I have had several emails in regard to my post comparing networking  groups to leads groups.  Relationship networking and building relationships can happen in both types of groups, but it takes listening skills, the art of asking pertinent questions, and giving unconditionally. 

As we stated before, networking groups usually have no limit to the number of people representing a certain category.  For example, you could have 5 real estate agents, 3 banks, 4 mortgage brokers, 3 insurance angents, etc….

In a leads group, you would only have one person representing a category.  For example, you would have only 1 real estate agent, 1 bank, 1 morgage broker, 1 insurance agent.

Networking groups:  You meet more people, and when you really get to know each person in a category you can determine which person would be the best fit for your referral.  An example would be if there were several architects in the group, and my referral was a difficult client.  I would refer the client to the architect that enjoys working with difficult clients.  The networking group gives you an option of people to choose from and get to know.  It expands YOUR network if you get to know everyone because each of them knows approximately 250 people - but then again - you MUST work at getting to know them.

Leads groups:  It is the purpose of the group to send all their leads for your category to YOU and not someone else.  YOU are the banker, or YOU are the mortgage person.  All leads from the group for banking or mortgage are suppose to go to you.

What are some of your opinions on networking vs leads groups?