Taking The Leads

Walking up the stairs to a private dining space at Titletown Brewery in Green Bay, I expected to participate in an intense networking hour. The attendees must be busy. Why else would they need to spend their lunch hour searching for business leads?

On Jan. 13 a group of nearly 20 professionals were gathered around tables that made the shape of a giant “U”. Most engaged in casual conversation with those sitting next to them; laughing and friendly banter was exchanged, which made it easy for a first-timer.

Once lunch orders were taken, Phil Bellis from Fox Communities Credit Union in Green Bay called the bi-weekly meeting of Green Bay Tips to order.

This business-to-business networking group is made up of Green Bay-area entrepreneurs and professionals. Today representatives from building, staffing, media, product and service industries were prepared to share what they know to be the latest business happenings in the area.

Bellis acted as the Green Bay group’s moderator. Each attendee spent time talking about his or her company and shared newfound wisdom that could benefit other attendees in their businesses. Lunch plates arrived, but the members continued to take their turns as others munched.

“The intent of the afternoon is to let people know what is happening in the business community as far as business doors opening, doors closing and transfer of ownership,” explains Heather Vander Heyden of Fox Communities Credit Union.

She says the mission of Green Bay Tips is to find strong business-to-business sales people that will help broaden the reach of the rest in the group. “All of us are just extensions to each other’s business, because we know what they do and what they are looking for,” she adds.

Green Bay Tips was Vander Heyden’s brainchild. She started a Fox Valley Tips group five years ago as a spinoff from what she determined were the best characteristics of other networking groups. It has grown to just over 20 members.

Two and a half years ago,Vander Heyden established Green Bay Tips to answer the plea of those looking to identify business opportunities in the area. In late 2009, she created a second Fox Valley chapter to accommodate the growing interest in the group. “We don’t want each group to get too big. I think keeping it at 20 to 25 members makes it is a strong group,” she says.

The extra eyes and ears inspire Mary Hogan, a signage consultant at Orde Sign & Graphics in De Pere, to participate in the Wednesday gatherings. She feels the give and take of local leads and the support of fellow sales professionals makes the networking group tremendously valuable.

Jim Dobinski was initially drawn to the group when starting his own business required him to expand his contacts circle. His network grew as these relationships formed. The managing director of Stellar Blue Web Design explains, “It was really the catapult that set Stellar Blue in a forward direction.”

Guests are welcome to join in a meeting, although Vander Heyden asks that those interested in attending fill out the “Contact Us” form found on the Green Bay Tips website. The reason? The Tips groups are considerate to existing members and strive to avoid industry competition or duplication in a group.

Other than that policy, Green Bay Tips doesn’t operate under rigid rules. They didn’t institute pricey membership fees – an annual fee of $15 covers the web hosting.

Camaraderie and mutual respect was visible. Vander Heyden reminds sharing leads and offering support is easy among friends.

The meeting expectations aren’t complicated. Vander Heyden and Bellis don’t track attendance, although they would be the first to remind members regular attendance adds to the value of the group. Sales leads are not documented. “I figure that if the groups weren’t successful, people wouldn’t continue coming back,” shares Vander Heyden.