Gone but not forgotten!

When a member leaves a networking group, is that the end of their relationship with their fellow members?

The answer should always be no, they have built up a relationship with those other business owners/directors and representatives and that should not end simply because they have left.

We regularly refer business to former members of The Business Network Chester and South Manchester groups if the service can not be provided by a current member. We have built up a relationship with those businesses and know that they are reliable and trustworthy to refer to and the same should apply in reverse. Our two groups has a wealth of experience, knowledge and services that can benefit any company looking to refer.

This was highlighted last week whilst I was away as a former member who left the group to move down to London called me and asked for my advice.

He wanted to refer one of our current members to one of his clients but before he did, he just wanted to be able to give a couple of recommendations so he was justified in putting their name forward.

I am sure he could have found a business in the South who he could have referred but the Business Network member had made such an impression on him that despite leaving four years ago he felt they would be the correct company for his client.

I furnished him with a couple of directors of businesses who use our members services to justify his faith in the company for his peace of mind.

It was so nice to hear back from him to say that the recommendations were impeccable and so much so that he knew he could refer our member’s business with complete confidence. He then went on to tell me that this would result in a substantial amount of work as it was no small company he as going to introduce them to.

So what is the moral of the story?

Never discount or forget anyone because they have left your networking group or the area. With LinkedIn now it is easy to keep in contact wherever their location as you never know when they may need your services again.