Expanding your network via multiple networking groups

Many of you that know me, also know that I'm out there networking on a regular basis. You'll see me participate at the Integrity Networking Group, Rotary Clubs where I speak about the future of the Internet, at other networking groups where I'm asked to talk about Effective Networking, and anytime I'm inline at the local Coffee shop. I quit the cave a few years ago for the benefits of meeting other business people who are out and about.

But there is a potential ethical dilemma when networking: The object of networking is to increase business, the route is by the creation of valuable business relationships with others, the hope is that they will refer business to you and, of course, you'll refer business to them. I certainly do that! One of the advantages of being outside the cave is that I find others that could use the business services by those in my networks.
The ethical issue is in committing to give referrals to a particular business owner. How can you commit to refer business to, say, a Printer, in one group and yet do the same for a printer in another group?

Last week at a networking group in Fort Lauderdale, I met with the current chairman of the Forte Networking Group and discussed this issue. They (another member of the group participated in the conversation) brought some insight to this matter that is really worth exploring.

The solution appears to be simple: Sorry to use a glib expression, but it's a matter of horses for courses!

I know several very good computer repair companies, reaching from West Palm Beach Florida down to the deep south (Miami Dade). However, they each have their specialties, and so when I meet someone that needs a computer repair contact, then I can determine which of my network are best suited their needs. So if it's a large Corporation, then my Miami contact would be the best fit, if it's a Mac system need of some TLC, then my contact in Fort Lauderdale would be the best fit, and if it were for a small office/home office system or network, then my contact would be from Coral Springs.

Let's face it: If your long time neighbor is a landscaper and has provided you services since Noah's ark touched down on dry land, then you'll probably refer business to her. But if you get a referral opportunity in another state and your neighbor will not work outside of your county, then you'll need to find another landscaper! You can be that you neighbor has a network of landscapers so that she can redirect someone when she needs to. So you should too!

So don't be bashful of establishing networking relationships with people in the same profession. I would go so far as to suggest that if you needed a referral contact for a project that your current network does not support. Then ask those in your network who would they recommend! And then ask for an introduction!