-- Make sure there is a code of ethics. In same vein, ask if members provide references before they join. Remember, you're making referrals. Your name is on line. You need to know that other people in group are reputable, too.

-- Find out who is running group. What kind of experience do they have with this type of organization? Do they provide training on networking strategies and techniques? What other kinds of support are provided? What is there reputation in community? Is it run by salaried professionals, full timers, or by people with other occupations, out for their own leads? Is it organized by people who understand local business community or run from out-of state or province? Have there been any complaints lodged against them with Better Business Bureau?

-- Figure out what you can contribute to other members and to group itself. That's right. It's all about giving. The more you give, more you'll get. It's a simple law of nature: what goes around comes around.

-- Are you prepared to work hard for others? If all you do is attend meetings and sit with your arms folded across your chest wondering where your leads are, you're wasting your time. You're also probably creating a very negative impression.

-- Do people in group seem to be of like mind? If you don't feel an attraction to other members, you probably should keep searching for a group comprised of people with similar philosophies.

-- How long has group been operating?

-- Does it feel like a good fit?--does it just feel right?

Once you've selected a group, DO NOT even THINK about joining another structured leads exchange group with only one person per occupation in it. If you do, members of each group will wonder where your loyalty is. For example, if there is an accountant in each group and you have a lead for an accountant, who are you going to give it to?

Once you join a group, work system, and system will work for you. You will form long lasting business and personal relationships built on mutual trust and respect. You'll learn a lot from other members, and...you'll have a lot of fun in process!

Leni Chauvin is a professional and personal success coach and an internationally recognized expert in building business through referral networks. Her proven methods of generating qualified leads have led to millions of dollars worth of referral business for her clients. Web: http://www.superstarnetworking.com E-mail: mailto:leni@superstarnetworking.com To subscribe to Leni's FREE e-mail newsletter, mailto:NetworkingGazette-On@lists.webvalence.com

"I can't tell people what I charge." You aren't alone. Many people aren't comfortable telling people what they charge. Practice at home in mirror or on friends. Make yourself and your potential clients aware of your prices by designing a rate and fee sheet. Put your prices on your website or in your "hand outs". If you ask someone for their prices, and they don't seem confident about what they're charging, would you buy from them?

"I designed a web site, why isn't business pouring in?" Website marketing can be used as an "on-line brochure" if your ideal client will be found on Internet. If your ideal client won't be found on Internet, a site consisting of 1 or 2 pages is more than enough. Why have a site at all? In this technical age, having a website listed on your printed materials helps to make your business a bit more trustable . Yet it is better to have NO site than an unprofessional looking site or a site you're not maintaining. Good website maintenance includes submitting your site to search engines, checking links, keeping up with search engine requirements, etc. Of course, URL (website address) needs to be placed on all your written materials (business cards, stationary, brochure) in order for people to find you. Some sites to visit for search engine info: http://search-engine-maintenance.com, http://www.searchenginewatch.com, and http://www.searchengines.com.

"I just have to market this way." If having a website is not something you want - then don't have one! There are very successful coaches who have no websites. I found that an old fashioned newsletter worked better for me than a brochure. Find ways to market using your gifts and remember to ask your current and former clients for referrals and testimonials. Market in ways that fit you and that will attract your ideal client. Don't market in a particular way just because it worked for someone else.

"My life is unbalanced, stressful and overwhelming." More than half of people who come to me looking to start a business are already overwhelmed by life's challenges. So they end up having to sort out their personal lives before they take their businesses to next level. Additionally, you cannot spend 100% of your time on your business without it affecting your life in other ways. You'll end up burnt out and no good to anyone - let alone your business. Use this Life Balance Index and balance your life first. Slowly start your business. And practice extreme self-care to keep your energy level up.

"I can do it on my own. I know how to do it all." So many home business owners "do it on their own" and fail within first 1-3 years. Instead, take classes, network (in and out of your field), hire a coach, accountant, virtual assistant, etc. Don't do it alone; it's not healthy, isn't self-caring, and won't support you in long run.

"I expect all my support will come from family and friends." While family and friends can be very supportive, they are also apt to be "nice" and "not upset apple cart." They do not always tell you what you really need to hear - "the absolute truth." Their suggestions and ideas come from where they've been. If they have not been a business owner, they may not offer you what your business requires.

"I'm ready to give up." OK, OK. Soooo many business owners do so much work and then give up just when things are starting to come together. Some of this is about "putting out fires" or "solving problems" or "fixing" so many things. When you live "in problem", you're not being very self- caring. It's just as important to notice all successes you're making with your business. Even I have been at "give up" or " What am I doing here?" stage of a business - and it's happened more than once. Sometimes "I give up" stage lasts for a few hours; other times for a few days. If you have a strong support network around you you'll be able to come through this period energized.

"I just need a little more practice and then I'll be ready to launch my business." Many people become business owners in a field in which they have experience - either as part of their former career or doing exactly what they did in their former career. Then they feel uncomfortable asking for full compensation, or their confidence level goes down, or whatever. Take leap. Go from "practicing a business" to "owning a business".