Refer Local is a networking and referral program for the members of the Sonoma County GoLocal Cooperative that supports the GoLocal mission of reclaiming our local economic power through a commitment to local patronage, cooperation and personal responsibility.

Mission:The Refer Local program provides structured networking opportunities, a referral framework and various tools that enable GoLocal business members to give, receive, and track quality referrals in order to increase profits and customers.

Spirit of the Program:The Refer Local program is based on the spirit of working together to strengthen the community through economic partnerships. Participants will provide their energy and expertise to help keep our dollars local.

Why was it developed?

Refer Local was developed to help GoLocal business members gain more customers and provide a format for working together to strengthen the local economy.

Member Value: Members of the Refer Local program will gain the following benefits:

Customers - The number one goal of the Refer Local program is to increase customers for the participants. By participating in the program with positive energy, a spirit of giving and a commitment to learn, members will create the deepened relationships of trust and respect necessary to give and receive quality referrals.

Knowledge - By participating in the program, members will obtain:

· Deepened awareness of other GoLocal business members

· Education on how to give and receive quality referrals

· Best practices in positioning one’s business for better referrals

Tools - Participants will gain access to the following tools:

· Refer Local webpage on the GoLocal website

· Documents for reference in quality referral making and effective networking

· Relationships and connections with other members

Abilities - Members will be able to:

· Communicate their business proposition and brand effectively

· Network with effectiveness and ease

· Bring value to their clients through a local pool of potential business resources

· Give quality referrals

Who can participate?

Membership in the Refer Local program is limited to GoLocal business or organization members.

Guests: Refer Local members are welcome to bring guests to a meeting, including non-GoLocal members. The guest must become a GoLocal business member to join Refer Local and attend subsequent meetings. Interested business persons can also attend on their own.

New Members: All participants are encouraged to solicit new members into the program and into GoLocal. For each new business that joins GoLocal and pays their annual membership in full, the referring business gets a gift certificate to a local business.

Group Size: At this time, there is no limit to the size of the group. Should it be determined that the size has grown too large for meaningful connections and efficient processes, new groups will be formed and can be divided up in a variety of ways, such as geographically. Multiple like-businesses are welcome, however, one representative from each business is requested. There is no restriction on the number of businesses from the same industry at this time.

How does the program work?

The agenda for the meetings is generally as follows:

Informal networking - 15 minutes

Member and host introductions - 15 minutes

Topic/activity - 30 minutes

Feature business - 10 minutes

Announcements - 20 minutes

Feature Business: A Refer Local business member will be featured at each meeting. This member will have 10 minutes to present to the group about themselves and their business, and is encouraged to bring a raffle prize. The raffle winner’s business card will be drawn at the end of the meeting.

Education: At each meeting there will be an educational topic presented or followed-up on that enhances member referral making and business referrability.

Referral Process: Members use the education provided and the relationships they form with other members to make quality referrals. These referrals are made outside of the meetings, but are recorded during each meeting.

Tracking: Tracking of referrals will take place at each meeting. A binder will be available for members to write-in their referrals. At the end of each quarter, a referral announcement will be made stating the number of referrals, number of closed business transactions and dollar amount of business gained.

Dues and Fees: At this time there are no dues or fees for the program. This will change should there be necessary expenses for the program to continue.

How is the program managed?

The program committee (made up of GoLocal members) oversees the program and ensures that it remains focused on the core problem it exists to solve. At this time, members of the committee are not compensated for their time.

Goals: The program committee will create a small set of goals for the growth and development of the program.

Committee Roles: See details in the Refer Local Program Overview story.

Committee Meetings: Committee meetings will be held once a month immediately following the last Refer Local meeting of the month. All members are welcome to attend committee meetings.

Continual Improvement: This referral program exists to benefit the members of the GoLocal Cooperative and is therefore focused on continually improving its effectiveness and value. Participants are encouraged to share their thoughts, ideas and constructive criticism around how the program can be improved.

Decision-Making: Decisions pertaining to the coordination and execution of the Refer Local program will be discussed at committee meetings. Members are welcome to submit their opinions and ideas. Final decisions will be made by the program committee based on a simple majority vote.

Conflict Resolution: Should there be conflict, members will follow the Refer Local Conflict Resolution Process.

Become Member | Renew

Member Tools

Rewards Card

Refer Local Meetings in 2012Special Pick!

May 25, 2012