BNI - have you joined? Has it been worth it?

[jps0]

I received a call yesterday about joining a newly forming chapter of BNI (Business Networking & Referrals) in my area. There is already one local chapter here and they have a computer support member already so no room there. The newly forming chapter is looking to add a computer IT specialist and called me (along with 2 or 3 others I am sure).

Essentially it is a "pay to play" business network ($100 initiation + $300-400 annuals dues) wherein the members solicit work from each other as well as make referrals out into their networks to drive business your way. Each chapter has at least 20 members so the idea is that you walk in the door to 20 warm leads to start with.

I am going to go to the first meeting to see what it is like, but I wanted to ask others here to see if 1) you have joined and 2) has it been worth it? Would you keep your membership?

 

[angry_geek]

I'm a founding member of a similar org where I live. It works tremendously! It's not like the chamber where you have 3 other members doing exactly what you do. You will be the only IT company in your chapter. The key is to give good referrals. Then you will receive good ones in return.

I'm curious as to why there is another chapter in your area. Usually there is only one chapter.

 

[jps0]

I'm a founding member of a similar org where I live. It works tremendously! It's not like the chamber where you have 3 other members doing exactly what you do. You will be the only IT company in your chapter. The key is to give good referrals. Then you will receive good ones in return.

I'm curious as to why there is another chapter in your area. Usually there is only one chapter.

That was the exact same thought I had. The individual that called me to invite me to join said that BNI thinks our area could hold 3 or 4 chapters. Honestly, I find that a bit hard to believe given that this is a small university town, though the University has a huge student population at 50K+.

By "good referals" I am assuming leads that will actually convert into business.

 

[angry_geek]

What we define as a good referral is a qualified lead. Someone that is expecting a call or visit and is honestly seeking the service being offered. Some members have a habit of giving referrals when they have not even talked to the person about you. It's no better than a cold call. We usually have a quiet talk with that member, and the problem is taken care of.

That is odd to have that many chapters in one relatively small area. You might give it a try to see what you think. I believe you can go to a couple of meetings before joining. Ask how many members belong to multiple chapters.

 

[jps0]

That is odd to have that many chapters in one relatively small area. You might give it a try to see what you think. I believe you can go to a couple of meetings before joining. Ask how many members belong to multiple chapters.

I am going to the next meeting in a week to check it out at least. They have 6 committed thus far and need 20 members b/4 BNI will recognize them as an official chapter. I have plenty of questions to ask - that is not a problem.

One more question for you, is there pressure to drive leads for other members? Asking b/c I am wondering what might happen if I am not bringing in tons of leads for the others due simply to the spectrum of clients I see and the people I know, i.e. they do not intersect well with the service offerings of the other chapter members?

 

[angry_geek]

One more question for you, is there pressure to drive leads for other members? Asking b/c I am wondering what might happen if I am not bringing in tons of leads for the others due simply to the spectrum of clients I see and the people I know, i.e. they do not intersect well with the service offerings of the other chapter members?

There is that pressure. That's what makes it work. I haven't been to BNI in a while, but I believe they have a quota of 2 leads per meeting or something like that. It's not as tough as you may think. I usually pass 5 referrals a week in our networking group.

 

[SOHO-NZ]

I was a BNI member for several years. It worked very well for me when I was just starting out and needed to get some new customers to start spreading the word. I had to stop when my wife went back to work, and I now have to take the kids to school.

If you go to a meeting to have a look, make sure you prepare your 60 sec presentation on your business beforehand - you can look a little silly if you're not careful!

Wellington has about 4 or 5 chapters and a few more not far away, so many places can handle more than one chapter.