VALUES
The purpose of the Lincoln Networking Association, Inc. is to provide a space for local business men and women to get together once a week and share referrals, testimonials, an business appreciation. It will operate under the core values of:
ACCOUNTABILITY
Members take responsibility of actions and outcomes.
INTEGRITY
Words and deeds match up. Members will be honest and loyal to each other and the ideals of LNA.
TEAMWORK
Cooperative effort by the membership.
GROWTH
Invested in lifelong learning, personal and professional development.
FUN
Playfulness and the ability to laugh and enjoy each other.
MEMBER OATH
Members will abide by the following oath:
• I will provide quality of service quotes.
• I will be truthful with members and referrals.
• I will take responsibility for the referral received.
• I will live up to professional ethical standards.
• I will display a positive and supportive attitude.
• I will live up to the legal, ethical and professional standards of my profession.
AGENDA
• Open Networking
• Member Moments - About you
• Featured Speaker
• Member Acknowledgements - About others
• Education
• Association Info
• How we are doing - Performance Goals
• Membership
• Treasury
• Announcements
• Inspirational Quote
“YOUR NETWORK IS YOUR NET WORTH. THE CONNECTIONS YOU MAKE TODAY SHAPE THE OPPORTUNITIES OF TOMORROW.
REPORTING
Why Reporting is important
• Measure your ROI from LNA.
• Demonstrates your dedication and commitment to LNA members.
Using the Apps
• Performance Goals
• Click to email responses to yourself, then easily forward the info to the person you are referring someone to.
• Visitor Registration
• Ensure visitors are properly registered through the app for accurate tracking.
ATTENDANCE
Minimum Attendance Requirement
• Attend at least 75% of LNA weekly meetings and events.
Impact of Attendance
• Missing Meetings
• Disadvantage: Not seen + not heard = forgotten.
•Using a Qualified substitute
• Advantage: Represented seen + represented heard = respected and remembered.
• Attending in Person
• Benefit: Seen + heard = known.
TERMINOLOGY
REFERRAL: Refers to giving contact information of a potential business partner, client, or customer to a fellow LNA Member.
1 TO 1: Refers to a 30–60 minute meeting between two LNA Members to discuss their businesses and explore opportunities for mutual promotion. This can be done in person, via Zoom, or by phone.
QUALIFIED SUBSTITUTE (SUB): This refers to someone who comes prepared to the weekly meeting in place of the LNA Member.
EDUCATION MEMBER UNITS (EMU): Refers to any activity completed by an LNA Member with the goal of personal or professional development.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (EC): This refers to LNA Members in roles like President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Membership Chair. The Executive Committee (EC) leads meetings, enforces rules, and provides guidance to support all LNA Members.
LEADERSHIP TEAM (LT): This refers to the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Chair, Membership Committee (2 additional LNA Members), Visitor Host/At Large, Communications Coordinator, Education Coordinator, and Events Coordinator.
VISITOR: Means and refers to someone who attends the weekly LNA meeting by invitation of an LNA Member to determine if membership is right for them. Visitors will have the opportunity to share a Visitor Moment.
GUEST: Refers to someone who attends the weekly LNA meeting by a Member's invitation without intending to join. Guests are curious about LNA but don't plan to join within six months. They do not participate in the Visitor Moment.
MEMBER SPONSOR: Refers to a Member who brings a visitor that becomes a member. Sponsors must attend the Member Orientation/Networking Training Course with the new member.
PERFORMANCE: Based on LNA Referral system data and EC-set goals. Members must meet or exceed 75% of these goals to stay in good standing; otherwise, the Membership Committee may intervene.
BUILDING CONNECTIONS: 1 TO 1 QUESTIONS
Preparation for Effective Networking
Know Each Other
• Share background and interests.
• Establish rapport and common ground.
Know the Business
• Understand the mission and vision.
• Familiarize yourself with how the business operates.
Know the Product(s)/Service(s)
• Product/Service: Get detailed insights into what is offered.
• Unique Selling Points: Identify key differentiators. Know Someone’s Ideal Client
• Understand who they are looking to reach.
Know the Preferred Means of Communication
• Email, Text, or Call
Know the Best Referral You Can Provide
• Understand the type of referral that would be most beneficial.
• How to effectively offer referrals. Avoid Sales Pitch
• Let opportunities for a sales pitch arise organically.
Engaging in Meaningful Conversation
Ask the Right Questions
• What do you like best about what you do?
• What got you started in this industry?
• Where else do you like to network?
• What are some of your biggest challenges?
• How can I best refer you?
• How can I help you?
Use the GAINS Framework
• Goals: Understand their professional objectives.
• Achievements: Recognize their accomplishments.
• Interests: Discover personal and professional interests.
• Networks Involved In: Learn about their professional connections.
• Services Provided: Get clarity on their offerings.
Utilize the FORM Technique
• Family: Ask about their family background to build rapport.
• Occupation: Discuss their current role and career path.
• Recreation: Explore hobbies and interests outside of work.
• Money/Meaning: Understand what drives them financially and personally.
Follow-Up and Building Relationships
Maintain Contact
• Keep in touch through preferred communication channels.
• Share relevant information or referrals.
Evaluate Interactions
• Assess how interactions are going and adjust accordingly.
• Reflect on conversations and refine approach.
MEETING TRACKER
*Member list and Sub list can be found online.
President:
Vice President:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Membership Chair:
Education Coordinator:
Growth Coordinator:
Visitor Host:
Events Coordinator:
Communication Coordinator:
Member:
Member:
Member:
Member:
Member:
Member:
Member:
Member:
Member:
Member: Member:
Did you share it to the performance goals?