LJ Technical Services & BNI
A little over a year ago I was let go of my corporate IT job 5 months sooner than expected.
I started there on a 1 yr contract that lasted almost 10 years.
During that time I’d been running LJTS, providing support to customer’s that called me after the previous company I worked for folded.
It was good extra money, some years even doubling my income from my regular job.
During that time I was very selective in my client base. I had a short list of criteria for the businesses I dealt with:
1 They needed to realize that my primary job came first. It fed my family and provided what benefits we had at the time.
2 They had to allow me to set things up the best way I thought possible to minimize down-time and user problems
3 they had to have an IT budget or be willing to spend money on suggestions that would enhance the stability of their computing environment.
I had to turn business away because some potential clients needed someone that could drop everything and help them out. Others I viewed as potential problems because they didn’t really seem to care about who took care of them, they just needed someone and didn’t want to hear the details.
My business grew organically via referrals to the point that in 2007/8 I came to the decision that enough was enough and started working towards taking LJTS full time.
I had a planned end of contract Dec 2009 but the client and the company I worked for agreed to extend my contract to Jul 2010 without asking me.
But this was okay, I wasn’t were I wanted to be quite yet so i prepared to ride it out till July.
Soon after I was let go, a good client invited me to a BNI (Business Networking International) meeting. I took to it like a duck to water. “Who do you know?” is a question lots of people ask everyday while talking with neighbors, co-workers or friends. People are always looking for a good Plumber, Accountant or Realtor. People generally ask their friends who they use.
BNI allows a person in business or a sales person for a business to come up with a ready answer. “Why yes I know a great Realtor, call my friend Greg and see what he can do for you, In fact, here’s his card and give me a minute if you don’t mind and I’ll let him know you are calling.”
As simple as that you’ve increased your reputation as the “Go-To Guy” and helped out another local business.
And what goes around comes around. As people in your group get to know you, use your services, get feedback from people they’ve referred to you, your business will grow. Warm referrals are so much better than a cold call.
In one year, through the contacts I’ve made through BNI, LJTS has almost reached the breaking point of the amount of clients it can handle. The next step is to take on a partner to handle some new clients.
If you are interested in building your business through referrals, helping those around you build thier business and bettering the business climate in your area seek out your local BNI chapter. If you are in the Bloomington/Normal Illinois area contact me and I’ll be glad to bring you as a guest.
The Bloomington One chapter is looking for an Auto Mechanic, Painter, Handyman & Chiropractor.
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