FAQ’s

What is a networking group?

A networking group is a group of business people who gather periodically to introduce their businesses to others, learn ways to grow their business, and learn about ways to grow other member businesses. Our networking group focuses on businesses located specifically in zip code 07424: Little Falls, NJ and West Paterson, NJ. In this group, you will get to know other business people from zip code 07424, and can refer to and receive business referrals from them. In the meetings, we introduce ourselves through 30 second introductions, learn about new and interesting aspects of our members’ businesses, discuss business concerns, and tell each other of the referrals we’ve made to other members.

What is the benefit to my business if it’s geared to a specific market and no one in the group appears to be a potential client?

Actually, many experienced networkers are exactly in that position. The networking group can help you increase your business opportunities because as members get to know you better, they will hopefully refer their clients, friends, families, and other business contacts to you. The person you sit next to at our meeting might never be your client, but she might know someone who really needs your services.

What if I refer business to or buy products/services from someone who is not a member. Am I required to buy products from or refer business to 07424’s members, even though I prefer my non-member vendor?

We always encourage our members to conduct their business affairs as they see best. You are under no obligation at all to refer to our members or to use them to replace your current vendors. But one of the benefits of joining a networking group is to expand your business options. We hope you will get to know our members and soon feel as though they are better vendors to whom you can refer business and from whom you can purchase services.You should also know that networking is a process that works best when you seek to help other members. Most seasoned networkers will tell you that giving someone a referral increases loyalty and helps to cement a professional relationship. In short, the more you give, the more you get, and those members who join only to get business as opposed to referring business generally do not enjoy their group networking experience.

Can I be a member of this group and continue to be a member of other networking groups?

Yes, and we encourage you to do so. You will learn much about different networking styles and which type best suits your individual needs. Our purpose in the 07424 Network for Business is to provide a more intimate and supportive arena to provide learning and networking opportunities. We hope that as you grow in our group and learn more about the rich diversity of businesses in 07424, you will choose to eventually make our group your primary networking source.

What details does the group expect me to reveal about my business? Gross sales? Who are my clients? If someone else chooses to reveal information to the group, will I have to do the same?

Generally, people in networking groups like ours do not reveal highly confidential information. We might raise a specific issue to seek the group’s opinion, but you should not share any information that you feel would make you the least bit uncomfortable.

In most cases, we can best help you grow if we know as much relevant information as possible about your business, your qualifications, your services or products, and brief profile of who might be your “perfect client.” (We have to know who to refer to you.) For example, a chiropractor – forbidden by both law and ethics to divulge names of his clients – might tell us that his perfect client is anyone who suffers from back, neck, or head pain or discomfort in any muscle. Beyond that information, you’ll tell us only that which you want to tell us.

What if one of my competitors joins the group?

We understand the importance of diversity. Each 07424 meeting group must represent an array of businesses to preserve the nature of a networking group Within broad categories of businesses, we believe in and promote the concept of bounty: there is plenty of business for everyone. While you and another member might have similar businesses, there should be enough differences between you that might encourage your fellow members to refer some business to you and some to them. (In the past, members with similar businesses have also been able to help and refer resources to each other.)

However, while 07424 Network for Business does not limit membership by general business type, our application process does try to insure that no two members are direct competitors

For example, while we already have a coffee house owner as a member, we would not discourage the owner of fine restaurant, pizza parlor, or Chinese restaurant from joining. While we will only have one lawyer specializing in contract law, it is possible that we might welcome someone who specializes in criminal or employment law

And remember: our rules specifically require respect among members, and thus prohibit ruthless behaviors (such as maliciously speaking ill of others, stealing referrals, and backstabbing.) We expel from the group any members engaging in such behaviors. We are protective of all our members, and insist that our meetings be a place of mutual good will and trust.

Does 07424 do anything else as a group other than meet every two weeks?

In the future, we hope to plan other events that might include cross-networking with other business groups, such as 07424 meeting groups, chambers of commerce, and the like. We will soon join the TriCounty Chamber of Commerce, allowing all of our members to attend those meetings and functions as well.

Are the meetings about “work,” or do you have fun too?

No one wants to attend a boring business meeting. Our facilitators will be sure our meetings address all agenda points, but always keep it light and interesting.

Can I send someone in my place if I cannot attend a meeting?

Networking is based on personal connections. We cannot get to know you well or continue to build a relationship with you if you send someone in your place. Your replacement might be able to tell us about your business, but that’s about it. We’re networking with you as much as we are networking with your business.

I am very interested in joining but cannot make it in the morning. Will there be evening meetings?

Experience shows that attendance tends to drop at evening meetings as business needs arise and take precedence over networking. We may eventually offer evening meetings also, should we have sufficient interest.

I have a friend that I would like to refer. How do I get him or her in?

Membership is by referral only, so we rely heavily on your good judgment to know that your friend is the type of business person who would benefit from and contribute to our group. To help your friend join, simply contact a member of the Board of Directors or a facilitator and arrange to have your friend attend a meeting as a guest. After your friend’s first meeting, one of the Directors will contact him/her to implement the easy and expeditious process of joining our group.

I currently have a business based in 07424. Sometime in the future I will be moving. If my new business location is located outside of the 07424 area, will my membership be terminated?

The purpose of our group is to offer a professional networking environment for business principals whose companies are located in 07424. Companies that move from that zip code are no longer eligible for membership. For more information, please contact a member of the Board of Directors.