Q. Attendance policy. Do I have to attend every week?
People ask this question when they see BNI as a club or something they do, alongside their business. BNI is a key part of your business and marketing program or not at all.
As with any other important business meetings it requires scheduling in the diary. Meetings finish by 8.30 am which helps everyone arrange their other business appointments.
BNI is time effective. Often doors are opened by people who know people, saving weeks or months of chasing business the hard way. When you simply cannot make it (holidays, essential business trips) all we ask is that someone represents you, not necessarily someone from your company. Our substitute program introduces even more people to your business.
Q I am not sure how I might contribute referrals to the group
We are in the same position. In order for us to refer specific business to you we have to develop a relationship founded on trust. We need to know what specific referrals you want. And it works both ways, you need to know what we want. This why members will want to develop a good relationship with you and to learn how they can refer business to you. So the process begins.
Q Membership of BNI is more than I expected
Compared to what? Every other means of marketing costs you more than £500 a year. Substantially more if you are to be noticed. Many people compare BNI with other networking groups but they are comparing apples with pairs. BNI is not a networking organisation, we are a referral organisation focused on referrals through an exclusive membership. BNI delivers a proven strategy to produce qualified referrals through coaching and support from experienced directors and represents excellent value. What price exclusivity?
You may already have given up on marketing and rely on word of mouth passively. Imagine what business you could be getting with the help of BNI members and a system proven to work!
Exactly how many qualified referrals would it take to double your investment into BNI. I you don't know the answer to that question we really do need to be talking about your marketing strategy.
Q When do I pay?
Cash flow comes into any decision. Whilst we are not talking about large expenditure here you may wish to spread the cost by putting your BNI fees on a credit card. Breakfast fees are paid one month at a time by standing order.
Q What is the next step?
We are keen to fill an opening we have for someone from your profession or trade. Once we have your application, we will put a hold on the calls we are making to your competitors and once we have cleared references and our membership committee has approved your application you will be welcomed into the group and we will immediately set up a strategy and briefing session. You will be advised ahead of the following week’s meeting.
People like you had a similar decision to reach. CLICK HERE to learn how their decision to join BNI impacted on their business and then get back to your local BNI Director or the person who sent you this summary and let them know what you wish to do.
