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HOT referral source!

by WillST
11 replies
Please excuse the semi-hypedness of this posts title.

Just got back from my first networking event with BNI this morning... and WOW!

I know there are a lot of mixed opinions on BNI, so I wont go off on a tangent on how amazing they are...

But I rocked up at 6am this morning with an open mind and just thought 'whats the worst that could happen'?

No one told me beforehand that I would be doing a quick 60second pitch on what it is my company offers...

So it came round to my turn, and the guy that invited me gave me a short introduction and the stage was mine...

I was that unprepared, my little 'speech' only lasted 30 seconds, so the other 30 seconds I just thanked everyone for a warm reception, looking forward to getting to know them etc (cringe)...

ANYWAY... when it came to 'passing the referrals' between each other... 3 (yes, THREE) of the people in the room passed me a referral of friends/business partners, etc, who wanted to speak with me!

I even had a chat with a b2b lead gen appointment setter guy (who owns a telemarketing company) who wants to basically trade services... So I perform SEO for him, and he sets X number of appointments for me!

So anyway, slightly overwhelmed by it all, and DEFINITELY going to be rocking up next week!

If anyone is nervous, skeptical, etc, please don't be, I was both (and all of the above) and could potentially have added $15,000 to my yearly revenue if the leads turn out good (from ONE meeting when I was unprepared).

Anyway, thought I would share - get yourself down to your nearest networking event and start introducing yourself to random people, I assure you, you will be PLEASANTLY suprised with the outcome!
#hot #referral #source
  • Profile picture of the author abo28
    Just one question: what's BNI? (I guess this post caters mainly to the US-based warriors.)
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    • Profile picture of the author P1
      Originally Posted by abo28 View Post

      Just one question: what's BNI? (I guess this post caters mainly to the US-based warriors.)
      BNI International - Business Networking and Referrals

      BNI is the largest business networking organization in the world. We offer members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and most importantly, business referrals.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
    BNI can be very useful, BUT:

    * you have to pay to be a member, about $1 a day (not much)
    * you have to find business for these other people (smokin' hot leads!)
    * you have to commit to meeting times, because you get dumped if you miss more than a few (and those meeting times are not always convenient).

    It's not for everyone. However, if you can get into a group that has 20+ members, it will have enough inertial mass to take off.

    For those who don't know about BNI, it has chapters that only permit ONE person of a type in (eg. one accountant, one insurance agent, one sales trainer, one chiropractor). Until that person quits, you can't join that chapter if you share their field.

    However, you can visit. You can visit before you join one, and pick the one that's best for you and still has a spot open for your 'type'. And you can visit the other chapters a couple times a year (believe me, that's enough--there are usually many chapters in even a smaller town because of the single spot limitation).

    Hope this helps!
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    • Profile picture of the author Limekwat
      I'm joining a BNI group myself and so far have been very impressed with it. The people are great and I see tons of referrals going around every week. Yeah, the hours suck, but if it gets you business who cares! Also, like kaniganj said, it's not a one way street, you have to provide referrals to get referrals. Also, it costs a bit more than a dollar a day. Each group has room fees they have to pay for the space they use, that is a weekly expense on top of the membership fee which is $365 for a year. Most groups charge between $13-$18 for their room fees so it actually works about to being closer to three dollars a day. Depending on your business that might be worth it.
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      Small Business Marketing and Small Business PR in Orange County
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  • Profile picture of the author sdentrepreneur
    I have been a BIG BNI and LeTip guy for years. If you are new and starting out in Offline Marketing, then they can be good for you. Many times they will give a visitor a lead, hoping they will join the group. I have had much success with these type groups but our grew them last year. Good luck !!!
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  • Profile picture of the author Not So New
    Thx for the post ... I've been on the fence about joining since there is a fairly large sign up fee, but I have heard some really good things from a few people locally.

    Let us know how you next meeting goes when you are prepared : )

    Shawn
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  • Profile picture of the author BuyLandOnline
    It's something to consider. Thanks for the info.
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  • Profile picture of the author danielkanuck
    Is BNI something like IBO?
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    • Profile picture of the author mike3188
      I've been thinking about joining BNI also I guess I will visit some in my area
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  • Profile picture of the author WillST
    Its definitely worth it mike, just by going the one time (for free) you may meet someone to JV with, or get a few referrals, which is always better than a kick in the teeth!
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    • Profile picture of the author Life Mega
      I've been invited to one and while it is appealing the cost and the commitment have me really questioning whether I want to do it.

      Cost: $1000 per year!
      Attendance: you have to attend EVERY meeting or at least send a representative. Meetings occur every week.

      That level of commitment I reserve for my wife, my family and my church. I don't even go to the footy that much and I'm fanatical about my team!

      Anyway, I will attend one next week as a guest and see how I like it.
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