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Business Networking Group

Hey Everyone,

I've been thinking about this for a while and think the timing is right with the summer ending to see if there is any interest a business networking idea I have. I am a full time real estate agent (mostly residential but I do some commercial) and have looked into joining groups such as BNI and LeTip. I like their business models but have been weary of joining due to their membership fees and most do not have openings for real estate agents.

For those not familiar with these groups, here are the basic concepts I would want to include:

-Regular meetings with some type of attendance requirements: I am open to weekly or bi-weekly meetings, or at a minimum once per month. I can be flexible with this based on the desires of everyone in the group, however I would say that the less often the group meets the stricter the attendance requirement should be.

-1 representative from each industry: Part of the success of these groups is that each person is a specialist in their industry and are referred business from the others. Having more than 1 from each business can create a conflict.

-Referrals required: In my opinion this is the most essential aspect of these groups. The "Givers Gain" motto works because everyone is trying to help others. I do NOT want to start a group with people who are only in it for their own success. This can obviously be discussed with the members to determine what is appropriate but on some level needs to be included.

My intent for this group would be to have either a very low membership fee or preferably none at all. The only expense would be for the meeting location, and if we find a regular place and we all buy food (presumably we would meet at either breakfast, lunch, or dinner time) we may be able to have a standing location without an up front expense.

Finally, I work out of Morristown and focus my business in Northern NJ. So ideally this group would meet and mostly have clients that can potentially be shared in that area. I'm not opposed to people from other areas joining but the key is to be able to provide referrals that are in all of our service areas. If you are interested in joining or discussing more please reply here or feel free to contact me at:

JeffGates@KW.com

cell (973)229-9839

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Tiffani on September 2, 2014 at 5:46pm

Hey Jeff, I'm game...I'm a financial planner and have the same issue...will email you

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Permalink Reply by Patrick James Law on September 18, 2014 at 2:28am

Jeff,

A proper network of multiple specialties is integral to anyone who considers themselves a true service provider. I am always looking to provide my clients trusted sources of information and services which I cannot directly address in house. This would be a great way to introduce ourselves locally to other professionals without the ridiculous notion of paying fees that seem to go nowhere. I can offer leverage from the North Essex Chamber of Commerce or the Downtown Partnership in Morristown for meeting locations and other potential members. Let me know how I can assist.

Patrick James Law

/AXA Advisors, LLC

Office: 973.401.2372

Mobile: 862.485.7321

Patrick James Law is a registered representative who offers securities through AXA Advisors, LLC (NY, NY 212-314-4600), member FINRA, SIPC and an agent who offers annuity and insurance products through AXA Network, LLC. AXA Network conducts business in CA as AXA Network Insurance Agency of California, LLC, in UT as AXA Network Insurance Agency of Utah, LLC, and in PR as AXA Network of Puerto Rico, Inc. Investment advisory products and services offered through AXA Advisors, LLC, an investment advisor registered with the SEC. AXA Advisors and AXA Network are affiliated companies and do not provide tax or legal advice. Representatives may transact business, which includes offering products and services and/or responding to inquiries, only in state(s) in which they are properly registered and/or licensed. Your receipt of this e-mail does not necessarily indicate that the sender is able to transact business in your state.

CA Insurance License # 0I36318

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Permalink Reply by Jeffrey Gates on December 16, 2014 at 10:11pm

If anyone else is interested in possibly joining this group please let me know. I'm hoping to get this group started in January. At the moment we have people interested in representing the following industries in this group:

-Financial services

-P&C Insurance

-Mortgage

-Accountant / Tax Services

-Law for personal injury

-Real Estate

I'm hoping to get at least 10 people in the group so we can definitely use a few more!