Help needed starting a cooperative between local businesses

[Wing Commander]

Hi

I want to start a pretty informal cooperative between some local businesses. I run a small company serving the local area, and often benefit from recommending other businesses near by, and they do the same in return. What I want to is ramp this up slightly, including other businesses that compliment mine, but with owners that I do not know. I also have an idea for an add on service that could benefit the other companies, which I could sell to them on a monthly basis.

I am having trouble writing down what I want to say without it coming across as a sleazy unsolicited sales pitch. I want to keep the tone of any email/letter informal yet convey the genuine nature of my intentions - that is - this could benefit us all if we work together.

So, does anyone have any ideas or examples of ways of introducing myself and my business for this purpose? I am happy to just pick up the phone but, personally, I do not respond well to the "hi, you don't know me but I run xxxxx and thought you might be interested in..." type of calls.

Perhaps a letter/email to broach the topic, followed up by a call?

What sort of blurb should I mention in the intro email/letter?

Thanks - looking forward to hearing the ideas!!

[Wing Commander]

BNI sounds good and is definitely on my radar already!

But I am also wanting to go slightly further than this - the BNI is good for all those who are pro-active enough to join, but there are plenty of other local small businesses who perhaps haven't thought if this that I would like to get in touch with.

Any thoughts or examples of ways to make the first contact?

Thanks!