“Just a few team members regularly inviting one or two guests each week can make a world of difference and access to 1,000's of potential prospects.” - Robert Johnson

The Power of Connection: Expanding Your Network Through Teamwork

Have you ever heard of "Centers of Influence" (C.O.I.)? Imagine them like koi fish ponds - when you connect yours with others, your network grows exponentially.

That's the beauty of networking teams! By adding someone to your network, you gain access to their circle of influence as well. This means connecting your hundreds of contacts with theirs, and vice versa. A team of just 15 professionals can easily have a combined network of over 15,000 individuals!

The good news? You don't need a grand strategy. The secret lies in consistent effort. Just a few team members regularly inviting one or two guests each week can make a world of difference and access to 1,000s of potential prospects.

Here's why consistency is key: relying on everyone to invite "just one person" often leads to low participation. Instead, let's focus on a smaller, committed group that holds each other accountable. If each member invites two guests a week, that's a significant boost!

Benefits Beyond Team Growth

There's more to gain than just a larger network for the team. Here's how YOU benefit by consistently inviting guests:

• Become a Connector: Gain recognition for facilitating valuable connections, making you a sought-after individual.

• Grow Your Influence: Become the "go-to" person for valuable connections within the team and your network.

• Prospect Pipeline: Use invitations as a low-pressure way to connect potential clients with other professionals, building trust and establishing yourself as a resource.

Finding Your Guest Gems

Guests are all around you! Here are some prime spots to explore:

• Ideal Referral Partners: Identify professionals your team can confidently recommend to others.

• Referral Seekers: Look for businesses that could benefit from sending referrals your way, creating a win-win situation.

• Social Butterfly: Leverage platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook to connect with relevant individuals.

• Local Events: Chamber of commerce mixers, industry gatherings, and networking events are gold mines for potential connections!

Take Action Today! Action Item Checklist.

By consistently inviting guests and leveraging the collective power of your team's network, you'll be well on your way to achieving remarkable growth and influence. Remember, it's all about building connections and fostering a thriving professional community.

Action Item Checklist: Expand Your C.O.I. Pond

Goal: Become a key contributor to network growth by consistently inviting guests to networking events.

Action Items:

Identify Ideal Guests (Before Next Meeting):

• Brainstorm 2-3 professionals who would be ideal referral partners for your team.

• Identify 2-3 businesses that could benefit from sending referrals your way.

Find Your Guest Gems (Before Next Meeting):

• Review your LinkedIn connections for relevant individuals. (Social Butterfly)

• Check upcoming local events (chamber mixers, industry gatherings) and identify potential attendees. (Local Events)

Craft & Send Invitations (Before Next Meeting):

• Draft a personalized email or message inviting your identified guests to the next networking event.

  • Briefly introduce yourself and your team.

  • Highlight the benefits of attending (networking, learning opportunities).

  • Offer to answer any questions.

  • My favorite:  Hey __________, we’re looking for an insurance agent to send some referrals to.  I’m sure you’re already in a networking group, as most professionals already. Any chance you have a peer who might be interested?

• Choose your preferred method of invitation (email, phone call, social media message) for each guest.

Follow Up (After Invitations Sent):

• If you haven't received a response within a few days, send a polite follow-up email or message.

Bonus:

• Share your guest list with a teammate for additional outreach and accountability.