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BUSINESS EXCHANGE NETWORK
Connecting to and with the Community
Business Exchange Network (BEN), for those of you who are new to the GGBA, is a group within the GGBA in which networking and exchange of business referrals are encouraged. BEN has generated approximately $2,000,000 for our members. Groups consist of approximately 15 members who meet for 10 sessions over the course of 5 months (i.e., twice a month). Each member will give a 30-second presentation on themselves at each meeting and one 10-minute presentation.
Diversity is an important element of BEN. Members participating in BEN groups represent a true cross section of the gay/lesbian friendly business community. Some members are owner/entrepreneurs, some are partners in small businesses, and some are salespeople working for gay/lesbian friendly businesses or corporations. There is a healthy mix of men and women, ethnic diversities, ages and experience.
Participants in BEN groups have the opportunity to learn about each other's businesses and become each other's sales force. This leads exchange model allows members to concentrate on developing long term relationships. These relationships are more valuable than any single lead a member may receive during the term. By building strong ties with other members, BEN participants may end up receiving referral business for years to come. However, don't forget that a great deal of business exchanges hands at these meetings. BEN groups track these sales leads and report to members about closed business. These are dollars in GGBA membership pockets.
Most BEN participants are looking for ways to network and help their businesses grow but, in addition, some people use their BEN group as a rehearsal studio for improving their public speaking skills. Others use these groups as a safe space for practicing how to articulate a new product or a growth phase of their business. BEN groups offer a sage and supportive venue where members receive constructive criticism on how they can fine-tune their presentation. BEN participants can transform themselves into a lean, mean, selling machines.
BEN offers a unique forum for learning more about other people and the businesses they own or represent. We encourage people to learn more about each other so they can help each other's business develop and grow. Remember that the real "magic" in a sale does not usually happen during a formal presentation. Relationships with people often have more to do with why a sale is successful. By encouraging long term relationships and helping members fine tune their sales skills, BEN is the ideal opportunity to network in the gay/lesbian business community.
Participation
in BEN groups is open to both GGBA members and non-members.
Join BEN Now!
COST Per Quarter: $60 Members and $100 Non-members.
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