Ever thought of joining BNI or other networking groups?

[nam]

I've just been making some posts in another thread about referral groups and thought I'd start a thread on the subject and post some contact into for you guys that may not have done anything like this.  There are several different organizations to join but the largest in the world is BNI.  Here is a link to their web site for more info and finding a local chapter in your area.

http://www.bni.com/

This is an organization dedicated to helping it's members build their business through networking and giving each other referrals.  You join a chapter and meet weekly for breakfast or lunch at which time you exchange business cards and give each other referrals or sales leads.  Each chapter is only allowed one person for a particular field of business.  In other words if a chapter already has someone doing vending then they won't allow a second person in the group.  So each group will have a realtor, insurance agent, lawyer, investment advisor, and so forth.  During the meetings you each fill out cards with the names and info for referrals you have gotten during that week for other members.  They will pass referrals to you and you pass referrals to them.  While they are out working their customers they might mention that they have a friend in the vending business that could place a machine in their business.  You might mention that you have a friend in the home remodeling business that could do a nice job redoing their restaurant.  You get the idea.  Everybody helps everybody in the group.  It works quite well because when you call on one of your referrals you already know who to ask for  and usually they have already been told about you.  No longer a cold call.  Now you are a recommended person to listen to and do busienss with them.  Makes a huge difference when walking into a buiness and often makes the difference between an owner listening to you or not.

Anyway, I will most likely be doing the same thing out here when we get more settled in and right now we are thinking of moving into a different home so may wait a bit.  The cost is going to be  an investment of around $300 yearly plus monthly dues.  You have to pay for your breakfast or lunch each week.  It's actually a lot of fun and you'll meet members of the community such as bankers, chamber of commerce, business owners (lots of small business owners some of which will own restaurants!!!) and very good place to make contacts.  There will be people that own body shops, car dealers and just tons of potential places to locate a machine.  Don't worry too much about the cost as it will be a money making proposition for you!  Guaranteed!!!  Now, you will need machines to locate once you're a member as you will no doubt have immediate results once you join a chapter.  If you don't have machines to place then wait until you do.  This is great for placing machines but it isn't free or even close.  It will pay you back in spades if you have machines to put on locations they will be giving you. 

Well, guess I better shut down this book report and let you guys jump in but this is something that can help build your business for sure.

nam

[dkochan]

I have thought of joining a lead referral group. Nam, are you a member of BNI? If so, how has it worked for you?

[lurtsman]

Very interesting idea. I'm looking for a day job doing HR also, which would make the ability to gain references particularly interesting. However the cost may be prohibitive for me for quite some time, and my networking skills certainly need some work.

[nam]

I used to go to BNI a few years ago but not now. It's a great way to make contacts and build your business. It's somewhat of a pain to have to attend every week no matter what! You definitely can't pick and choose when you will go. They will require you to be there each week and I'm pretty independent and want to do what I want to do when I want to do it. We've had an RV and traveled alot the last few years and guess just got to the point where I like not having to do much I don't want to do. lol That being said, I have alot of machines to locate again so may have to do what I have to do to get them located this year and next.

nam

[nepavend]

I think that networking has a lot of merit but the mindset of a lot of vendors is that exact same mindset that nam has. 

You may want to think about a simpler solution like joining the local Chamber of Commerce, they in most cases have monthly mixers and things of the same nature as BNI, and of course there is no limit to number of people per profession.  Many also have specific events for women and minorities so those members we have on the Vendiscuss board may have an additional opportunity there.

Other groups I can think of would be Rotary International, Toastmasters, that would be beneficial for networking with all kinds of professional people.