caerusnet Brighton Wednesday team as a grief recovery specialist as well as the team’s “Chief Heart-repreneur”.  As the driving force behind of Beth Notarius, Inc, she’s an entrepreneur with a big heart and a contagious smile. She helps everyday people learn about grief and helps them heal emotionally to improve their lives.

    How long have you been in your profession?

    I became a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist® through the Grief Recovery Institute® and an Approved TED* (*The Empowerment Dynamic)™ Practitioner in 2011. These two certifications positioned me with the tools to help individuals and organizations with two areas of life that we know little about how to handle — Grief and Drama.

    How did you get into this field?

    I didn’t select this field, it selected me!

    For 17 years, my husband and I owned a business that sold, implemented and supported Wholesale Distribution software. His sudden death (8 months after my father died) left me emotionally devastated and non-functioning. Amazingly, four months later, I had discovered and completed the Grief Recovery Method® program. I had never felt so emotionally complete, whole or passionate in my entire life. For the first time, I listened to my heart and knew I had found my calling.

    Then serendipity took over as I happened upon the three foundational structures of my new career. 1) The Grief Recovery Method training so I could facilitate emotional healing; 2) National Peace Academy training where I cemented a vision of being a community change-maker in the sphere of personal peace; 3) TED* (*The Empowerment Dynamic) training so I could help individuals and organizations ditch the drama and shift to resourceful, resilient, and really good relationships.

    Finally, I realized that these three disciplines interconnected and explained how I managed to find joy while caring for my father with Alzheimer’s disease. The Relate/Create/Hope/Cope Approach to Empowerment was born and graphically pulled the various disciplines together.

    What is the best thing about your business/career?

    That’s a great question. I have the gratification of watching people transform before my eyes.  It is amazing to witness someone go from a feeling of brokenness to personal peace and joy.

    What is it about the Caerusnet model that you like most?

    I get to network without having to join committees or manage the group. It is an enjoyable way to hone my skills and grow my business. Everyone in the group is hard working, dedicated and are good community-minded citizens!

    Tips on how to be successful in Caerusnet?

    Give from your heart to the group and develop personal connections that go beyond business. It’s quality rather than quantity of relationships. This builds trust and mutual desire to help each other.

    Confidence! There is emotional safety with Caerusnet. The energy of the group is positive, supportive, patient, and they really are rooting for you! This was especially important to me in developing a business that was a total change from my history. Joining Caerusnet is one of the best business decisions I’ve made.

    To contact Beth, visit her website at: www.bethnotarius.com, call her at 248-919-7617, email: [email protected], or visit her at the Brighton Wednesday 1PM referral team meetings!

  • Farming Relationships with MaryBeth Potrykus

    You will find her at most Chamber and networking mixer events in Brighton.  She’s supportive and she’s fun.  And while hunting is in her blood, MaryBeth has learned how to farm for referrals as a Caerusnet Member of the Brighton Wednesday 10AM team.  Enjoy our quick and to the point chat with “Mama Bear” (you can ask her how she got the nickname).  She has good information to share as her team’s 2017 MVP!

    How long have you been in your profession?
    Mama Bear Productions was founded in 2004

    How did you get into this field?
    A friend introduced me to Shaklee.  I had such wonderful results from the products for my health, I wanted to help others.

    What is the best thing about your business/career?
    I’ve been blessed with helping hundreds of people, with their health and financially.

    What is it about the Caerusnet model that you like most?  I like organization.  The meetings are started the same way, information on how to have an exceptional member minute and giving referrals, I don’t have to volunteer to head up the group, and there is always time to laugh.

    Share a success story about why giving referrals/bringing visitors is beneficial to you.  It’s always a great feeling to give to and help another person.  I know, like and trust the people on my team.  It’s a win-win for the business people in my group and for those I refer to them.  Nancy Blake, America’s Electric, was new to Networking.  I’ve seen her grow in her confidence.  She receives many referrals.  This is a woman who quit her job to help her husband with his business.  It was a big leap of faith and it is wonderful to see it is paying off.

    Any tips on learning how to find situations where you can create a referral or invite a visitor? Listening to an individual and hearing how they want to grow their business.  When people know there is no commitment and just check out the team to see if it is a fit, they are more relaxed and are interested.  I also offer suggestions on what is a good member minute and to commit it to memory, which helps with their confidence.

    What is your strategy with your member minute and your spotlight presentation?  My member minute consists of:  Who I am, what I do, and who is a good referral.   Getting to the point and being consistent.   In the spotlight presentation, which I’ve done several times, I flare it up.  I like people to hear why I sell Shaklee, all of my services, and personal information as well.  I want people to be confident when referring me.

    What is your approach to positioning yourself as a resource in the community?  I’m in the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce and have been for almost 12 years.  When I speak with people, I ask questions.  Not because I’m nosey, but I want to know how to help.  It’s just in my nature.

    Tips on how to be successful in Caerusnet?
    Give referrals.  Schedule Trust Builders.  And listen to other Caerusnet members.  We have two ears and one mouth for a reason.

    Share how your Caerusnet members have positively influenced you or your business besides passing referrals. Friendships.  I’ve met wonderful people in Caerusnet.  Recently, Andrew Bosak, our real estate agent from Buckley Jolley, went above and beyond for me.  I wasn’t selling my house.  Another realtor made a mistake, and I was receiving calls about vacant property I’m supposedly selling.  He provided excellent advice and contacted the appropriate people so that the calls would cease.  He didn’t make any money from this situation, but did it anyway.  Andrew is a good person and I look forward to passing him more referrals.

    To contact MaryBeth “Mama Bear” Potrykus, visit her website: https://mamabear.myshaklee.com/us/en/about_paying-it-forward.html, email her at [email protected], or call her at 810-813-3308.

  • Tami Bethune & BTG Solutions Creating Opportunity in Caerusnet!

     

    While visiting the bustling community of Brighton a few years ago, Tami Bethune, of BTG Solutions, noticed a business card display board hanging on the wall at Two Brother’s Café. And while Tami had never put her own cards on display before, on a whim, she decided to on that day.  Not too long after, Caerusnet sub-Facilitator, Ava Zyskowski noticed Tami’s card at the popular coffee shop.  Recognizing that the Brighton Wednesday 8AM team had a need for a referable website designer and digital marketer, Ava reached out to Tami by phone and invited her to visit the team during a brief but friendly phone call.  Tami has been a Caerusnet Member ever since first visiting the team and has become an invaluable Member.  We had a chance to talk with Tami about her business and her referral strategies.  Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the conversation we recently had with Tami …

    How long have you been in your profession?  Over 35 years including major generations of technological advances – Main Frames, Distributed Business Networks and Mini Computers, Personal Computers, Cloud Computing and Mobile. Artificial Intelligence and the Internet-of-Things (IoT) are the next frontier. My experience started off in the corporate world where I learned best practices and the importance of documentation and communications. The most recent 20 years have been with small businesses, including startups and non-profits.

    How did you get into this field? My intellectual strengths are math and logic/analysis. The traditional path out of high school was 4 years of college for engineering or teaching. Engineering sounded too technical. Teaching was a comfortable option, but there was the 4 years of schooling lock step with professors and in the end an average pay scale. So I decided to enter into the then “new” field of computer science with a 2 year Associate Degree in Specialized Business Application studying application software systems design and programming in COBOL, Fortran, RPG and Easycoder.

    What is the best thing about your business/career? My business acumen is to provide the best solution for the client taking into account their budget, their staffing and current processes, needed training and communications and follow-up. To do that I become an insider and trusted advisor to my clients and that is an awesome responsibility and privilege. That’s one of the best things about my business – working with other savvy business people.

    What is it about the Caerusnet model that you like most? It is a welcoming environment and, as promised, fun! I enjoy the formatted team interaction with people who I have grown to know, like and trust.

    What is your strategy with your member minute and your spotlight presentation? Member minutes follow a format.  Mine goes like this, “Hi, I’m Tami Bethune, BTG Solutions, bridging the gap in technology for small businesses.” Most prospective clients reach out to me for website design and online marketing through social media. So I pick one of these topics to focus my message: video marketing, statistical insights, trends, new websites that have gone live, domain management, site security, etc. Often the toolbox lesson-of-the-day leads me to formulate my message in a more memorable way. Wrap-up would be the same as the intro – “Tami Bethune, BTG Solutions, bridging the gap in technology for small businesses.”

    For the Spotlight, I like to use a slide show to help others visualize the variety of businesses that have used my services. This helps the team to know who they can refer me to. I also shared some sample website designs so they could see the finished products.

    I have a unique social media marketing program called Launch 2+45. That has been the focus of past spotlight presentations and I will likely continue to share that with the team. I encourage everyone on my team to follow me on Linkedin and connect with me through the many social channels as provided in my email signature and my website. This enables me to be aware of their online posts and refer their services through social media. Another realm of referral networking!

    Tips on how to be successful in Caerusnet? To be successful in Caerusnet is to be mentally present during the one hour team meeting. To be present, you will need to have your mind clear of the busyness of your day and week. 2-3 slow deep breaths on the walk into the meeting will help with that. Arrive 5 minutes early to greet team members, grab a coffee and find your seat. Fill out your name tag and referral slips if you can early. During the meeting your phone will be muted giving you and other members your best chance to be fully present during the meeting.

    Share how your Caerusnet members have positively influenced you or your business besides passing referrals.  My Caerusnet team members are standup people who help me think outside of my world. I learn new language for delivering an idea. I see excellent spotlight presentations that lead me to tweak my technique. I hear about great books, old and new, that have been inspiring to people that have been inspiring to me!

    To contact Tami Bethune, visit her at most Brighton Wednesday 8AM Caerusnet team meetings, email her at [email protected] or call her at 248-345-2054.

    #knowliketrust #godsofopportunity #Caerusnet

  • The Gods of Opportunity Complete Audio Book Download

    Click on the image below for the

    complete audio book to download or

    listen to on this shared Google drive!

  • What does GOLFING and REFERRING have in COMMON?

    by Steven Zyskowski

    On Friday, September 22nd, Caerusnet Members from teams across SE Michigan gathered at The Links of Whitmore Lake for a fun filled day of golf!  And boy oh boy was it a HOT day with temps in the mid-90’s!

    BIG thanks to this year’s new golf outing organizer and Caerusnet Dexter Member, Mary Frisinger (from Arbor One Mortgage Company) for putting the event together!  We also want to thank the HOLE SPONSORS of this event for making it great!  Also, “Team Wendy” featured host of energetic Member volunteers all with great spirit, helping make the 3nd annual Caerusnet Golf Outing a success.  Special thanks also to Dexter Members Shasta Grifka from Grifka Marketing and Marcy Smith from BS Designs for marketing and graphics support.  

    As I saw the golfers take off in their carts that gorgeous, sunny morning  I asked myself the simple question, “How is golfing alike to referring?”  These are the two best answers I came up with …

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

    With 50% of all purchasing decisions being made at the recommendation of those we trust, it’s certainly worth it to always provide the best service to our referrals so future referrals keep rolling in (the other 50% of purchasing decisions come from advertising).  Caerusnet was created to help you stay connected to the movers and shakers in your community.  We look forward to next year’s golf outing and continuing to grow the Caerusnet footprint in Michigan and beyond.

    Stay connected,

    Signature SZ

    President/Founder, Caerusnet

     

  • Register HERE for Caerusnet 2017 Golf Outing!

    Note: If purchasing a sponsorship, please specify “hole” or “beverage” in the notes section.

  • Testimonials Are The Most Believable Form of Advertising

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

    Definition of testimonial:  A statement testifying to benefits received.

    So, what are the benefits of a testimonial?

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

    What goes into a great testimonial?

    • Make it thoughtful.
    • Be brief and to the point, using simple language.
    • Focus on true-to-life success stories.
    • Focus on positive outcomes (example: solved a problem, saved time and/or money, went above and beyond with expertise in their field and/or outstanding service given).
    • If you can, dollarize, or quantify the results.

     

  • Caerusnet 2017 Golf Outing – Open to registration and sponsors now!

    #knowliketrust #godsofopportunity #Caerusnet