What is the definition of a leads exchange and how does it differ from other groups?

So what is a leads exchange? A leads exchange comes in several flavors; first the exchange usually has exclusivity restrictions so that you remain loyal to only one group. This way the printer and the chiropractor that belong to this group will only think of you for a particular service or product. They will essentially promote your business as part of the membership requirement: to generate leads for others as well as get leads in exchange. These types of groups are plentiful and can work for you or against you. If you have done your homework and the group is active in the areas that you would like to be known, then this type of group will work well for you. If you work in an unusual business, it may be more difficult for others to find leads for you. This type of group will expect that you have defined your best customer and have given them the tools they need to seek out business in that area.

The best way to work this type of group is to generate many leads for others in the group. Once they know you are out to make the most of this, they will bend over backwards to ensure that you get enough leads so that you will continue to be an outstanding member of the group. They know that if you are dissatisfied, it is likely you will look elsewhere and take your great lead generation ability to another rival group. The more you give, the more you will get in this environment.

Leads exchanges provide many opportunities, but there is also some disadvantages to belonging. If you are focusing on your own business, then generating leads for others is a definite distracter. This can work to your disadvantage if generating leads for others is your only way to get leads from others. If you go about generating your own leads, you may uncover something that can be fulfilled by another member's business. The important thing to remember is that there is always a cost to joining a group.

Bette Daoust, Ph.D. has been networking with others since leaving high school years ago. Realizing that no one really cared about what she did in life unless she had someone to tell and excite. She decided to find the best ways to get people's attention, be creative in how she presented herself and products, getting people to know who she was, and being visible all the time. Her friends and colleagues have often dubbed her the "Networking Queen". Blueprint for Networking Success: 150 ways to promote yourself is the first in this series. Blueprint for Branding Yourself: Another 150 ways to promote yourself is planned for release in 2005. For more information visit http://www.BlueprintBooks.com