Member to member referrals get big business
By Rebekah Binger
May 28, 2008

Mindy Novick didn’t know what to expect when she paid the $200 for a one-page flyer in the February Rockland Business Association direct mailer. Not long after, "All hell broke loose," said Novick, owner of New City Copier Supply. She received multiple calls from other RBA members to replace or install copy machines in their offices.

"I am a part of the member-to-member discount program, so, on my flyer I was offering 6 months of free service and supplies," Novick said. "I gave the best deal to all the members that called and saved them hundreds of dollars."

James O’Connell, Vice President and General Manager of Monsey’s ConnectNet Solutions, Inc. spotted Novick’s flyer and promptly gave her a call. "I had dealt with Cannon directly and I was unimpressed with their responsiveness; Mindy was responsive," said O’Connell who purchased a copier.

During their conversations, O’Connell informed Novick of the computer, infrastructure, phone, and security camera services provided by ConnectNet. So when one of Novick’s major New York City clients mentioned they needed IT support, she quickly referred them to O’Connell.

With the help of Novick’s recommendation, ConnectNet beat out other companies for the five-figure contract. Additionally, when that same NYC business needed office supplies, Novick referred them to RBA member company New Concept Office Supply in Midland Park, NJ. NCOS has since filled orders from that business.

O’Connell says he likes working with local businesses. "I think the people that you are dealing with have a better sensitivity and awareness of customer service," he said. ConnectNet referred New City Copier Supply to a big Rockland business in need of copiers. That deal is still pending.

"The moral of the story is the contacts that I was able to make from a layout of $200 was really just incredible," Novick said. If you would like more information, Mindy’s new web site MyCopierGirl.com is up and running.

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Member to member referrals get big business

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