History
The Business Exchange, Northeast Ohio’s original business development and networking organization, was founded in June of 1989. Several business owners and sales professionals were looking for ways to develop their business and obtain new customers.
They found that networking seemed to be the key to success. After researching many books and articles on networking, a recurring theme was obvious — networking is about sharing information and forming strategic alliances and relationships. Most networking opportunities at the time were focused primarily on socializing, eating, or simply listening to speakers. A goal was set to create a process where meetings could be more productive and structured.
The Business Exchange founders identified with organizations in other states that provided weekly meetings, in a non-competitive setting as a way to generate qualified referrals. Thinking this concept was right on, they formed a group with a clearly defined purpose — SALES! The group grew from 6 to 24 people in 6 weeks and was called “Lead Exchange.” People were soon turned away due to the “no-compete” membership clause and a decision was made to open up more chapters. Within a year, Lead Exchange had 8 chapters in 3 different counties. The company was then renamed “Business Exchange” because members were gaining so much more than merely referrals from their participation.
Vision and Values
The Business Exchange is a business development organization where all members share a common focus, purpose and passion for helping each other achieve greater success in life. This is achieved by focusing on the inherent value of people and relationships, desiring to help others, yearning for continual growth and insight into both our personal and professional lives — and above all else — a commitment to integrity.
The Business Exchange vs. Our Competition
We believe that a weekly meeting format is essential in building better business relationships. The stronger your relationships are with fellow members, the better chance you have receiving an introduction or qualified referral. These relationships are built more efficient in a face-to-face, non-competitive setting.
Far from being merely a leads group, The Business Exchange is focused on providing not only “leads” but “introductions”. This is a subtle difference, but is one that results in a 70% increase in the likelihood of closing a sale. In addition to introductions and referrals, members benefit from ongoing educational, think-tank and focus-group opportunities that help members maximize their memberships.
We are committed to:
- An ever-expanding network of contacts and the support to keep every member energized, vital and growing.
- Using all available resources to create the most complete network of business owners, sales professionals and entrepreneurs in
Northeast Ohio. - Providing the greatest aspiration and leadership to each chapter, supply continuing and frequent education.
- Offering a balance of quality business and social activities to nurture both the personal and professional development of all our members.
