Eric Jones and Chilah Weller started their payroll, time & attendance business, Workforce PayHub, at around the same time they joined Caerusnet. After many successful years as Members in Washtenaw County, the energetic business duo decided to bring Caerusnet referral teams into their hometown of Adrian, Michigan. The new Facilitators have found even more referral success and we spent some time with them recently to glean their strategy.
How long have you been in your profession?
Workforce Management Solutions, Inc. was the name of our company when it was separated from Donna Baker CPA & Associates in 2010. In 2014, Eric & I bought in to Workforce and it was renamed Workforce PayHub, Inc.
How did you get into this field?
Eric and I started a bookkeeping company called “Your Financial Solutions” in 2013. Later that year we decided to offer payroll services and we met with our college professor Donna. She discussed her vision of offering payroll services and a human resource information system with a more robust platform. Through much discussion we decided that buying into Workforce PayHub made the most sense. Eric and I handle all daily operations.
What is the best thing about your business/career?
We are part of the most important/costly asset to a business which are the employees. Ensuring proper and timely payroll as well as time and attendance and HR technology we are able to assist companies with the entire life cycle of their employees, from hire to retire. Being part of their business growth is the most rewarding aspect.
What is it about the Caerusnet model that you like most?
It allows us to build personal trusted relationships with people within our community. Meeting 30+ plus times a year with like-minded professionals is exciting. Caerusnet has pretty much raised Eric and I. We were just baby entrepreneurs when we first joined in 2013 and with the help of the relationships we built, we more than tripled our business. Caerusnet taught us how to be fearless networkers and put us face to face with the best in the business.
Can you share a personal referral success story?
Ben Torres, State Farm agent, was the person who introduced us to Caerusnet. He also happened to be our first client. He gave us a chance when we were just getting started with zero referrals to lean on. Because of Ben’s referrals we have closed over $100,000 in reoccurring revenue over the last 5 years. However, the financial gain is only half of what we gained and learned from Ben and other Caerusnet Members, the loyalty that is built in these groups is truly remarkable.
Any tips on learning how to find situations where you can create a referral or invite a visitor?
Ask a lot of questions and understand the pain-points of other people/businesses. If those pain-points include needing more business, wanting to be part of the community, wanting to learn how to effectively network then Caerusnet is the right opportunity for them.
What is your strategy with your Member minute and your spotlight presentation?
Be different, be creative and think outside the box. The best spotlights are those that let the group know who you are, where you come from, why you are passionate about your business.
Tips on how to be successful in Caerusnet?
Be creative in how you deliver information. Try to understand the group and what would reach them best. Maybe it’s props, or music, video or even an 8-minute plank while telling your story. Its important to let the group know you personally. The only way to build trust and loyalty is to be open, honest and sometimes even vulnerable.
Share how your Caerusnet Members have positively influenced you or your business besides passing referrals.
Caerusnet has helped us how to become better public speakers, how to get to the point quickly and position the conversation to be meaningful to the recipient. A cookie-cutter approach just doesn’t work with networking. Other Members have built our confidence to effectively network and to seek synergies with other businesses.
What is it about facilitating a referral team that you hope to accomplish, professionally?
We love leading others and promoting their businesses in the local community. To mentor new business owners, as a way of giving back. Because the group caps out at 30 Members strong, it allows for a more personalized approach to leadership and relationships. You begin to understand the abilities of the Members and can push the right buttons to warm up a lead for them.
Want to connect with Eric & Chilah about Payroll, Time & Attendance or HR? Want to visit Caerusnet Adrian? Click here!