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Local Voices

Roundtable Brings More than Business to the Table

If the principle “give to gain” appeals to you, then you might want to consider one of the fastest growing business networks in the Northern Virginia region: the NOVA Business Referral Roundtable. 

Founded Dec 11, 2012, the Roundtable is organized and led by Realtor Darren Marquardt and Business Coach Marvin L. Powell.

Powell says, “Darren and I decided to start the group after we noticed a serious void within the small business networking community.  I can’t tell you how many times we’ve seen organizations fail to live up to the expectations of their members.  This usually happens because of a lack of cohesive leadership and clear vision.  Because we focus on providing our team with the highest quality proven success formulas, we feel as though we are destined to be the very example of quality networking leadership well into the future.”

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The goal is to meet with other highly driven, successful business owners, entrepreneurs and sales people looking to build business, increase sales and become even more profitable by sharing business and learning from one another. 

Each week, members are invited to introduce themselves and their businesses.  A keynote speaker shares industry and educational information meant to benefit all attendees.  And of course, there is time for networking through conversation and card sharing.

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Members agree that the group is indeed helpful, supportive and yes, lucrative.  To date, members have earned more than $80,000 in business through referrals.  But what is perhaps more significant is the relationship building that happens through weekly meetings and one-on-one brainstorming sessions between members. 

Jessica Drummond, owner of Don’t be Knotty, says, “[I am] so fortunate to call this group my business networking home…real, quality networking with outstanding people who understand the ‘village takes care of their own’ mentality.”

Janet Ford, President of Leadership with Purpose and Passion says attending the Roundtable “energizes her” and encourages her to think in creative ways about her business.

The group meets weekly from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Coyote Grill, 14101 St. Germain Drive, Centreville, VA.  The only cost for attending is lunch ($14).  Full membership requirements consist of committing to attending weekly meetings; finding substitutes when necessary; bringing guests regularly; meeting one-on-one outside of regular meetings; and supporting other members through referrals, encouragement and idea sharing. Membership seats are exclusive, meaning only one representative of each industry specialty is permitted to join, though visitors from any industry and specialty are welcome.

For more information, visit http://www.meetup.com/NoVaBusinessReferrals.


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