FRANKFORT, KY - There's no hand-wringing or bemoaning troubled economic times at the bi-weekly meetings of Frankfort's Capital Business Referral Group (CBRG).
Focused on growing business through leads, contacts and referrals, the steadily growing cadre of small businesses is upbeat and energized by the old fashioned idea of taking care of each other.
"We're building steam at every meeting," says John Hibbard, financial advisor for Edward Jones, who helped found the group and serves as its chair.
The group, initially four members strong, first met in August 2009. Since that time, membership has increased to 20.
"We're averaging about nine referrals per meeting," says Hibbard.
This has resulted in a total of 160 referrals, generating $4,688 in income for members.
State Farm Agent Daniel Byrd, who helped form the group and serves as vice chair, describes it as "home grown."
"Through my association with CBRG, I have met people in the community I wouldn't have met as soon," says Byrd.
What separates this non-profit group from other area business associations is its exclusive membership - limited to one representative per occupation.
"This allows us to know each other better," says Hibbard, "and we don't dilute the contacts and referrals."
Another unique feature of the group is its promotion of "one on one" meetings among members. Members are encouraged to meet with each other personally to find out more about each other's business operations and products.
The agenda for each luncheon meeting is simple. Members are invited to speak a few minutes about their businesses, emphasizing a current event, product or need for referral. Guests are also welcome to present their "pitch" to the group.
Members then submit whatever referral slips they may have for each other, which includes the name and contact information of any person wanting a particular service or product.
A file box of business cards is passed around during the meeting, whereby members may keep a supply of their own cards and take out cards of colleagues to share with others in the community.
CBRG neither competes against nor replaces the Frankfort Area Chamber of Commerce. The goals of both groups, while similar, are complementary.
"To me, CBRG is a chamber benefit," says the local Chamber Executive Director Carmen Inman, herself a member of the referral group.
"The more people partner, the more likely everyone can be successful. We can market each other," she says.
The current group membership includes a freelance writer (full disclosure: that's me), photographer, realtor, lawyer, massage therapist, chiropractor, physical fitness advisor, mortgage broker, certified public accountant, printing and design manager, financial firm, insurance company, beauty products representative, air and water technology salesperson, senior citizen service providers, the area chamber of commerce and a local business magazine, Capital Living.
Both Hibbard and Byrd are confident the group will continue to thrive.
"Our members know if they get a referral from the group, it is going to bring them business," says Hibbard.
For more information, visit the website at: http://www.frankfortcbrg.org.