Any members of BNI?

P

Prestige-SEO

Hello,

I'm considering joining BNI to do some networking, I recently went to a 4 networking meet and there were 3 other SEO's There which I thought was quite pointless, and the people there seemed quite fake, "cheesy" and over excited like this meet was going to bring them millions when all that happened was that i almost fell asleep listening to someone talk about under water polo for about 30 minutes.

So is anyone a member of BNI if so what do think and what are the fees like?

Kind regards


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R

RevaxMedia

If I had to compare BNI to another organisation, I would say the army. Far too cheesy and the work is not that good, maybe it will work for your business but the cost is far too high in regards to ROI.

From one SEO company to another, all of our business pretty much is from referrals and some of our larger clients came from smaller organisations which grew considerably.
 
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Prestige-SEO

Thanks revax, most of mine is from referrals from smaller clients aswell, but I seen a seo firm listed on BNI and I know they get a ton of work, not sure if it's from BNI though.


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neildigital

Free Member
Apr 30, 2007
2,026
278
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I have been a BNI member for 4 years, and find it pays very well for me.

Costs including breakfast is £1000 per year, but at present it brings in around £20k per year for me. It does depend on your industry and the BNI group.

Any other questions give me a shout happy to answer..

Neil
 
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Bobb1979

Free Member
Feb 19, 2011
128
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I was invited to the BNI by one of my ex customers and I was very unimpressed to be honest. Most of the other trades looked down on my business as the cost per transaction was low they made the perception that I wasnt making alot of money. Very snobbish attitudes I found.

Im sure it works for some, but theres no way id spend a penny going again. Google ad words brings me good results
 
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RevaxMedia

Thanks revax, most of mine is from referrals from smaller clients aswell, but I seen a seo firm listed on BNI and I know they get a ton of work, not sure if it's from BNI though.


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It depends on your business Prestige and your characteristics if you think you will flourish within a networking environment such as BNI you will make a great deal of money just don't go into it thinking you will make your fortune as that's the main issue with BNI, they always dangle a golden carrot to join.
 
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S

Steve Sellers

BNI phiff. They wanted a grand of my money for access to my contacts. Some people certainly do well out of the BNI, but IMO it is nothing more than a fancy pyramid scheme.

If you want to spend all our time finding clients for other people then join. I would rather spend my own time making money for myself.
 
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Just so you guys know, I am not too sure how legit this actually is...


1.
7am to 7.15am OPEN NETWORKING
TAKE YOUR SEATS FOR THE NEXT STAGE THE MEETING
CHAIR STANDING UP THROUGHOUT
Introductions
2. Good morning everyone and a very warm welcome to all our visitors and members to this weeks meeting of XXXXX chapter of BNI
I would like to start this part of the meeting by introducing the XXXX Leadership Team
My Name is XXXXX and I am the Chapter Director. My role is to chair the meetings of the XXXX chapter every week, ensuring that we follow the structured agenda developed by BNI that has been proven to maximise the business passed in any BNI chapter
Our Membership Co-ordinator is XXXXX
XXXXX has 2 principal responsibilities;
Firstly he tracks the performance of the Chapter in terms of the business that is passed between our members. Like any good business, we set goals and monitor our progress towards achieving those goals/
Secondly he chairs the chapter membership Committee which is responsible for.
. Dealing with new members applications, including follow up of all references.
..Dealing with any conflicts of interest that may arise within the chapter
Administering the policies and procedures of BNI within the Chapter
And most importantly . Planning for the future growth and development of the XXXX Chapter.
Finally may I also introduce our regional director XXXXX. XXXX is responsible for chapters in the XXX and surrounding area. XXXX will be running our education slot a little later.
Could I please ask the members of the membership committee to please stand and make themselves known?
Our secretary Treasurer of this chapter is XXXX. XXXX administers the subscription payments of the members and manager the finances of the XXXX chapter.
I would also like to introduce you to our Visitor Hosts. Guys please stand and make yourselves known.
XXXX Is our Chapters Education Co-ordinator, responsible for filling a weekly slot at these meetings to improve our networking skills.

3. PURPOSE AND OVERVIEW OF BNI
BE BRIEF IF THERE ARE NO VISITORS
As business professionals we all need an edge over our competition. How many people are doing what you do in this area?
Well, in BNI we do have an edge over our competitors because none of them can join this chapter as we only allow one person per profession.
BNI is the most successful organisation of its type in the world. There are currently over 2700 chapters operating worldwide with over 54000 members.
In 2002, there were over 250000 referrals passed worldwide, which generated more than £600 million worth of business.
Of this total, over 387000 referrals were passed in the UK and Ireland, resulting in over £116 million worth of business for our members last year..
4. NETWORKING EDUCATION
XXXXX, our Education Co-ordinator will now introduce the education slot.
5. ANNOUNCE NETWORK LEADERS
Hand out certificates/blue name badge
In our first meeting of every month we announce our network leaders. As this {{is/is not}} the 1st week of the month, XXXX {{will/will not}} be saying a few words about recognising the members who are significantly better than the norm in two categories:
1st in referrals, and
1st in visitors.
6. PASS BUSINESS CARDS
You will see that we have a members card box which will be passed round.
I would invite visitors to take any cards out of the box there are some very talented business people around this table.
Visitors, please pass round your cards separately as the business card box is a privilege reserved for the members. (other way round table)
7. WELCOME NEW MEMBERS TO BNI
Hand out new member packet (standing up)
This is the time of the meeting when we would normally welcome new members
XXXXXX
Have them recite the ethics,
Then everyone claps
NB NMO @ end
8. 60 SECOND PRESENTATION;
This is the time in the meeting when we give members 60 seconds to continue the process of educating their fellow members on who they are, what they do, how they add value and what sort of business they are looking for.
Substitutes, can I ask you to represent the business that youre substituting for first time around.
Visitors, well return to you in the second round and your member host will say a few words to introduce you, and well also make sure that the substitutes get a chance to represent their own businesses.
Please note that we are very strict about the 60 seconds and I would ask you to wrap up as soon as you hear the chinking of the glass (which sounds like this) and will be rung after 55 seconds.
Our official timekeeper this week is.
WHEN PEOPLE EXCEED THEIR TIME:
STAND , SAY THANK YOU
9. Member 60 secs then WELCOME VISITORS TO BNI
We are gad to welcome our visi

9. Member 60 secs then WELCOME VISITORS TO BNI
We are gad to welcome our visitors with us today.
Ask their host to stand and briefly say a few words of introduction. Then 60 secs
We are going to ask those of your who have not submitted an application to make a decision today regarding joining to ensure that you lock your competitors out of the business.
10. MEMBERSHIP CO-ORDINATORS REPORT
Heres what XXXXX (our membership co-ordinator) examines;
. Average number of referrals passed monthly
. Average number of visitors monthly, and
.Referrals passed in the previous month along with the total number of referrals to date.
Over to you XXXX
11. MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE REPORT:
This will be delivered on the 2nd meeting of the month.
As it {{is/is not}} the 2nd meeting of the month this report will not be delivered today! It will update members regarding open categories, pending applications, policies and the function of the committee. It will include the XXXX chapter growth and development plan.
As this is our first meeting your leadership team would like to offer members some targets for us all to work towards.
On membership . We want XXXX to reach 25 (thats 10 new members) by the end of XXX and 36 by the end of this leadership team tenure (end XXX)
On referrals and visitors, we have set ourselves a minimum target of scoring 16 goals a week. A goal is either bringing a visitor or a referral. Each week XXXX will keep us apprised of our score. As we grow, so will our target, but we smashed 16 last week and I see no reason that we cannot do so every week

12. SECRETARY TREASURER
XXXX will now announce the weekly speakers for the next 6 weeks and introduce todays 2 speakers.
NB Speakers
Introduce from bio sheet
2 x5 minute presentations including Q&A
13. PASS REFERRALS:
This is the most important part of our meeting as it is the time where we pass the referrals we have been working on getting for our fellow members during the week.
For our visitor I am going to call on you when it gets your turn to tell us the ONE thing that they like most about what they have seen of BNI, using just one word. (!)
May I remind members that you will be starting your sentence with one of the following:
I have XXX referrals today
I have a written testimonial (only one please)
I have brought a visitor today
NB (Mexican WAVE) Applaud if 4 or 5
Let us check on the progress of two recently passed referrals. XXXX for details.

[FONT=Arial, 'sans-serif']14. [/FONT][FONT=Arial, 'sans-serif']SECRETARY TREASURERS REPORT[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, 'sans-serif']This stage of the meeting covers issues surrounding due and this morning I am going to ask XXXX to deliver the value statement (and to announce our XXX fining system)[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, 'sans-serif']15. [/FONT][FONT=Arial, 'sans-serif']ANNOUNCEMENTS, REMINDERS, SPECIAL REPORTS[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, 'sans-serif']Overleaf[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, 'sans-serif']16. [/FONT][FONT=Arial, 'sans-serif']DOOR PRIZE[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, 'sans-serif']We have a policy at BNI that is your deliver the speakers presentation then you provide a door prize (between £5 and £10 not drink. But something lasting) and at this stage of the meeting we present 2 door prizes via a quick draw one from the members who brought
[/FONT]
 
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S

Steve Sellers

"On membership . We want XXXX to reach 25 (thats 10 new members) by the end of XXX and 36 by the end of this leadership team tenure (end XXX)
On referrals and visitors, we have set ourselves a minimum target of scoring 16 goals a week. A goal is either bringing a visitor or a referral. Each week XXXX will keep us apprised of our score. As we grow, so will our target, but we smashed 16 last week and I see no reason that we cannot do so every week"

Definitely looks like a pyramid scheme.
 
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From the same place we got the script a user goes on to mention:

"They tell visitors that....

Each seat is worth £27 k per year allegedly x 54,000 members = £1,458,000,000

Last year £116,000,000 divided by 54,000 members = Ave £2148.48 per member. Annual fee £500 + breakfast fees @ 52 x £10 = £1020
Plus mileage plus time out of office EVERY SINGLE week.

NET ROI. Bugger all! So glad I left! Reckon someone should start a new business network, pick up the baton and create something that members will like."
 
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S

Steve Sellers

Thanks for adding that Revax because that was my other point. In addition to fuel costs there is the time factor. For example 4 hours per Friday x my hourly rate x (48 weeks a year?) = £##,####. That is in addition to time wasted getting referrals to take with me.

When I was asked to join I was told that there was a commercial lawyer/will writer but she left. If they are so good then why did she leave? Hmmmmmmmm
 
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The Mussell Club worked for me, it's online platform is ideal along with 4networking forum but it's got a long way to come, do you really need networking to make your business work? I have generated more business at BBQ's, local boozer and generally been out and about carrying business cards than I have at any of the networking events. I even sent our sales director to 3 events within the North East and he came back with a long list of "high quality" leads which turned out to be useless and just a spur of the moment requirements from his pitch.
 
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F

Faevilangel

So anyone tried 4networking then lol? Or any form of networking?


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I am in 4N (and on the forums a lot) and I get a lot more out than I put in. Just because there are 3 SEO's in the room, don't see it as a negative but a positive, build up relations with those in your industry as you never know when they will need to supply overflow work or even work they cannot / want to do (e.g. they need some articles done, but they normally use someone else).

I have around 8 jobs from other web designers in 4N because our expertise vary. Before I joined 4N I saw each web designer as a competitor but now I network with them on a regular basis to share work.

I just paid for my second year of 4N and within 4 days, I had enough work from the network to pay for that expenditure.

I will say 4N is slightly more relaxed than other networking groups like BNI, BNI is about giving referrals, 4N is about building relationships with others and letting the work come naturally.

BNI wouldn't work for me as I find there rules a tad compulsive but it works for others. I prefer 4N because of it's relaxed attitude.

Just from the 4N forums, I have 65 4N clients, and 6 referrers who pass me their web work. If you don't sign up for 4N meetings, still use the forums as a number of 4N members have used the forums to build up a business before getting to the meetings.

Have a look on the forums for Gareth Mailer and see his massive thread about SEO, he offers a quick video SEO check of peoples websites. He has built up a massive reputation from something he does for 10 minutes in his "off time".

If you want to chat more about 4N, give me a call as I have built up my business using 4N and UKBF together.
 
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chrisbarnes86

Free Member
Oct 10, 2010
95
9
I was invited to a BNI meet once and there was quite a range of people there and some trades that I didn't think would have been involved were present. However it wasn't for me as I didn't like the way they read out and encourage referrals and how much it was worth. Also I don't think the people there would have had a big need for my services and I have much better things to spend a grand on!
 
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captaincloser

Free Member
Mar 20, 2010
2,754
1,130
Nobody should be kidding themselves about these breakfast clubs. Add up all the time and money spent on getting the leads and the subsequent business and then compare that to a couple of hours dedicated cold calling to your target audience each week. Proper dedicated professional sales calls.

The phone calls will win hands down month on month, provided they are done by the business owner and not someone from the street.

The problem is that most SME business owners cannot or will not get trained to sell properly themselves and cold call potential clients, set up meetings and do business.They often rely on t'internet, SEO, Google adwords....wow !

Every reason under the sun is given for being part of a breakfast club but the only real reason is to get clients and these meetings are not the best way to do this and never have been.

Get trained, get calling professionaly and get new clients....oh yes...and stop kidding yourselves.:)
 
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RedEvo

Free Member
May 12, 2007
5,767
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Aboyne, Aberdeenshire
Get trained, get calling professionaly and get new clients....oh yes...and stop kidding yourselves.:)

I disagree. BNI works very well for some types of business. Tradespeople often do very well and in my experience some became inundated with work to the point they couldn't cope.

The real power of BNI came from having 20 or 30 free sales people working for you, i.e. the other members of the group.

That said some businesses would be wasting their time and the dynamic of the group should be analysed at your free visit before making a commitment.

I'm not BNI member but I do believe it can be effective.

d
 
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captaincloser

Free Member
Mar 20, 2010
2,754
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The real power of BNI came from having 20 or 30 free sales people working for you, i.e. the other members of the group.

You are perfectly entitled to disagree but the above is a very far flung stretch of imagnation.

'Free sales people working for you' ? If this were the case the whole world would be in BNI.
 
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internetspaceships

Free Member
Sep 7, 2009
6,918
2,320
York UK
I'm not a fan of BNI.

However it does work very well for some businesses. The time involved wouldn't be worth it for me when you take into account the weekly commitment required although I think it really depends upon your business type and model.

I do know people who have benefited from this network though so aside from my personal feelings it would be inappropriate of me to just say "it's crap."

Just because I don't think it's good doesn't mean that it isn't.
 
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BNI works very well for the unprofessional, needy and desperate businesses who are unable to grow a business by usual means. They require leads provided by people who don't know them or their service, and likewise commit to recommending other "professionals" they have no experience off.

Anyone using a service that's be recommended through the BNI member must be mad. You might as well pick a random provider from the yellow pages.

BNI - the unprofessional recommending the unknown.
 
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RedEvo

Free Member
May 12, 2007
5,767
1,531
62
Aboyne, Aberdeenshire
You are perfectly entitled to disagree but the above is a very far flung stretch of imagnation.

'Free sales people working for you' ? If this were the case the whole world would be in BNI.

Actually I was speaking from first hand experience. I'm not a member of BNI but I was in the mid 2000's and I saw first hand how it helped many of the businesses round the table.

It's not perfect but suggesting it doesn't work is misinformed IMHO.

d
 
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RedEvo

Free Member
May 12, 2007
5,767
1,531
62
Aboyne, Aberdeenshire
BNI works very well for the unprofessional, needy and desperate businesses who are unable to grow a business by usual means. They require leads provided by people who don't know them or their service, and likewise commit to recommending other "professionals" they have no experience off.

Anyone using a service that's be recommended through the BNI member must be mad. You might as well pick a random provider from the yellow pages.

BNI - the unprofessional recommending the unknown.

This post is a succinct description of how not to use BNI in my view.

d
 
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Bobb1979

Free Member
Feb 19, 2011
128
14
BNI works very well for the unprofessional, needy and desperate businesses who are unable to grow a business by usual means. They require leads provided by people who don't know them or their service, and likewise commit to recommending other "professionals" they have no experience off.

Anyone using a service that's be recommended through the BNI member must be mad. You might as well pick a random provider from the yellow pages.

BNI - the unprofessional recommending the unknown.

Spot on my friend , helpful to anyone in business that doesn't want to throw away money. 2 of the people at my BNI are crooked as well ( one fleeced us for £650 years ago and the other now is a debtor of my company and has people chasing him everywhere as I googled them and used a lovely little tool called levelbusiness.com )
 
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captaincloser

Free Member
Mar 20, 2010
2,754
1,130
Actually I was speaking from first hand experience. I'm not a member of BNI but I was in the mid 2000's and I saw first hand how it helped many of the businesses round the table.

It's not perfect but suggesting it doesn't work is misinformed IMHO.

d

If you check I didnt say it didnt work. My suggestion is that prospecting for yourself is better.

I too was around BNI a lot in the early 2000's as I had clients (about 30) who were in BNI and I am pleased to say I deprogrammed most of them into getting clients for themselves rather than relying on the free salesmen that come with every BNI meeting. For some its a good meeting point but many who visit as a guest see it pretty much as a lonely hearts club.

If it works for your company just think how well you could do with serious targeted prospecting ?

Nothing against it, I just feel prospecting can be done better.
 
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You sure sound like a member. And if you are so convinced at how good they are then how come you haven't put your money where your mouth is?

Agreed, if I was sure a marketing outlet would work for my business I would have made the payment and visited every week.

The reason I dislike BNI is purely down to me experience, I felt as if I got tricked into visiting a BNI meeting by one of the senior members just to keep their numbers up.

The way I look at it, If I was to join BNI would I really put that much time and effort into finding other people business as I would like them to find me some? the answer would be, NO. I don't think that would be my own personal answer but that of the majority of the members.
 
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Steve Sellers

The reason I dislike BNI is purely down to me experience, I felt as if I got tricked into visiting a BNI meeting by one of the senior members just to keep their numbers up.

Funny because I felt exactly the same. I was approached by a member(who I don't know) saying he could put work my way bla bla bla, and would I like to meet to discuss further. The meeting venue just happened to be the same as the BNI meeting - and just before it....then came the sales pitch. Annoyed to say the least. Smiled and left.

It is no way to start a business relationship (or any type for that matter) under false pretences. Any organisation that has to trick people to get them to their meetings can not be that good, people would be fighting, paying back handers and God knows what else to get in on the act.
 
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Jayser

Free Member
Jul 15, 2009
30
4
I got fed up with my ex accountant badgering me to join, despite the fact the nature of my specialist business would be virtually impossible to sell consistently to other BNI members. he knew that, yet he still kept on. He holds monthly 'seminars' in which his clients get a dinner and he speaks about an aspect of business - BNI bigwigs often turn up, so they can badger all of his clients to join. Personally this really annoyed me.

The BNI will probably work if you provide a service, i.e. web design, printing, plumbing etc. and you can find a cell where you won't be competing with another who offers the same service. For me (selling sunglasses) it would never work, it all depends on what you do and whether you can get up early enough to commit to it. Otherwise, don't waste your time because they will put pressure on you to also make referalls for their members and I can imagine that sort of pressure is unwelcome when you are trying to run your business.
 
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Bobb1979

Free Member
Feb 19, 2011
128
14
I got fed up with my ex accountant badgering me to join, despite the fact the nature of my specialist business would be virtually impossible to sell consistently to other BNI members. he knew that, yet he still kept on.

...don't waste your time because they will put pressure on you to also make referalls for their members and I can imagine that sort of pressure is unwelcome when you are trying to run your business.

Another great piece of advice why NOT to waste time with the BNI!
 
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