I joined a local BNI group 2 years ago. the first year 19 % of our new business came from BNi last year 33% of new business came from BNI.
I have visited several groups in our large metropolitan area. Some have not been very good. i joined an active, organized, well run group and it has been great!
When I was looking into joining the group, I looked at the other businesses represented. Would they be good referral partners for me? Were they quality businesses? How many were new start ups/mlm's compared to brick and mortar type businesses. was there a good range of business types- financial services- health services- home services etc..
You do not join BNI or fun or fellowship- you join to make more money. You are bringing value to the table (or at least you should be). Find a group with good energy, good organization- that follows an agenda and you can make money. Work the system, it is a proven system.
As far as it only being good for new businesses- I reject that. I did not join until our 20th year in business. I have made new contacts, new friends, and expanded my network. I have not had to compromise my old network to do it. Example- I have a client that sells Mary kay- I buy my products from her. in BNI we have a mary kay rep. I have bought some products from her. I refer to both of them. They both know each other. There is no conflict or compromise. On larger transactions- I have a real estate agent that I have know for 15 years- I talked to the BNI realtor about that. They get it. It is OK.
As far as being on more than one group-it is my understanding that the BNI corporation will not allow an individual to participate in more than one group at a time. Your Company, can be represented in multiple groups, but the individual that attends each meeting can only belong to one meeting at a time. If you have multiple trucks I think it is good for each head tech to belong to a group. they can build there own contacts and networks and it grows your bottom line at the same time.
If there is a downside to BNI it is the time commitment. I do not think it is a downside but it is certainly something to consider carefully- First you have the weekly hour and half meeting- then in order to build trust and get to know the other businesses in your group you should allow one -two additional hours per week for marketing to them and through them. The more they get to know you and your ideal client the more they will help you find those ideal clients. Also you need to see yourself as part of their sales team. As you get to know and trust them you become their sales force as much as they become yours.
One last thought- you do not need to be outgoing. (although I am) Several people in our group are very reserved and absolutely hate doing their commercials and presentations. they still can make a profit. There is a vehicle in BNi that facilitates building trust and relationship with other members. in and outside the meetings.
If you have any other questions about BNI feel free to email me- I am currently the chapter President of my group and have a good understanding of how it works.
Melissa
