BNI's

[luckyg]

Never joined or been to a meeting myself.

Has anyone been involved and what are your thoughts? Worth getting involved?

I like the idea of a business mastermind group of like minded people, is this what BNI's are about?

 

[Women Unlimited]

Hi Lucky

I was a member of BNI in London and really enjoyed, unfortunately I had child constraints so decided to leave, but it is a great way to meet new people and get new business.

It is most effective for local businesses, but can work for others as well. It's worth checking out a couple to see which one works best for you.

Good luck
Julie

 

[profitxchange]

BNI is a formal networking group usually meeting at breakfast. I have heard mixed rsults so why not go - I think you can have a free intro session. The creator of BNI has written a useful book "seven second marketing" though dated worth a read if you are looking for a strapline.

 

[luckyg]

thanks julie

are they more a way of trying to get business from other local businesses?

 

[jopickles]

Hi Lucky
Lots of business do well out of BNI although it does seem to depend on your type of business. There is only one business per industry and you have to commit to a referring clients to the other members and there are pretty strict attendance rules.

Another option is 4Networking which is a similar thing but much more relaxed than BNI. You sign up for a passport and can visit any group in the UK, so you can build contacts in lots of groups.

Neither offer the "mastermind" group that you mentioned. The only one that I know does that is Action Coach Business Coaching who run a program called Action Club where a group of business owners meeting regularly and receive training \ coaching and act as a "board of directors" to the other members. I own an Action Coach franchise so if you want me to find out if there is one running in your area let me know.
Regards
Jo

 

[Deleted member 27344]

BRX are less restrictive but just as productive.

 

[My Owl 1]

HI There are many business networking meetings. I belong to a new chapter of BNI in Cardiff, and although the meeting is formal, we do all have a good laugh and pass a lot of buisiness between us. They are quite a few like BRX, mentioned above Women who lunch, I think I am right in saying the Chamber of commerce should be able to help you find a group near you. Most of the groups let you visit for at least two meetings so dip from one to another for a bit and join the one you feel the most happiest with. Most have an enrolling fee and then a payment each time for the breakfast or lunch. But the good thing is they do work and are much cheaper overall than an advert and you build up good relationships with other SME's

Good luck

Best wishes

Avril
www.savemoneywithus.co.uk

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