How do you really feel about BNI and what form of networking do you find works best for you?

An intentional $3 cup of coffee can go a lot farther than a mandatory $15 breakfast.

BNI definitely is a great resource, but doesn't work for everyone. I've always found networking to be much for effective when you offer shared value to one another in honest, integrity-filled relationships of your choosing. BNI has wonderful businesses and business representatives that work within them, no doubt about it, but to each his own.

It gets me up at 5:30 AM on Thursday morning , the process is slow but it eventually can build into a significant source of business, improves your public speaking and you can build significant business/personal friendships.

BNI is a bit pricey and I find it’s challenging not to utilize say, a Realtor for instance, who’s a friend or even family member, simply because they’re not a BNI member, nor, do they want to be. I’ve asked. I think Alignable, actually is pretty darn good for networking. Oh, and see my other response to the post on that;)

I haven’t had any luck at BNI and I feel it’s not a good use of my time or my staffs.

I have been in the same BNI Chapter over 16 years and have had many successful transactions due to the referrals I have received, as well as connected my network to the BNI members to help them meet their needs. The value of BNI to any new member is determined on their willingness and effort to succeed. BNI includes listening to podcasts (or printing and reading if you prefer) to learn the best practices to becoming trusted by the members, meeting individually with the other members to build trust and help them recognize a good referral for you, and helping before, during and after the meeting. Visibility + Credibility = Profitability.

Hi every one.

I look through a lot of disappointed comments and like to add one more.

I have been in business almost 20 years and honestly try several different referral groups including several years as BNI member.

What I am finding is that Mitch point that there are a lot of "Takers" every one looking to get and really not interested to give.

90% of my referral come form my clients who are more then happy to be my referral base.

So considering time and membership cost I do not think it worth is the only good think is social component but I remember some one said his networking is "Happy Hour" that can give you Social component as well as a possible referral with no membership fee... "LOL"

However this is my 2 cents in this dicussion..

I attended a few BNI meetings, I don't care for protectionism. I like to compete.

I thought that BNI Chapter was the "greatest thing since chocolate cupcakes."  :-)  <3  Great professionals; fabulous training environment; and spectacular motivational environment.  :-)  <3  I REALLY wanted to submit an application for my new roommate / business partner and myself.  But sadly, we lost a LOT of our printing equipment when the Defendants in my lawsuit destroyed my home and office with NO warning, with everything we own inside of them.   Needless to write, I was devastated, and very depressed for a LONG time.  (I thought about borrowing money from a relative to apply to BNI, to help me get out of depression; however, it is very expensive for our customers when we don't have our own equipment, and the turnaround time is slower as well.)  But things are looking up now, and my TPD boss wants me to apply to BNI as soon as we are able!!  :-)  <3  But anyway, the only thing I can compare BNI to is the Tacoma Ad Club; however, BNI is much better than that, and is great at showing people how to obtain business leads, from what I can see!!  :-)  <3  

I had a terrible experience. One of the people in charge's wife is also overseeing some of the groups and blames everyone else for her shortcomings instead of asking for help with things she cannot do. It makes for an uncomfortable experience and I left the group. I really liked the other participants and just found that her stress was not worth it.

BNI, like anything else, depends on what you put into it. I was introduced to BNI in 2009 and am a current member.

Cold calling stinks. With BNI, I don't have to cold call to get clients.

If you are in BNI and not getting results a few things to consider.

The meeting is good but the fortune is in structured one to ones. This is the time you can ask your fellow member how you can help them refer you more. Find out about them, who they know and how you can strategically use that connection.

When looking at the members of the chapter find out who your referral partners are. Industries that target the same client as you. If they aren't in the room, get them there.

I am B2B, marketing and web design so my key referral partners are CPA, business attorneys, IT, etc. A mortgage company's referral partners are realtors, financial advisors, cpas, home repair. A landscaper's referral partners would be home repair, HVAC companies, plumbers, realtors, etc.

Get strategic with your efforts and be referrable. Make it clear each week what you are looking for and how they can introduce you.

BNI is not the "do all" in networking but it can be a great source to not sell to the people in the room but so they can go out and talk about you and your business.

Best of luck,

Richelle Anderson