For professionals in referral-based industries, a client recommendation from a trusted colleague is like gold. As members of the Endicott Referral Network, Endicott College alumni have a chance to provide just this sort of mutual support, while also reaping the benefits of traditional networking.
Now in its second year, the Endicott Referral Network is modeled after a national example, Business Network International (BNI), with a few modifications. The group meets about once every six weeks; each session includes one-on-one conversations, as well as presentations from two members that helps educate others about aspects of their industry. “To refer someone, you really need to understand what they do,” said Co-Founder Garett Seney ’10 M’13. “If you’re at a gathering, you might all of a sudden hear words that apply to one of our lines of work or sphere that you would not have known to listen for before the presentation. The more you know about what everyone else does, the easier it is to refer someone.”
Membership in the group is limited to one person per industry. The Referral Network includes members from class years 2005–19 representing a range of business types, including real estate, mortgages, financial planning, event planning, law, insurance, design, acupuncture, custodial services, and more. Members often attend other networking events hosted by Endicott, looking to find new professionals who might fit into the group. The ultimate goal is that the group would see enough interest to split into multiple chapters based on location, allowing alumni in the same industry to join concurrently.
“It’s networking for the true purpose of sharing your book of business.”—Garett Seney ’10 M’13
The Referral Network offers a unique proposition among the alumni networking opportunities the College offers. “This group really helps graduates develop their business opportunities or ideas fresh out of College,” said Tyler Johnson ’18, who co-leads the Network with Seney. “It offers a resource for the transition from graduate to the professional—Endicott does a good job of exposing us to it, but our group really specializes in entrepreneurship and someone looking to open their own business.”
Meetings are virtual now, due to COVID-19, but the group is looking forward to meeting in person again, as well as planning fun events like a social hour at Gully’s.
For more information or to inquire about membership, please email alumni@endicott.edu to be put in contact with the group.