Is referral networking an effective way of generating new leads and building a steady and sustainable source of business?
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.”