He is also the BforB regional director for the North West of England, running 13 separate groups in and around Manchester.

If anybody knows a thing or two about the value of referral networking and the benefits it can bring, it’s Tony. In fact he liked referral networking so much he bought a franchise. Here’s what he had to say about the network.

What makes referral networking right for your business?

“I work in Telecoms and it’s very competitive sector. The only way you’re going to remain competitive is if you get quality leads. What has given my business the edge is referral networking. For my Diamond Solutions business a high percentage of my business comes through referral networking. I’d say it’s probably in excess of 80% of my business that comes this way. Does it work for my business? Well, put it this way: I liked it so much I bought a franchise, so yes it does.”

Why did you choose BforB in preference to other referral networks?

“I’ve worked with other referral networks before I became a BforB franchisee and still attend these occasionally, but I prefer BforB as a network because it’s more relaxed and we only meet once a fortnight. But because it’s more relaxed I tend to get more quality referrals. Some networking groups can be frantic, and there can be business papers flying around. There’s not that sort of pressure to give referrals in the BforB network, so that gives me more time to get to know other members, do one-to-ones and also provide them with quality business. We get more time to understand what each other wants and needs, and this leads to exchanging quality leads that normally turn into business.”

What advice would you give to businesses thinking of joining BforB’s network?

“There are numerous ways with which you can market your own business, but what you have to do as an individual is find out what suits you. BforB won’t be for everybody, but only you will know whether it’s right for you. Sometimes people don’t want to get up in the morning to get business, so as far as I’m concerned there’d be no point in joining a network like BforB if that’s what you felt.”

“Referral networking is a very effective way of getting new business, but you have to be prepared to put the effort in. If you’re not prepared to sit down and get to know the other people around the table, then you’re not going to get any business out of the network. More importantly why would any member give their best clients to other members who they don’t really know? You wouldn’t would you, because if can have a detrimental effect on your business if the member you’ve recommended fails to deliver.”

Would you recommend BforB for other businesses?

“Would I recommend BforB to other businesses? Well, yes I definitely would, but only if they’re prepared to put in the work. All I would say is don’t expect immediate results. Take the time to get to know other members, and referrals will come eventually.

The post Referral Networking: I Liked [BforB] So Much, I Bought A Franchise. appeared first on BforB Australia Pty Ltd.

The children’s charity was started in 2004 in the Northwest of England, and is committed to assisting in the financial support and care of seriously and terminally ill children and their loved ones, and working alongside children involved in domestic violence situations in the North West. Through fundraising and events, it hopes to brighten the lives of seriously ill children and offer support to their families during difficult times. It grants last wishes, offers respite care, funds vital pieces of medical equipment and offers financial assistance when no one else can help. How did members of BforB’s Manchester Airport referral network become involved with and help the charity? Well, the person best placed to answer that is Wendy Hutchins, trustee of Wipe Your Tears.

How has the BforB Manchester Airport group helped Wipe Your Tears?

“On my second visit to the group I took a place next to a visitor, Amanda Ball of AD SPRINKLERS who I recognised from a networking event back in 2013, and we spoke briefly. At the meeting I had been given the 10 minute spotlight presentation. During the break Amanda explained to me and Andy Goddard [of Pia Financial services] that this particular group was not for her due to the sectors which were attending.”

“However, after my spotlight, Amanda approached me and said she would like to sponsor one of the projects I had spoken about – ‘Project Cuddle Bags.’ The aim of the project was to provide children involved in domestic violence situations a little bit of comfort at a sad and dark time in their lives: times when they have had to flee from all that they were familiar with to somewhere strange with only what they have on their backs. Amanda very kindly donated £6000 which gave the WYT charity enough funding for our first 100 bags. To say we were thrilled was an understatement.”

“At Christmas, Wipe Your Tears has a Christmas Toy Appeal. This is an appeal where we aim for every child to be able to open a toy on Christmas Day and have the same sort of excitement and joy which most of us at times take for granted. We visit terminally ill children in hospices, hospitals and refuges and are proud to be handing out a smile these amazing children who would otherwise not have managed.”

“Andy Goddard very kindly approached The Toy Project UK on our behalf and donated £220 worth of baby toys of which we really struggled sourcing.

How useful has BforB been for the Wipe Your Tears charity?

“Without referrals and recommendations, and people finding out about who we are and what we do, WYT would not exist. So we are constantly in touch with people helping them be aware of the fact we exist.”

What makes the BforB network so appealing?

The setup of B for B is relaxed and the ethos of ‘Know Like and Trust is fantastic. The meetings are structured with a clear definition of what needs to be done for a group to move forward and grow. Without the fortnightly BforB meetings business would not be exchanged and contacts would not be made.”

What advice would you give to other businesses who are thinking about joining the BforB network?

“Please attend meetings, and bring a guest with you whenever possible. Follow each meeting up with a thank you to everyone. Contact new members and introduce yourself. Once you’ve been introduced stay in touch. Contact other members who you didn’t manage to speak to at the meetings, and get to know them away from the group. Hold on to the contacts you’ve got to know and be there to give and not just take.”

Nothing breaks a heart like watching a child suffer, but nothing warms the heart more than the laughter of a happy child. Wipe Your Tears aims to hand out smiles and is hoping you can help it do that. To find out more about the charity, make a donation or get involved in some of our upcoming events, please visit www.wipeyourtears.org.uk

The post Without Referrals And Recommendations, And People Finding Out About Who We Are And What We Do Wipe Your Tears Would Not Exist. appeared first on BforB Australia Pty Ltd.

Well, if the experience of Darren McGuiness of Harold Stock & Co Solicitors is anything to go by, then the answer is definitely yes. Darren is a director and the one of the owners of Harold Stock and Co, a firm of solicitors based in Mossley which services the Tameside and Oldham areas. Established for over 30 years, and with a proven track record and reputation, Harold Stock & Co Solicitors offers a wide range of the highest quality legal services to individual clients and commercial organisations. Darren has been an active member of the Stockport BforB network for over 10 years, so who could be better placed to talk about the value of referral networking than Darren?

What’s the special appeal of networking forums like BforB?

“I think it’s special because it relaxed and that atmosphere helps when you’re trying to forge new relationships and friendships. I’ve been involved in a number of other business networking groups before, so I knew what to expect. But I can honestly say that Business for Breakfast is the best networking group I’ve ever been involved with.”

Have the number of referrals you’ve received increased since joining the business network?

“Yes they definitely have. I was fortunate because I already had experience with other referral networks, so I knew that I wouldn’t start to see results immediately. These things take time. My experience of the BforB network shows that referral networking is a very effective way of getting new business, as long as you’re prepared to work at it. Because I put in that effort during the course of the last 2 or 3 years with BforB my business has been able to generate £50,000 worth of fees from referrals. We’ve also recently won a large personal injury compensation case that was referred to Harold Stock & Co by a referral.”

Given your good experiences, would you recommend joining the BforB network to other aspiring businesses?

“I’ve been a member of Business for Breakfast for the last 10 years or so and wholeheartedly endorse the network. I would definitely recommend the service to new members who are currently thinking about joining a business network. Referrals are a great way of growing a business, as my experiences have shown, but you have to put the work in and earn your recommendations.”

“I would definitely recommend B for B to other businesses. As long as you’re prepared to attend meetings, put in the time and get to know other members you’ll see a return on your investment. If you want to get the best out of the network, however, it’s important to remember that you will only ever get out what you put in. You have to be committed to networking, and committed to making it work better for you.”

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Can memberships help your small business generate new leads and build a reputation in your local area? Well, if the experiences of Charlie Hutton, director of Hutchinson’s webdesign.com, are anything to go by, the answer is definitely yes.

In the space of just 3 years Charlie’s web design consultancy has grown at a far quicker rate than he ever originally anticipated. Much of the success he puts down to the power of referral networking, and the contacts he has made through his membership of the Lichfield BforB network. Here’s what Charlie had to say about the BforB network:

What have your experiences of the BforB referral network been like?

“I’m a web designer, and have been a member of BforB for around 3 years now. I originally joined as a member of just one group, but had so much success from membership of that group in generating new leads that I decided to join another group as well around 6 months later.”

How has BforB membership helped your business to grow?

“BforB membership has been the backbone in helping my business to grow. I’ve met lots of new contacts and have been able to generate many new leads on the back of referrals. Last year alone I generated £36,000 worth of new business from referrals from the two groups I was a member of. So, all in all, BforB membership for my business has been fantastic in helping to boost my profile and my sales and marketing activity.”

Do you think BforB membership can be helpful to other small businesses like yours?

“Oh, without a doubt. If you’re prepared to put in the work and get to know members, it can pay dividends. Would I recommend BforB membership to others? Definitely. I thoroughly recommend BforB referral marketing membership for any small or medium-sized business. It’s the ideal forum for meeting and getting to know businesses in the local area. Membership of the forum can open up all sorts of opportunities if you’re prepared to give it a chance.”

The post BforB Membership Helps One Small Lichfield Business Generate £36,000 Worth Of New Business In One Year Alone. appeared first on BforB Australia Pty Ltd.

Well, not if the experiences of Felicity Wingrove, founder and managing director of Zen Communications are to be believed.

In just eight short months within the Telford Business for Breakfast network, Zen Communications is already reaping the benefits of referral marketing, and has already recouped its annual membership fee four times over.

Zen Communications is a Telford-based public relations consultancy offering PR, issues management, copywriting, editing and proofreading and internal communications services. Zen Communications works locally, nationally and globally and proudly supports a wide range of businesses and organisations, from boutique start-ups to multi-nationals like petro-chemical giants BP, manufacturing masters like Wedge Group Galvanizing, and business masters like Triangle HR.

Zen Communications founder, Felicity Wingrove, started her business after gaining significant expertise across the world of public relations, corporate communications, and issues and crisis management. Felicity worked in the sector for over thirteen years including roles leading a national PR agency, running external communications for a FTSE 100 and representing some of our best known – and loved – high street stores, brands, and celebrities. Her role at Zen focuses on the growth and development of the public relations agency as a whole, bringing on board new clients and spreading the gospel according to Zen.

So what have Felicity’s experiences of referral networking been like in the short time she’s been involved with the Telford BforB group?

How useful and beneficial have you found BforB membership?

“It’s been great. I’ve only been a member of the Business for Breakfast network for the last few months, but it’s already worked fantastically well for us. Not only have we made some brilliant contacts, but we’ve also got some clients from our networking and some really trusted suppliers; all within the space of just eight months. We’ve already managed to make back 4 times our Business for Breakfast membership in the first few months alone. So we’re very optimistic about our future prospects.”

Would you recommend BforB membership to other businesses?

“I’m a firm committed member of Business for Breakfast. I really enjoy the meetings, and have loved my time in the group so far. I would definitely recommend BforB membership for anyone looking to grow their business through referral marketing. I really can’t recommend it highly enough. It’s fantastic, and I’d encourage other businesses to follow my lead and join a group they share an interest in.”

The post Referral Networking Pays Dividends For Zen Communications Within A Matter Of Months. appeared first on BforB Australia Pty Ltd.

A member of the Staffordshire Business for Breakfast network, Lilac Films produces cinematic, promotional and communication films for an exceptional range of clients, in order to increase their brand awareness and engage their customers, and is dedicated to bringing the qualities of high-end, cinematic productions to the corporate market to create truly unique film.

As an award winning creative company with a strong background in media marketing, Lilac Films feels confident in their ability to create stunning visuals. Because of this it has gained a loyal and trusting client base which includes the likes of ATS Euromaster, The Foreign and Common Wealth Office, Numerous City Councils across the West Midlands, Network Rail, and Midland Heart. The company has also had work broadcast on global giants like the BBC, Channel 4, MTV and NME.

How has the company managed to generate interest in its services, and attracted new clients? Well, other than recommendations from existing clients, Lilac Films has become increasingly reliant on referral networking using the Business for Breakfast network. How has the company found the BforB experience? Well, the person best-placed to answer that question is Production and marketing Director, Steve Cranson.

How has your business found the Business for Breakfast experience?

“It’s been great for us. We’ve been using the Business for Breakfast referral network for just over 2 years now, and it’s proved to be a fantastic way of generating new leads and business for our company. The reason we chose the BforB referral network model was because it was friendly and warm, and it didn’t have the formalities of other networking groups. But it still managed to generate business for us like any good networking group should.”

How does the networking platform work?

“The way it works is on the ‘Know –Like – Trust’ platform. We get members around the table, and speak to other members who know and work with other companies we’d like to get involved with. These members can approach those companies on our behalf. They can vouch for us because they’ve got to know us, and they can give a testimonial to say to our potential partners telling them we are the type of people these companies should work with. What better way is there to be introduced to a company than from someone they know and trust? Fellow members can recommend your services because they know full well that you’ll go in there and do a fantastic job for them.”

Would you recommend Business for Breakfast to other small businesses?

“Oh, certainly – without a shadow of a doubt. If anyone is looking for a networking group around the country, then I’d wholeheartedly recommend BforB. It’s been great for us, and I’m sure it will be great for other business too as long as they embrace the concept and get involved.”

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Soldato is a Crewe-based outsourced Credit Control company which helps businesses recover outstanding debts by giving them a system which helps them get paid quicker.

It’s a simple proposition says managing director, Felicity Milazzo, if Soldato can’t manage to recover the debt it buys the debt from the business. Saldato’s wide range of services have increased the profitability of hundreds of UK businesses, by providing a clear and highly effective credit management solution, together with flexibility which enables businesses to retain total control. Saldato’s services harness the power of the internet to deliver to your desk a user friendly service of exceptional quality and speed.

How has the company managed to generate interest in its services, and attracted new clients? Well, other than recommendations from existing clients, Soldato relies on referral networking using the Business for Breakfast network. How has the company found the BforB experience? Well, it must have been a very positive experience, as Felicity has since gone on to buy the West Cheshire and North Wales business franchise. Here’s what Felicity thinks for the BforB network.

Why did you join the Business for Breakfast network? What attracted you to this type of network rather than other ones?

“Having been both a member and a member of the exec team, what I saw was a system that worked. It was a very simple and clear-cut system that meant I could grow my business and help other business to grow their own businesses at the same time. That’s something that really appealed to me. [Through referral networking] I was also able to find trusted suppliers and support as well for my own business. That’s the important thing about a referral network: you are never alone, but get help, support and advice from other members of the community.”

What advice would you give to new members joining the BforB network?

“My top tip for a new Business for breakfast member is to listen; that is, listen to the existing members and see and learn about what constitutes a good referral for them. So listen to their 60 second spotlight, and see how that can help you with your 60 seconds slot. In fact listen to all the 60 second spotlights of all the other members, and generally get involved and become part of the community. That will help you take your business forward. With support and trust you will then be able to grow your business within a supportive community.”

Having had such a positive experience with the Business for Breakfast network you decided to buy a franchise. What sort of vision do you have for the franchise?

“The vision I have for the West Cheshire and North Wales is to build a community for the franchise: a community in which members can build their trusted sources of leads, support and suppliers. Working as a group allows the franchise to grow as you are working with sources bigger than the individual. I look at it as a ‘flag to rally’: in other words, a community that’s bigger than the sum of its individual parts. A community like that is much stronger and can grow more easily.”

The post The Important Thing About A Referral Network Is That You Are Never Alone: You Get Help, Support And Advice From Other Members Of The Community. appeared first on BforB Australia Pty Ltd.

What’s it all about and how can it help businesses build new contacts and expand into markets that have previously been inaccessible? Well, if there’s one person who should know the answer to those questions it’s John Fisher, founder and director of the Business for Breakfast referral network. If John doesn’t know the answers to those questions, then no-one does. These are John’s thoughts on referral networking, the beauty of the BforB referral networking platform and his plans for future expansion overseas.

Why is referral networking so effective?

“Business referral networking is one of the most effective ways people can grow their own businesses. The power of a referral is 80% more effective than cold calling for getting new business. A friend of a friend and a personal introduction is worth 10 cold calls. Business for Breakfast networking works for all businesses across all sectors provided you’re serious about growing your business and feel that you want to contribute something back to other like-minded businesses in your local area.”

Why should businesses be networking with a platform like Business for Breakfast?

“Well, you should be networking with us because it helps you generate new opportunities, and these opportunities lead to new contacts and they, in turn, lead to new business. The unique thing about the Business for Breakfast referral system is that it works best for its members because it works in a particular way: it’s all about getting to know, like and trust other businesses people who [like you] are actually interested in putting something back into their local business community.”

What next for Business for Breakfast? What plans have you got?

“BforB’s vision has always been not to be the biggest [referral network] but the best. So in terms of our system, what many members tell us is that it does change their businesses for the better. We’re all about retaining our members year-on-year, so we intend to build on the good work we’ve been doing over the last 14 years and try to help more new businesses prosper through the BforB referral networking system both here in the UK and increasingly abroad in countries like the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Australia and New Zealand, and hopefully in the Philippines and other countries in South East Asia.”

The post The Power Of A Referral Is 80% More Effective Than Cold Calling For Getting New Business. appeared first on BforB Australia Pty Ltd.

The core values and ethos of referral marketing are universal, so the same principles apply regardless of the environment.

The perfect illustration of this is the in the Czech Republic. Kamila Zarychtova may have learned the principles of BforB referral marketing in the UK, but she has since returned home and applied those principles to great effect. Kamila now holds the Business for Breakfast master franchise in the Czech Republic. Why did she make the decision to invest in the franchise? Well, the reason is simple: she saw how effectively it worked here, and she knew that that she could replicate that success in her home country. These are Kamila’s thoughts on referral networking and the advantages of the BforB referral networking platform.

Why did you set up a Business for Breakfast franchise in the Czech Republic?

“The reason I took the Business for Breakfast master franchise in the Czech Republic was because I saw it as a fantastic opportunity. I lived in England for 5 years and I met John [Fisher]. He invited me along to a BforB meeting, and there I saw business people helping each other: I saw business people being positive and looking for solutions rather than problems.”

“When I saw this I knew I wanted to be surrounded by people like this too. However in the Czech Republic there was no system like this in place. There was nowhere where people could get together and build long-term relationships and help each other. So I thought I could set up this successful system in my home country.”

What have you managed to achieve in your home country through Business for Breakfast?

“The biggest achievement I can claim is that referral networking is now working successfully in the Czech Republic. People here now realise that they do need referral networking to generate business. Through hard work and application me and my team have helped to explain and educate the value and benefits of referral marketing to the local business community, and the system is now working very well indeed.”

What advice would you give to members who are thinking of joining a Business for Breakfast network?

“My top tip to any new referral networking member would be to start with the BforB networking system as soon as you can. The quicker you start: the sooner you’ll start getting new opportunities. So join a networking group and get 3 1-to-1 meetings, get 3 referrals to your colleagues, get 3 guests invited to your meetings and make sure you get your first spotlight session and your first learning point session, if you want to make the best possible start. If you do that you are much more likely to get help and referrals and recommendations from other local business people.”

The post Building a successful referral networking system in the Czech Republic. appeared first on BforB Australia Pty Ltd.

If you want to know about the benefits and advantages of referral networking, then Ryan is, without a doubt, the person you should consult.

Here’s what Ryan had to say about referral marketing and his biggest achievement during his time with the Business for Breakfast network.

What do you do at Business for breakfast in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Northamptonshire?

“I help businesses in the Home Counties to grow using the magic of referral marketing. My job is simple: I help other business people become more successful than they possibly could doing it by themselves.”

Why do you think Business for breakfast works so well?

“BforB is a referral marketing system. It’s effectively a blueprint for somebody to run their own business. More importantly, it’s a system which allows members to grow their businesses by working together in co-operation with other business people. You can achieve a hell of a lot more together than you can ever hope to achieve individually.”

What’s your best achievement in you time with Business for Breakfast?

“I suppose it was a referral that got relayed to me through one of our groups. It came about because two businesses who were both members started to work together for their mutual benefit. Neither of these two businesses could have won the contract individually. But, there was a problem because the customer wanted one supplier to fulfil the whole contract.” “However, because these two businesses had developed such a strong and productive working relationship, formed through BforB, they were able to persuade the client to let them work together jointly. They got the contract in the end, even though they certainly didn’t submit the cheapest tender. The contract was worth around £150,000 to the two BforB members. Neither could have got alone, nut together they were able to seal it.”

What makes a good Business for Breakfast member?

“I suppose it’s the same qualities you’d want to find in a good business person. They need to be positive and enthusiastic. You also need to be the type of person who’ll go out of their way to create results for themselves. They’ll need to be able to do the simple things well, and they’ll also need to make sure that they’re in control. With those qualities they’ll be able to create opportunities, and these will lead to results.” “Anyone who feels they’ve got something to contribute to the business community would make a good Business for Breakfast member. However, people also need to be flexible and open-minded. Whilst referral networking may not be complicated, it is something which requires time and attention. If you’re prepared to put in the effort and are fully committed, you’ll get the best results.”

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