Refer Local Program Overview and Upcoming Meetings

Lunchtime meetings: 2nd Fridays, 12-1:30pm

Jun 8, 2012: Homerun Pizza & Sports Bar, 484 Larkfield Center, SR

July 13, 2012: Redwood Credit Union, 3033 Cleveland Avenue, SR

Aug 10, 2012: Summit State Bank, 500 Bicentennial Way, SR

Sep 4, Oct 12, Nov 9, Dec 14 - locations TBA

Morning meetings: 4th Fridays, 7:30-9am

May 25, 2012: GoLocal Office, 555 5th Street, SR

Jun 22, 2012: GoLocal Office, 555 5th Street, SR

Jul 27, 2012: TBA

Aug 24, Sep 28, Oct 26 - locations TBA

What is the Refer Local program?

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

It's based on the spirit of working together to strengthen the community through economic partnerships. Participants provide their energy and expertise to help keep our dollars local.

Why was it developed?

Refer Local was developed by GoLocal business members to help all GoLocal business members gain more customers and get to know the other businesses in the network.

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; and 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?

GoLocal business or organization members can participate in Refer Local as part of their member benefits.

Members are welcome to bring non-member guests to a meeting, including non-GoLocal members. Interested business persons can also attend a meeting on their own before they decide to become a GoLocal member and participate regularly.

When do the meetings take place?

Meetings are the second and fourth Fridays of the month.

The first meeting of the month is at lunchtime (12-1:30 pm) and attendees bring their own lunch. The second meeting of the month is in the morning from 7:30-9 am. Refreshments are provided.

How does the program work?

The general meeting agenda is:

Informal networking - 15 minutes

Member introductions - 15 minutes

Topic/activity - 20 minutes

Feature businesses - 20 minutes

Announcements - 5 minutes

Informal networking - 15 minutes

Educational Activites: Each meeting there is some kind of educational activity that teaches participants how to make quality referrals and present themselves in the best possible light.

Feature Business: One or two Refer Local business members are featured at each meeting. These members have 10 minutes to present to the group about themselves and their business, and are encouraged to bring a raffle prize. The raffle winner’s business card will be drawn at the end of the meeting. Click here to sign up to be a Feature Business.

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

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.

Please join us at a Refer Local meeting and see for yourself!