Finding The Right Networking Group When You’re Starting A Concierge Business

The right network will be an invaluable source of new business and referrals.


Networking can put you on the fast track to getting the word out when you’re starting a concierge business. But, unless you’re in the right groups, networking can also be massive waste of time. As you start a concierge business your time will be limited, so it’s even more important to choose the group that will give you maximum results.

Before you ever think about joining a group, or even accepting an invitation to visit, you need to spend some time defining in as much detail as possible the type of people you want to network with and why.

Start with your target markets and, if you’ve been in the personal concierge business for awhile, your current customers.

Start by answering these two questions:

  1. Who are my most profitable customers?
  2. What kinds of clients do I want more of?

Now for the big revelation. The most valuable groups for you to become a part of aren’t your local chapter of BNI or the Chamber of Commerce. It’s not that these groups can’t be valuable. Rather, the easiest and most productive networking usually takes place elsewhere.

Trade and professional associations will hold a lot of potential for you. Most groups offer “associate membership” at a reduced membership fee for people in related industries who want to join. My most frequent referrals come from one professional group in particular that I’m an associate member of. Since my personal concierge business isn’t in direct competition with anyone in this group they keep me in mind when one of their clients needs our personal assistant services.  At our monthly meetings there’s one of me, but 40 of them. 40 potential people all with their own client base to spread the word about our services.My personal concierge company stands out because we provide a unique and useful service.

Make a list of hobby, lifestyle groups, and specific professional organizations where members of your target market regularly hang out. Want to work with young families? Offer to speak at local MOPs (Mothers of Preschoolers) meetings.

Does our concierge business target services for CEOs and their spouses? Look for a local hospital foundation to join as a volunteer. Children’s Hospitals are great places to become involved with good community work while you meet and work one-on-one with people in your target market.

Always remember: People like to do business with people they like.

In many ways starting a personal concierge business is non-traditional, so it only makes sense to pursue non-traditional networking opportunities.

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