A member asked our firm to analyze the group's medical plan. I introduced a separate insurer for the hourly population and a much more efficient prescription drug plan for the owner/management segment. This saved the firm well into 5 figures annually and earned me a long term client (they're now adding a voluntary insurance program) and a strong spokesperson from The Association. This process of continual learning and exploring our respective businesses make us more attuned to doing direct business and to referring prospects from our many spheres of influence. Optimally, we serve as extended sales forces for each other and strongly "stand by" each other as references.
Early last month (during the extraordinary heat wave we experienced), one of my landlord clients called me to tell me that his commercial tenant was threatening to hold the landlord in default of the lease because the air conditioning at the building was not working. The client asked me to outline a legal strategy to defeat the tenant's claims.
I had a better idea. I told the client that the best way to fix the problem was to fix the air conditioning. To this end, I called Dan Donnelly of Donnelly Mechanical. Even though dozens of Dan's existing clients no doubt needed immediate attention during the heat wave, Dan got my client an appointment in short order and was able to make repairs, evaluate the existing HVAC system, and suggest improvements. Once the system was fixed, the tenant backed off.
Before I joined EANYC, the only way I could be a hero to a client was to win a case, or negotiate a successful settlement. Now I can be a hero by simply referring the client to the right EANYC member. The client was thrilled, Dan got some business, and the client thanked me profusely for offering a practical, rather than a legal, solution. Thanks to Dan, everyone was a winner.
EANYC is passionate about helping business people make connections. Whether through organized forums, email interactions or mentoring, members can count on making new contacts and deepening relationships with an expected outcome of advancing their business goals. EANYC is run by members, for members, reinforcing the goal of collaboration for mutual benefit and providing a strong sense of camaraderie.
Nathan Devore from Rich Worldwide Travel sent us information about a company that was feeding their employees every day. He had been referred to the company by another member who was working on financing an equipment purchase.
We contacted the company and are now catering their staff lunch two days a week. At current prices this is worth $50,000 per year. When the company moves downtown to their new offices their purchases for luncheon services may reach $75,000 - $100,000 per year. Typically we can keep these clients for many years. We are grateful every day for our membership in EANYC.
EANYC is not only the best organized and most effective networking organization in New York, participating in its weekly lunches at the Harvard Club and its cocktail parties at interesting venues throughout NYC is a very enjoyable experience. The members couldn't be friendlier and take their obligation to refer business to other members with a high priority. As an immigration attorney in NYC, many members have gone out of their way to not only introduce their employees who needed help with US work visas, but have also referred to me friends, business associates and family members who needed assistance with various US immigration matters. During my first few months of membership, the fees I was paid far exceeded the cost of the annual membership.
Joining EA is a process that speaks to their selectivity, ensuring that you are working with a strong group of professionals in mature businesses. Upon finally being accepted, and in only a few months, I have been given opportunities for sizable contracts. The members are genuine and work with you in good faith, which has tremendous value for an entrepreneur.
