Lead Groups

Are lead groups effective or do they effectively waste your time?  Let's take a look...

First let's distinguish lead groups from networking mixers.

• Lead groups:
• Are members only
• Have strict scheduled meetings
• some even have penalties if you miss a meeting
• Steep upfront membership fee
• Plus weekly, monthly or quarterly fees
• One person makes a 10 minute presentation
• Everyone else gets 45 seconds
• Only one profession per group
• Networking Mixers
• Open to public
• Randomly scheduled
• Pay one fee
• sometimes in advance but always available at the door
• Talk to as many people as you want for as long as you want
• Opportunity for multiple people in same business to attend

Now let's look at the advantages and disadvantages.  Do you want to market to the same group every week or meet new opportunities?  Do you want to choose when you attend without wasting money already invested or risking a fine?  Membership fees plus "food" fees or about $20 per event?  Besides most lead groups deteriorate into glorified social gatherings.  I honestly do not care if your 10 year son scored a goal at his soccer game- I am here to conduct business and make money.

My biggest issue with lead groups is only allowing one profession per group.    First, if someone in the group already offers your product or service you cannot.  In my case I was only able to market business valuations and forecasts but no new business consulting or anything to do with social media marketing or advertising.  What is the point if I can't market my entire business?  Second, you are required to market their business to your clients, friends and family.  Now this wouldn't be that big of a deal but what if the business you're recommending isn't the best?  Would you really put your reputation on the line recommending an inferior business to one of your clients?

Not all lead groups are a bust (even a broken clock is right twice a day) but I would focus on finding some solid networking mixers.