 |
|
|
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Fingertip List?
The Fingertip List is a comprehensive directory consisting of full time career professionals, budding entrepreneurs, and part time service offerings. The Fingertip List is a premier online local networking connection. The Fingertip List is the perfect place for those who have chosen to leave the full time work force (i.e. stay at home parent, retiree), but still have an interest in offering their professional specialty. Perhaps you have a skill such as cooking, portrait painting, or playing the guitar that you would like to offer lessons. Maybe you are a skilled tradesman who would like to do some extra work on the side. Even if you are in school or college and are interested in mowing lawns, or babysitting, this is the place for you! Through membership in The Fingertip List local businesses can help each other and the local community grow.
What is networking?
Networking is the process of making connections and building relationships with other professionals in your area to exchange referrals and share education and experience. Networking offers an opportunity to share with or learn from others in the group about services and resources that are available in your area. Networking offers the opportunity to connect with sources, contacts, and important information vital to success in business. Networking is a process of giving and receiving; it is a mutually beneficial program.
Why would I want to join The Fingertip List?
Joining The Fingertip List will be one of the most powerful strategies you will ever adopt to generate new business for yourself and your company. By joining you are increasing your exposure to potential clients/customers. There are only 24 hours in a day, seven days in a week. There is only so much one individual can accomplish on one’s own. But imagine adding 30, 50, 100, or even more sales people to your work force without increasing your staffing expenses. Studies have shown that each person knows roughly 250 other people. So, for every individual/company listed in your group you add another person getting your name out to potential customers 250+ of them. For every group you list in, you add those people to your staff and add yourself to their staff. You are only one person and you alone can get only so much done. But together we can help each other grow.
What occupations benefit the most from networking?
Absolutely any occupation can benefit from networking. Keep in mind that it is not the occupation but rather it is the individual that makes networking beneficial. The individual who benefits the most is the one who is focused and is willing to work toward accomplishing their dreams.
Who can join The Fingertip List?
The Fingertip List.com is the perfect place for full time career professional or part time hobbyist. It doesn't matter if you are part of an established company or a budding entrepreneur. Anyone who is dedicated to their profession and who desires to grow their business through education and referrals can join The Fingertip List. Don't hesitate. Get on board and let your local community know what you do.
How do I get my company listed in your directory?
Go ahead - click on the services page. Then click on the "Apply now" button and simply fill out the application. That's all there is to it!
How are groups formed?
Groups are formed based on population and location.
How do I decide what group I want to be in?
The Fingertip List is designed to bring together individuals within communities. Based on your zip code we place you in the appropriate group to get you connected with other people in hour area!
How do I decide what category I want to be in?
What is your main line of business? If your company performs a variety of services, you may be required to request an additional membership.
Do I have to attend weekly meetings like other networking groups?
No. If you have ever belonged to a networking group you realize there are advantages and disadvantages to attendance. The Fingertip List realizes the importance of meetings and connections with others. The Fingertip List also realizes the value of your time. It isn’t always easy to find time in a day to squeeze in one more meeting. That is why we have set up the forums. You are able to network and interact with other members of your group 24 hours a day, seven days a week – on your schedule.
Can I expect to get referrals immediately?
You get out of networking what you put into it. There is no guarantee on referrals. There is no exact time frame to work within. Some people will get referrals as soon as they get listed. Others will find it takes time to start reaping the benefits of the referral system. So, getting to know others and helping them get to know you will start this referral process going at a faster pace. Remember, friends buy from friends.
Are there a required number of referrals I have to give?
There is no required number of referrals required to maintain membership in The Fingertip List. But realize, the one true way of receiving is to give – the more we give, the more we get. If you come into a networking group only looking to see what you can get from the group, you could be disappointed. If you come into the group intending to give all that you can give, you will find that you will receive more than you could ever hope for – not just in referrals and added work, but in new found friendships and in an ability to help your own family, friends, acquaintances, and business contacts by offering them additional services and connections to satisfy their needs.
Is this a 'get rich quick' scheme?
We all know that the “get rich quick” scheme is a gimmick. No one can offer us the instant solution to the high life. What networking can do is open up the doors and increase the possibilities that are otherwise unavailable while reducing the amount of time needed to access all these possibilities.
Will I just sit back and reap the benefits? What does the group get from me?
It could happen. However, The Fingertip List follows a simple philosophy: If I give you business, you will want to give me business. If I help you and you help me, through this exchange of business we will both prosper. Activity is critical – to you and to your group. The more you put into it, the more you will get out.
How do I connect with others and build the relationships and trust necessary to benefit from referrals?
By logging on through the forums you are able to communicate directly with any other member of your group. This will allow you to form deeper relationships and better understanding of the other members of your group. You can also decide to meet for what is referred to as a 'One-on-One' where two people from the group get together for coffee, breakfast, lunch, whatever and spend time getting to know each other both personally and professionally.
How do I let others know that I am reputable?
Again, there is an application process which is used to verify each company that applies for membership in The Fingertip List. But the same is true of how you know if another is reputable – use the forums, communicate, share, get to know one another. Through this method you form a deeper connection and a greater understanding of others in your group and they will in turn get that understanding of you and your company.
How do I know new members are reputable?
The Fingertip List offers no guarantee of the reputation nor the quality of workmanship of any business on this site. We count on the group members to inform us of any issues with any particular member. The best way to ensure that you feel comfortable with the reputation of other members and they feel comfortable with yours is to participate in the open forums and get to know each other through communication.
What if a member gets a referral and does poor work?
As with any situation, if you offer a referral there is no way to guarantee the work of the other individual/company. Again, the best way to ensure that you feel comfortable with the reputation of other members and they feel comfortable with yours is to participate in the open forums and get to know each other through open communication. This is also a way of sharing any concerns you might have with a job done by the other company. This gives an opportunity to clear up any misunderstandings and to “right any wrongs” to the satisfaction of everyone concerned. If using this method still leaves a situation unresolved, notify the board administrator of your concern.
What if I get bogus referrals?
Unfortunately we cannot protect you from getting bogus referrals from time to time. The Fingertip List does not guarantee that every referral will prove financially beneficial. However, if you find that you are continually receiving bogus referrals from any particular company, simply contact the board administrator. They will check into the situation and if warranted remove the company from the site.
What is the cost of membership?
There is no cost to be on the forums and/or to receive a listing in your local directory. Belonging to The Fingertip List is absolutely free.
Are there levels of membership available?
No, there are no levels. Everyone can be a member of The Fingertip List to network and get to know and share information with other people in their community. The only requirement for a free listing is that you offer legal goods or services to people in your area.
Commitment to a group?
Through years of experience, it has been found that the referral process takes time. Trust among members of the group must be built, relationships must be cultivated. Once all these things are established, the referrals will begin to flow. Be patient and you will see the incredible benefits of belonging to a referral group.
Will I be billed?
No. There are no fees associated with membership in The Fingertipi List.
Any other questions?
Still not sure if The Fingertip List is for you? Contact us and we’ll answer any questions you might have.
|
|
|
|
|
