Pocono Business Referral Exchange

Creating business opportunities by introducing fellow members to clients, customers, family and friends who can use their products and services.

Member Guidelines

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The weekly Pocono Business Referral Exchange meetings are an opportunity for each member to update the group on the previous week. Each member can address the group to provide information about what would make the coming week a good one for their business. In addition PBRE members can refer business to other members.

The following guidelines ensure for efficient, and enjoyable meetings. If you would like to know more about our policies and procedures, read the Pocono Business Referral Exchange Bylaws.

To receive maximum benefit from our meetings:

  1. Attend meetings consistently. RSVP for each meeting via the web site after receiving weekly email reminder each week.
  2. Arrive at 7:15AM. Our goal is to start meetings on time (7:30) and end them on time (8:30). If it is your week to Host, please arrive at 7:00 to welcome all members and guests as they arrive.
  3. Come prepared for “2 Minute Highlight” or “10 Minute Presentation”. Rehearse. Avoid going over the time allowed. If you cannot give your presentation when scheduled please advise President ASAP.
  4. Be Courteous and respect other members. Do not dominate conversations or start side conversations while another member has the floor. Assume their time/interests are as valuable as your own. Respect others’ category boundaries.
  5. Save questions for the Q&A. Allow each member uninterrupted time to deliver his/her presentation unless they encourage questions.
  6. Be active in seeking referrals. Referrals don’t happen, they must be thought out in advance.
  7. Have fun.

How to give Referrals:

  • Understand what an ideal prospect looks like for each member
  • Steer the conversation so as to learn about the needs of the prospect and confirm the fit before going forward.
  • Do the prospect a favor by introducing them to the member. He/she should agree that an introduction is in his/her best interest.
  • Follow with a confirmation (by phone or email) that the member will call. They should be expecting a call.
  • Follow up on how the meeting went and, if possible and appropriate, attend the meeting.

How to get Referrals:

  • Be at your best. Treat referrals like your best clients, because it reflects upon you as well as the referring member.
  • Keep your word. There is not much point in referring people to you if you are unreliable, inconsistent, or unprofessional.
  • Be easy to deal with. People who are competent, cheerful, and pleasant are the best to refer clients and prospects to.
  • Say “thank you”. It depends on the nature of the referral. Something slightly above the ordinary. Sending an email or hand-written follow up card to someone who would not be expecting it can make a strong positive impression.