Networking shouldn't be a waste of time

Suzanne Ratti  serves as the Executive Director of Thrive! Business Communities and President of Ideas360.  With 20+ years of business experience, she found many networking groups that were, quite simply, a waste of time.   Show up, hand out business cards, and go back to your office with no real connections, and rarely any sales!  So, she founded Thrive! Business Communities with a unique culture that fosters real business relationships with the goal of generating a team of resources to help you grow sales and ultimately, your business.  This model allows business professionals to network more effectively and build relationships and resources that can enhance your business!

"By carefully vetting every member, we expand our sphere of influence with a group of professionals that are committed to the core philosophy, serve as specialists in their respective industries, and dedicated to helping each other grow their business.  These professionals also serve as 'salespeople' for each other's business by focusing on providing warm lead referrals that provide a Return on Investment for your time and commitment.   Suzanne notes, "By fostering this culture, our group is a refreshing alternative to casual networking and time-consuming BNI-type models."

Thrive! groups have four core philosophies:

• Purpose - Thrive members are dedicated to building their business  through warm lead referrals.  Members actively seek out opportunities to refer their fellow associates and understand the inherent value of having reputable resources for the clients they serve.
• Industry Exclusivity - allows each member to serve as the exclusive expert for the group and go-to resource.
• Reduced Time Commitment - the group meets every OTHER week, offering a fresh alternative and allowing the group to supplement your business, not overwhelm it.
• Giving Back - we believe in giving back to the communities in which we live and work.  Each year, the group selects 4 local charities (1 per quarter) where we can volunteer time and/or resources, having a positive impact on our community.

Does that sound like a refreshing alternative to networking?  Want to join us for a meeting?  Guests are invited to attend up to 2 meetings before submitting an application for membership.