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Just wondering everyone’s opinion on BNI. I see the benefits to some extent but it is kind of expensive and seems somewhat time consuming. Knowing other business owners is a very good thing though……
Andrew
Like with so many things, the size of the group, the make up of the group ie: are there a lot of service providers, and is it fun to be in the meetings? Is it an energetic or boring group? Do you feel like you are well received in the group. Don’t know? Be a visitor until you have your answers.
Regardless of what networking group you may join I believe finding the right group whose personality fits yours and your business. I avoided BNI like the plague for several years because the “regional’ that oversaw the area rubbed me the wrong way. At the same time I was being prodded by several business owners I know to join their BNI chapter. They try to sell me on the fact their chapter wasn’t stiff and boring and didnt always hold to the BNI structure. After two years of this prodding I relented and joined at the beginning of this year. The group was everything they said it was and the chapters personality fit nicely with mine. It does pay off nicely!! The best time to meet is early in the morning. You can make back your investment with just one referral. Additionally, BNI will refund your membership at the end of one year if you do not make back the $465 initial membership fee.
After receiving more admonishments from BNI for things like not wearing our name badges, not meeting in a venue where there is food and the badgering of our leadership team, our group voted unanimously to sever ties with BNI and form our own networking group called Inland Empire Professionals.
Interestingly Mark, our local group started the SBR “Success by Referral” group. Meet 1st and 3rd Tuesdays 7a. Membership fee: $30 annually. Weekly Cost: $0.00 except the cost of your breakfast if you choose to order. About 27 members. Fun group. $3,000. ROI (approx) Not a big return, but I did say it was a fun group.
I guess I’ m just old fashion, because I still favor c of c over any other group. I belonged to the chamber for years and had a great relationship with all the members. Something they are not suppose to do is show favoritism but anytime a snowbird called in to the office asking for a cleaner, they always said, call Heaven’s Best !!!!!
I like the SBR name, Gordon….I need to contact you regarding your input on the Pile Lifter.
I joined when I started my business. I am not from this area so I thought it would help me get to know other professionals in the area. Worked great for me, I was a member for five years and finally got out about two years ago because it finally ran its course and I just got a bit too busy to keep attending each week. It really helped me a ton in the early years. I still get referrals from many of the members…
Dan
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