Article A valuable source of business
I joined BNI some 3 years ago and was new to both serious networking and to running my own business. BNI gave me the support I needed in the early days with access to some great service providers within the chapter.
I source a substantial number of my suppliers through the BNI network as I know I can trust the people involved.
Within a short space of time, I started getting work from other members of my chapter through their businesses and contacts. In my first year of trade, BNI referrals made up some 80% of my turnover. Clients I have gained through BNI still make up a significant percentage of turnover and profit. My business still relies heavily on BNI for new and repeat business.
In recent months I have found that some of the early referrals I got from members are now referring me on to their contacts!
Hammond chapter has a great atmosphere and I love the people there. Aside from the serious business of meeting every week to promote and discuss our businesses, we regularly have social events where everyone has the opportunity to “let their hair down”, have some fun and get to know each other better.
I have made use of the training provided by BNI and have found it invaluable in making my whole experience of networking far more enjoyable. As someone who was nervous of speaking in front of a room of people when I first joined BNI, I have become confident in speaking and presenting and have grown as an individual.
There have been plenty of opportunities in the past three years to consider other forms of networking and advertising, some have worked but most never do what they say and time and again I have come back to the conclusion that BNI is the best value for money that any business can get. There is effort involved, but the more effort you put in the more you get out – running a marathon wouldn’t be easy if you did not train and put some effort in beforehand. With that in mind I take the time, each week, to prepare for my 60 second spot knowing that what I say is important to me, my business and the other members of Hammond.
I often talk to clients and people I meet about BNI and tell them that I would not be anywhere near as successful without it!
