Thursday, June 12, 2008

Owners, Renters, and Squatters...

Networking groups, whether it is AmSpirit Business Connections or otherwise, all tend to have 3 types of members. There are Owners, Renters, and Squatters. Which are you?

Owners--Members of this type are fully engaged in their groups. They take leadership roles, whether as a board member or just demonstrating leadership skills and setting good examples for others in the group. They attend their chapter meetings diligently, generate referrals constantly, and are always looking for ways that they can contribute to the continual improvement of their chapter.

Throughout the week, they are always thinking of how they can help and serve others. Rather than having a mindset of 'what do I have to do to be successful?', they have the mindset of 'what else can I do to be successful?'

They seek out other networking opportunities, also with the thought that they will attend the event in the hopes that they can uncover opportunities for others, not themselves.

Renters--Members in this category are able to contribute to their networking groups, but usually only do the bare minimum to get by. If they're required to do something, they'll do it, but rarely will go beyond what they're required to do. Their thinking is dominated by, 'what am I required to do to remain in good standing?' If 2 referrals a month will be required, they'll make sure that they generate 2 referrals, but no more.

As long as they belong to groups with strong leadership, they can be good members, because they will be held accountable.

Squatters--Members in this category take up space in chapters and do not follow the guidelines of good networking behavior. They scoff at structure, minimize the success of others as irrelevant, and erode the effectiveness of their groups. They want all the benefits of networking without putting forth any of the effort.

They miss meetings frequently, generate referrals only if it is easy (like someone asking them if they know a good realtor), and rarely attend any other networking events. They love making excuses as to why they can't attend events or meetings, and if questioned about their behavior, will be indignant about it. They take up a business category in their chapter and keep it from being occupied by any other business professionals who could be a much better fit for the chapter.

Before anyone thinks I am overly harsh in describing these types of networkers, please understand that I am only sharing what I have observed over the years through my involvement in AmSpirit Business Connections. I have been a Renter myself. Until I fully understood what it meant to be an Owner and the benefits associated with it.

I do not expect every member to generate tons of referrals every month or to attend every meeting. I do expect professionalism. I do expect that members deem their chapter meetings just as important as any client meeting. I do expect communication from members when they cannot attend.

We all have times where we have a conflict and cannot attend an event or a meeting. It should be the exception, though, and not the norm.

Owner, Renter, or Squatter: which are you?