Hello from Somerset and looking for advice

[browncow]

I'm Chris (Chrisopher) from Browncow Media based near Bridgwater in Somerset. I design, develop (PHP & mySQL) and do Search Engine Optimization.

Up till now (over 5 years) I've been happy freelancing and this has taken up much of my time but I'm now wanting to use my skills to benefit myself more so I'm looking to grow my business.

I'm wondering what things people would search for on the Internet if they were looking for a web designer/developer (if they would look for one on-line) and if anyone has any good advice on industries that are good to target for this kind of work I would love to know.

Also does anyone have any advice re BNI (Business Networking International). I have the opportunity to join a group but I'm not sure if it will bring in enough work to justify the commitment (or the expense).

Thanks in advance

Chris

[Ozzy]

Hi Chris,
Welcome to the forums!
With your line of work networking would most probably be your best sorce of new business, so perhaps BNI may work. However try the much cheaper Chamber and FSB networking groups first. I am also investigating BNI but so far have found it of no benefit, but that doesn't mean it wont work for you.

HTH.

[daveashton]

BNI is great for B2C but not as good for B2B

Also remember not the cost but your time every week and that it is the same people week in, week out.

[Ozzy]

Yeah, thats the ing that has got me... getting up at 5:30am every Tuesday morning! and their rules don't allow you to decide not to go for a few weeks (without sending another person to represent you!)

[browncow]

Thanks guys. It's hard to get unbiased opinions. Nearly everyone I have spoken to who goes to BNI says that they get good work from it so I guess I'm going to have to bite the bullet and give it a shot.

[StartUp]

I did BNI for a bit, you can go as a guest a few times before joining, that should give you a feel for the group and whether you think it will be useful, whetehr you can do the early mornings etc.

Why not ask to go and try it, and just say you are thinking of joining. Also the groups vary depending on the members, it may be worth trying a couple.

It is a big commitment, persoanlly I would look for someone like you online & in groups like this, if you had been here 2 weeks ago you could have helped me ;-)

Julia

[VeryMark]

I have been a member of my local BNI group for some time, really hate getting up, but it's far too profitable to ignore - one visitor produced £7K profit from one referral. BNI works well I think if you make a long term commitment - people have to get to know and trust you - and it's the people they know that counts. Netsecrets in our BNI chapter who are in your line do really well - possibly because they give as many referrals as they get - you get out what you put in to life.

[chrisevans]

Stating the obvious perhaps but first step is to define your market and then be clear about your value proposition to address this. Then you can decide what steps you need to take to market your business. BNI, BRE, Local Business Clubs and try before you buy.

[chrisevans]

There is an excellent guide on Networking to be found on www.justsell.com

[Rob Holmes]

I have the opportunity to join a group but I'm not sure if it will bring in enough work to justify the commitment (or the expense).

Hi Chris,

I know the web designer/programmer of our local BNI and he does fairly well. (Tunbridge Wells)

You didn't mention the financial risk, do you mind me asking how much it is?

And do you like getting up and socialising at 6.30AM ?

By the way I'm looking for people to sell hosting through BNI and such like groups - if you're interested.

Rob

[chrisevans]

Your allowed to go as guest for 2-3 weeks I recall then they charge around £350 pa. My issue was the rigid format early mornings work for me but not these groups. The other issue I had was the types of companies represented in my local group.
I have promised myself some additional time with Ecademy

[sstiles]

Hi Chris

I've just rejoined BNI for my second year. I was unsure about rejoining because I hadn't really benefitted financially from it but I did get involved in a very time consuming job last year which involved working on my own a lot. This meant that I didn't have time to put into meeting up for one to ones with other chapter members and also I wasn't meeting anyone so couldn't find referrals for people. Because of this I have just joined for my second year so that I can give it a proper go and I am getting a lot more out of it. I know it works for other people who are hypnotherapists so there's no reason it shouldn't work for me.

The important thing is to make sure you do have the ability to commit to it. People are willing to help you out so ask for help. If you're interested in chatting to people in a similar line of work to you that are BNI members email me and I will give you some contacts who will be able to give you their experiences. But whatever other people say you do need to decide that it's right for YOU.