Do you find BNI networking and business referrals helpful in bringing you leads?
Answer This Question
Expert Answers
Sort by Date
Sort by Votes
Mar 13, 2013
I've been in BNI for nearly 10 years. I do it because I believe in the concept. It's a tool that needs to be worked at diligently and the policies are well thought out though they do at times seem draconian. For someone in my business it has been a challenge to get referrals to my ideal type of client because in general BNI tends to draw a lot of home base B2C type businesses but that just makes me make more effort at educating the members about what makes a good referral for me.
Admittedly I am still looking for that big referral but in the mean time the committment makes me set aside at least one day to marketing my business per week.
Feb 28, 2013
Lots of great discussion here. I think that saying of what you put in you will get out applies here. If you find a group you align and connect with, then it can be a worthwhile investment and pay for itself through referrals. However, if you join and do not work to make it happen, then it can be a waste of time and resources.
I do agree the price seems steep, but look at it as access to valuable contacts who could leads to more referrals. That might help justify the price.
Feb 27, 2013
It depends on what you are hoping to accomplish. My experience is that they are usually several local service providers who compose the groups core team and repeat visitors. The group then looks for new blood. If you have something that is unique maybe however if you are a insurance broker, mortgage broker, Amway it may not be a good fit.
Feb 26, 2013
I have visited a couple of meetings and have closed several referrals . Please share your results with me.
Feb 25, 2013
I agree with Joanne and John Susu. I've met Ivan Miszner and spoke to many BNI people. The people I know who are in BNI love it and sharing the leads is a big part. I don't see the professionals you found. As John said you need to go to many BNI groups to find the one you like. Personnally I can't manage the early mornings that most of them are scheduled and the idea i need to be pigeon holed to be there every week or I lose my privilege drives me crazy. I'm too much a free spirit I guess
Feb 24, 2013
There are several things to consider when looking at networking of any form. The first is to decide your objective in attending any networking forum. Too many people go to events in the belief that simply being seen there will enhance their status as a 'real' business person. Secondly, it is important to decide how you will measure the effectiveness of the networking. Like any form of marketing it is the results that matter. Next, don't expect to get instant results. It takes time and effort to build relationships.
As far as BNI or any other networking style is concerned, it is a case of horses for courses. Remember that all people are different and that the activist approach of some networking events may well put the reflective person off of networking. Good mentors will help new businesses to identify a networking style that fits the person rather than adopting a 'one size fits all' approach.
In summary, having a clear plan for including networking in your marketing mix is more important than attending one particular style of event.
Feb 23, 2013
Just like any referral - if the referrals are specific and vetted to your specific business by people who know your business (and you) - and not just referrals to meet numbers, then yes they can be helpful. As others have already said in this forum, it's up to you RE: your followup process as to the true value of referrals.
Feb 21, 2013
BNI can work very well if you are prepared to work with it and the people as suggested below. I don't like the focus on "must deliver leads" at each meeting as I believe this is more about feeding the financial status of the chapter than about promoting each other in business.
The true spirit of networking is to share, compare and support each other so ensure you are joining networking groups that fit your values and benefits you in developing great business relationships.
Feb 22, 2013
Julie, I think you've said it best and articulated my challenge with the organization. Thank you.
Feb 23, 2013
I couldn't agree more. That's why the BNI motto of "Givers Gain" is so important. I promise I haven't "drank the water" and believe a variety of marketing and networking is crucial to success. I don't and won't refer anyone who isn't worthy and will represent themselves and me admirably. Find the chapter (or organization) that fits your personality and profession.
Feb 23, 2013
Joanne, you are quite passionate about the organization. I close business associate of mine has advocated for my second look at BNI. Cannot promise to align with the organization but will give a second look because your belief in the process is evident and comes across quite clearly. Thank you for sharing your insight.
Feb 20, 2013
I disagree with Tom that BNI does not work for b2b. My particular chapter in downtown Boston has a strong b2b core. I see more of the suburban chapters with a stronger b2c core or a mix of both. My chapter (and all of BNI) requires you to get to know the other members well enough in order to achieve the venerable know, like & trust status. That's what you're trying to achieve through any networking venture. If you are unable to get to that place with a particular member for whatever reason, you are not required or expected to refer to them. You are also welcome to refer to others in your network outside of BNI.
BNI recognizes that a referral speaks both to the receiver and the giver. If someone fails to follow up on and excel with a referral, it negatively impacts the giver's reputation. The procedures in BNI are designed to deal with that (i.e. mentoring or possible non-renewal of failing member).
I've seen non-BNI groups also charge a fairly steep annual fee. Meeting with business colleagues with sufficient frequency for me to witness their commitment and dedication and get to know them well enough to trust them with my business and that of my clients and colleagues is preferable to me than bi-monthly or monthly events where I see people more interested in line at the bar than actually expanding their network.
Feb 20, 2013
Hi Joanne, thank you for your feedback. I think BNI brings a unique networking environment but it is often up to the individual member for coming up with referrals. For a small business owner, the rule regarding finding a backup for not showing up for the meeting could be challenging.
Feb 20, 2013
True, the responsibility to find a sub can be a challenge. The benefit is that the members get the consistency of hearing you represented and keeping you top of mind even when you're not there. I will admit that when I can't be there, I will usually opt to take the absence rather than struggling to locate a suitable substitute.
Feb 24, 2013
Joanne - I am in boston area as well and I do find BNI more b2c and b2b type businesses. They also have allot of rules about where you can network ect. It depends 100% on the type of business you have and the effort you but forth in the group as well as the culture of the group. I have attended many as a guest and that has been what I have seen. I do my pinnale and they are good.
Feb 20, 2013
Hi Susu, BNI can work very well for you if you are willing to do two things: 1) Take your time and visit several groups to find the one with the best dynamic for your business, and 2) Accept the concept of the "Givers gain" philosophy, which really is the cornerstone of effective networking, i.e., helping others succeed will help you succeed.
BNI does have rules, but learning to abide by these rules helps develop a mindset that allows you to more effectively create relationships with your contacts, prospects and clients. You are not required to provide referrals weekly, although over time, if you've not been able to bring any referrals then your membership renewal could be affected.
BNI works for both B2C and B2B, which is why I suggest you find a group with the dynamic best suited to your business. As for restrictions on joining other groups, this only applies if the other group runs exactly like BNI does - which doesn't happen.
My web services business is B2B, and I get about 40% of my business out of BNI, more than enough to pay for my membership. BNI may have its faults, but overall it's still an effective way to network and grow your business.
Feb 20, 2013
Hi John - thank you for letting me know. My experience with the two chapters in the suburbs was mostly service oriented professionals. It may mean that I have to check out other chapters to find the right fit. I am a little concerned with the costs of the membership fee, and I am not sure why it is so high.
Feb 26, 2013
Susu, if you utilize BNI effectively, your ROI will far outweigh the price of membership. I'm not sure of your price point, but for me, one close will pay for my yearly membership and room dues (if any). The bigger point is, without BNI, I would have never learned how to network effectively in any capacity, and my business would have been a bust.
Feb 19, 2013
If your b2c it works, b2b it doesn't. Plus they restrict the groups you can join outside BNI.
Feb 19, 2013
My problem with BNI is that you are required to provide leads. You may not like the printer in your group or your brother may be a printer, etc. I like more informal groups.
Hi Roger - thank you for your great advice.