Why join AAR? That is actually two questions in one so we will answer it twice.

Why join any networking organization?

You work hard for your business, as do any employees you may have. How would you like ten or more salespeople working for you, twenty four hours a day, for free? That is what a networking organization can do for you.

In our every day business routines we constantly hear of people who need this service or that product. Maybe one of your customers tells you they sure wish their plumber was as reliable as you were at being their mechanic. If you were in a networking group who happened to have a plumber in it, there is a referral right there. Your customer will be ecstatic at finding a great plumber, and pleased with you for helping them. In addition, your friend the plumber will be very appreciative that he now has a new account. Now imagine many more people out there doing the exact same thing for you, every time they talk to their customers.

Maybe there is an account you have always wanted but you can never seem to get past the receptionist. Maybe there is someone in your networking group who just happens to know the owner and can get you a meeting when you could not on your own. Now imagine all the people and potential accounts you have access to in a networking group!

For a very small amount of money (less than most other forms of advertising) and a little over an hour a week you can become a member of a networking group that will help you sell your products and services while giving you an excellent base of people to refer your customers to should they need products and services that you do not provide.

Why should you join AAR instead of the other networking groups?

Maybe you shouldn't. Each group has its own personality, rules, fees, meeting times, etc. You need to pick the one that suits you the best. If you can not make Wednesday morning meetings, we are obviously not for you.

AAR is different than many other groups in that we attempt to provide more structure and guidance than a lot of the groups out there such as the Chamber of Commerce's Leads group. On the other hand we are a little more relaxed than a BNI group. That is not to say that Leads or BNI are not great groups, just a little different.

The best idea is for you to attend all the networking groups you can find in your area to see if one fits you better than the others. Remember that while all the groups will probably be very happy for you to visit, some will not allow you to be a member of multiple groups at the same time, and that is not really a wise idea anyway.

Just as important as the structure of the meetings, rules, fees, etc, is how you get along with the other members. You will not be happy in a networking group unless you can trust the other people in the group to treat the customers you refer to them just as well as you treat your customers. This is the primary reason we suggest you visit all the groups, then when you are ready to join, let us know!