In 2023, the Leads Groups within The Osceola Chamber achieved a remarkable milestone, closing $8.5 million in business. This marks only one of the several achievements Leads Groups have made since their founding. As you work hard in growing your small business, Leads Groups provide strategic tools and tactics to take your venture to the next level and set yourself up for long-term success. These groups play a crucial role in facilitating networking, sharing leads and potential customers, and fostering collaborative growth among professionals from various industries.
Leads Groups are designed to be a local business resource and networking opportunity for companies of all sizes. Each group consists of professionals from different industries, ensuring there is no competition within the group. This diverse composition allows members to freely share support and help each other’s businesses grow.
The groups meet weekly to exchange leads and discuss strategies for mutual development. In addition to these weekly meetings, members are encouraged to engage in “1 to 1” meetings, fostering deeper relationships and understanding of each other’s businesses, products, and services.
Each Leads Group is led by two officers who set annual goals for the group. These goals often include closing a certain amount of business or passing a specific number of leads. By setting and striving to achieve these goals, the groups maintain a focus on measurable success and continuous improvement.
Joining a Leads Group offers numerous benefits. The primary advantage is the opportunity to partner with other local businesses to grow your own profession. This partnership not only helps in business growth but also strengthens the bonds within the group. As members help each other succeed, they create a collaborative community that focuses on sharing business resources.
In 2023, The Osceola Chamber’s four Leads Groups passed 2,158 leads among their members. These referrals translated into potential clients and business opportunities, enhancing the profitability and reach of each participating business.
Because these leads are shared within the Leads Group, they come with an inherent level of trust and credibility. This means Leads Group members spend less time selling to potential clients and more time closing business. As a result, some members have been able to elevate their part-time passion into a full-time business.
The success of Leads Groups is best illustrated through the experiences of their members. Michelle Bowden, owner of Olivia’s Dog Training, has seen her business double as a result of joining a Leads Group and The Chamber.
But for her, it’s not just about generating leads. She shared, “Joining the Leads Group was confusing at first as I had never been a member of a networking group before. After a couple of visits, it felt like friends, after a few more, it felt like family.”
This sentiment highlights the supportive nature of Leads Groups. Bowden emphasized the sense of camaraderie: “Being a small business owner in the Leads Group makes it feel like you have other people that are looking out for your best interest.” This sense of community has been a game-changer for her, providing not only business growth but also personal support. Bowden’s experience underscores how Leads Groups foster an environment where members are genuinely invested in each other’s success.
Leads Groups offer a powerful business resource for growth through networking, lead sharing, and mutual support. The achievements of The Chamber’s Leads Groups continue to grow each year. For those looking to expand their business and build lasting professional relationships, joining a Leads Group is not only a strategic choice but an invaluable opportunity to be part of a thriving community.
Christina was raised in St. Cloud and holds degrees from the University of South Florida and the University of Central Florida. She joined the Chamber in April 2015. As Director of Administration, she manages the Area Council’s events, sub-committee meetings, projects, and board engagements.
