Local networking groups offer terrific opportunities to meet new people, establish new referral resources, and build long-lasting and profitable relationships. Other referral-based professionals such as lawyers, financial planners and realtors have been successfully utilizing networking groups for years.

Most communities usually have several different types of networking groups to choose from. Find a group that meets on a regular basis and has dedicated members. When the same people meet regularly, relationships flourish. Before joining a network, visit several meetings and determine which group you feel most comfortable with.

If you can't, or don't want to, attend meetings personally you may send someone from your team to represent you and your practice. Send the same person to each meeting-- networking and referral marketing is based on relationships. Make sure the person representing your practice is friendly, sincere, and yes if you are a dentist it helps to have great looking teeth!

Plan ahead exactly what you or your team member will say to promote your practice. The more memorable your service description the better, for example if you are a dentist you might say, "Our practice is state-of-the-art, we have digital x-rays and tooth whitening services." What is particularly memorable about that statement? Not much... today that message has become a rather generic statement in most cities. Instead, how about, "We are the only practice in the metro area to provide fresh smoothies, massage therapy and a media room? The more unique your marketing message-- the better it will be remembered.

Don't expect to attend one meeting and receive referrals immediately. Over time you'll notice returns-- the longer you know your networking base, the stronger your relationships are, the more referrals you receive.