(updated February 16, 2024)
Kathleen McNary
Vice President, Member Services
Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce
NetforceTM is an award-winning and long-running program (over 10 years old/young!) open to Carlsbad Chamber members. Very simply put, the mission of Netforce is to build relationships that generate new business referrals for its members.
The founders of the first Netforce group had the mission to create a new benefit for members, specifically related to business development. Beginning with research on several well-known networking and referral-generating programs throughout the county, and interviews with their participants. It was discovered that many people didn’t like their groups as they may have 40 people in them, but only would refer 2-3 people since they may not trust the rest, or did they like too many strict rules.
The result of the investigation was the creation of Netforce as a unique hybrid of structure, member selection, low cost to our members, and FUN. While similar to the regular networking groups, Netforce proved to be extremely effective. In the first year of the first group alone, more than $100,000 in business was passed. And interestingly, members say one of the most surprising benefits has been that they have become the greatest resource to their existing clients for other services, as they can confidently refer fellow Netforce members to their clients. The resulting trust and confidence levels skyrocket all around.
These are groups provide connection, inspiration, motivation, accountability and referrals for members. The meetings are highly energetic, personally compelling and professionally productive and fun. Members also meet one-on-one to build the trust and grow their relationship outside of the weekly meetings.
Currently, we have FIVE Netforce groups, which meet weekly at various times. Prospective members are welcome to attend two meetings before submitting their application to join. Because the groups are limited to one person per industry, if you or someone you know may be interested please contact me, Kathleen, to confirm eligibility.