Sunrise Networking Group
Sunrise Networking, a newer competitor to LBN and BNI, was recently profiled in Oakland Business Review. Here are a few of the highlights:
"It's not what you take when you leave - it's what you leave behind when you go" - SNG Founder
Q: How does SNG differ from other networking groups?
A: We went beyond the morning breakfast and have built a business family. Members enjoy each others' company because we understand that life is not just about business. We also have fun and engage in many networking events and charitable organizations from a bocce ball league to a golf league to attending Detroit Tigers games and more. We feel that raising money for a number of charities is very important. All activities are designed to introduce our members to one another.
Most networking groups have a lot of rules where you have to have leads or you get fined for not showing up on time and become dry, boring settings. At the SNG, we would rather have a warm introduction rather than get a lead.
Sunrise Networking Group in Oakland Business Review
| Topic | Replies | Likes | Views | Participants | Last Reply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specifics on the Thought Leader Program by Terry Bean | 0 | 0 | 157 | ||
| Networking Today, This Year and Beyond | 0 | 0 | 286 | ||
| MAJOR Announcement Today | 0 | 0 | 578 |
Does anyone have a personal experience/story of this group compared to LBN or BNI?
Well, Actually - I do (and the group sighs)
I was invited to come out to a group in Auburn Hills and visit from some of the members after finding out that I was thinking about running for City Council at the time for Auburn Hills. So, I replied - Sure, I would love to - sounds great! They had also told me there was a great Realtor in the group and of course a Loan Officer... so, I RSVP'd and marked it down on my calender optomistic of meeting some great new faces in my favorite city of Auburn Hills (ironically enough where our next MCC Live meeting is at BD's Mongolian BBQ at 11am for lunch) ok... sorry - side tracked (never type stories when your hungry). Anyways, about 2 days before I was to visit this great group that I was hearing so much about (I think that met at the former Holiday Inn at University and Opdyke if I'm not mistaken) I recieved a rather unfriendly phone call from (well, THIS TIME I will leave the person annonymous) stating that they have found out that I was/am a member of a BNI (like this was some secret society and "this person" had done some deep investigating and found some skeletons in my closet called BNI) and that they don't allow that. Following that with: "this person" does not respect that I would come out and visit another group when I am in another organized group and that I am not to associate with SNG as long as I am a member of BNI... now, if you know me - you know how I replied.
Of course I laughed... and said - WOW, BNI must have done something horrible to you and your family. I was going to simply visit one of your groups and was invited! I not mean to crash your wedding by any means and I will do my best to keep away from your SNG! I thought we were all here for the same reason??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
NOW - To be honest before I get tackled again - I want to say that I am by no means talking bad about this group "this person" calls SUNSHINE (rather ironic after that not so sunny phone call) but to be honest, I have heard NOTHING BUT GREAT THINGS ABOUT SNG!!! HONESTLY! I have a new client that raves about his meetings and mixers - Especially the last one at the Skyline Club in Southfield. LOL He actualy invited me out to attend that but, I asked - "Are there drinks involved?" He replied with: "Yes there sure is" and I liked the group even more after that! But, by no means was I about to come out to the master of all events as a BNI member when drinks were involved...
In closing - I would love more than anything to be apart of the Auburn Hills SNG group so if any SNG people out there in MCC can do one of 3 things for me: 1. Use one of those things from Men in Black on your leader about our "conversation" about my skeletons in the closet. 2. Take me to your leader ...or 3. Invite me and I will sneak in and if I LOVE it - I will switch... yeah, I said it.
- Love you all, Keith Stonehouse
I know several persons in it ... and one loves it while the other is indifferent. The one who loves it sells an IT related information service. His is an easy ask. The other one is involved in business process engineering. He never gets why he doesn't get the quality of leads that he feels he should.
I am a current member of Sunrise Networking Group and enjoy it. It is similar to LBN or BNI in the fact that they only allow one person per expertise/industry. What I like about it versus a BNI or LBN, is that it seems as though people are forced to give a referral at times and because of that you tend to get leads or names instead of referrals. It is more laid back at SNG and you tend to get referrals instead of leads. Also, we have a once a month social networking night. It is a cash bar but the hors d'oeuvres are no charge, and it's free to attend the event. It's nice to get out from behind the tables and have a couple of drinks and network.
As with any networking group, you still have to meet with your possible strong referral partners one on one and learn how to help them. You get out what you put in. Some other cool things are that they have a bocce ball league and a golf league, as well as some other larger one day events throughout the year. Also, there are now local discounts being given to SNG members. I like it better than a BNI or LBN because of the atmosphere and other possible avenues it presents. There is probably a chapter near you. Go to www.sunrisenetworkinggroup.com and fill out the information to attend a breakfast. And yes, if you wanted to come and see if you would like it better than BNI or LBN I'm sure you'll get let in to visit, you just can't be a member of both SNG and BNI or LBN at the same time. If there is already a member with your expertise in the group then you wouldn't be allowed to visit.
Thanks.
We all can't be everywhere at one time (except maybe our esteemed MCC officers : ).
Mary Hanser-Mary Hanser is all about LBN and how I and my friends have grown through the organization. Give me a minute (maybe 30) to share the experiences and benefits of LBN with you.
My $1 comment (inflation, you know) comes back to what MCC is all about. LET'S WORK TOGETHER!
Check them all out. Find the space that is right for you!
Last note - please consider degrees of separation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I may not work with the person you want to meet, but maybe they are a part of the the same spiritual network, social functions, PTO events, etc. Maybe my brother knows. . .
Mary
Those are some good points Mary and I couldn't agree more. Find a group that works best with your personality and who you are and help each other out.