Posted by Linda_in_MI on 5/15/12 9:29am
Msg #420867

Anyone with experience with BNI as a networking group?

I have a friend who has invited me to a Visitor's Day meeting of this group. I've been to a couple of meetings before; basically the members tell everyone else in the meeting about their business and ask for referrals or report on referrals received. From what I am hearing, membership in the group is limited to one individual in each industry/profession -- only one realtor, only one lawyer, only one lawn service, only one insurance type, etc. This chapter meets weekly from 7-9 in the morning, and there are attendance rules in place based on the thought that you if you are really serious about growing your business you will be there. Best I can tell the main focus of the group is grooming people to be able to talk up your business and becoming comfortable in handling one-on-one situations with other business owners or prospective clients.

If I remember correctly from a previous encounter, the annual membership fee is a bit hefty at this point in my business, and in addition to the annual fee there is (again if I remember correctly) also a quarterly meeting fee. So I have concerns about recouping the membership fee or getting the best return for my money as a result of referrals from the group. But being the only notary contact in the group does sound enticing.

Any thoughts?

Reply by BestFlCloser on 5/15/12 9:40am
Msg #420870

Go for it! You'll be happy you did. Just remember that you are also required to give referrals to other members. You should also know that it will take a bit of time for you start getting referrals, people in the group need to get to know you. I belonged to a BNI group in NY, but when I moved to Florida, I joined NPI, a Florida networking leads group. Same principle, different people. It does work, but you must be patient and promote your brand. Again you should also be referring others to members of the group. If you need more info, send me a private message.

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 5/15/12 10:08am
Msg #420871

Na. Instead, I'd use my money to join a chamber of commerce

It has helped my business since I joined my local chamber a few years ago thanks to James suggestion. We meet once a month, have guest speakers like our local alderman, or city officials. We also get a nice informative newsletter. Plus our chamber hosts so many events, I've met so many new people, and seriously, my business referrals have doubled!

Seems like if I join BNI, I'd be sort of OBLIGATED to attend meetings, and I don't like to feel like this at all. I mean, if I can't make a meeting, its probably business related as my hours are not the typical 9-5, you know.

IDK...I'd pass.

Reply by MaggieMae_CA on 5/15/12 10:16am
Msg #420873

BNI... Generally they are sticklers on...

Meeting attendance. I've been invited to join a couple and have considered it, but the groups who have invited me meet weekly and attendance at the morning breakfast meeting is mandatory. I believe my friend, Barbara Linker, belongs to one and has really enjoyed it and has benefited from the referrals.

If I had the time, I would try it. I do like the idea of joining the Chamber of Commerce. Monthly breakfast meetings I can handle, not weekly.

Reply by MW/VA on 5/15/12 10:16am
Msg #420874

I was invited to join a local BNI group. I didn't really have the time for it, and my biz doesn't generate at a local level. It's a networking group. I'm sure it's a good organization, and I know the owner of my neighborhood PostNet is actively involved. Only you can decide if it's something for you.

Reply by Yoli/CA on 5/15/12 10:47am
Msg #420881

I joined LeTip last year. It's the same principle. Weekly breakfast meetings, mandatory. Referrals to within the group, mandatory. There was a national membership fee plus the local chapter membership fee. I was only active for about 6 months before I moved out of the area and decided not to pursue it further. Wasn't my cup of tea.

However, Chamber of Commerce membership does sound enticing .......

Reply by ToniK on 5/15/12 1:25pm
Msg #420896

WHy not look for local free networking groups

on meetup.com or your local small business development center?

I am part of about 50 networking groups on meetup.com and its all free or some groups ask for a small donation to go towards renting of space to hold meetings.

I attend monthly meetings with my local SBDC organization free of charge paid for by the local govt.

Too many ways to network free out here.

I was approached by many BNI folks but I am not interested in paying hefty fees to what many tell me is not worth my time. I do pretty good with saving that money to put towards marketing and advertising my business via web and social media.

Reply by jba/fl on 5/15/12 2:55pm
Msg #420912

Re: WHy not look for local free networking groups

I cannot say enough good things about MeetUp.com. My favorite way to describe them is as follows: If there is an interest in collecting stamps with a man only facing left, there is a MeetUp group for it.

My social calendar is full from my MeetUp contacts and it spills into my work life as well. The last 4 years have been very good with them. I meet people from all over the United States, esp. Florida, of all ages and backgrounds. One of my best friends sells food for force feeding - I push advance directives and 5 wishes, along with my GNW and loan signings. I have met LO's and brokers. My insurance agent and a couple of attorneys share contacts provide for other needs. Another friend plays 20 questions with everyone and then turns everyone on to others (she was a former bar owner). All while we are hiking, biking, camping, or kayaking. I've just joined a couple other groups (self-sufficiency/survivalist and photography) hoping to broaden my horizons. All while having fun. So imagine if it were business related groups.

We have always heard, it is not what you know but who you know - MeetUp illustrates this concept very well. Glad to see you mention it, ToniK.

Reply by ToniK on 5/15/12 7:56pm
Msg #420924

Re: WHy not look for local free networking groups

lol I love meetup. There isnt anything not on there. I have even started a few of my own meetups and always get people looking to network or expand contacts. And you only ay $19 or less a month. Better than BNI!!!

When Oprah had her lifeclass season premiere of Season 1 last year, I started a meetup group and had ladies come to my home to watch and then discuss afterwards. It was fun!

Reply by Linda_in_MI on 5/15/12 3:19pm
Msg #420915

I hadn't considered MeetUp. Thanks!

I'll have to look to see what groups are in my area. I'm like you . . . hesitant to join BNI because of the hefty fees. As I mentioned in my original post, I'm not sure I'll recoup the cost over the course of the year. And this despite what my good friend--who is already a member and invited me--keeps telling me. I just don't see it. Thank for the reminder about MeetUp, ToniK.

Reply by Pro Mobile Notary on 5/15/12 9:08pm
Msg #420930

On a personal level I hate BNI. You are required to give referrals to people whether they are good at what they do or not; whether you know them or not or whether they are viable leads or not. Their strict and voluminous paperwork requirements are a total nuisance and I would suggest you find another referral or leads group that is more open minded and more practical minded about ow to conduct business.

Reply by CJ on 5/15/12 10:41pm
Msg #420944

I didn't join.

I was invited to one of those networking groups too. These are the drawbacks for me as I see them:

1. Mandatory attendance. I don't want to turn down a paying job to make time for a non-paying meeting.
2. Pay a membership fee. They say I will "make it back", but how many title companies have joined and are going to call me? My work comes from out of time. Local title companies have in house notaries.
3. I have to turn off my phone during the meeting. What??? And miss a job assignment? Forget it.
4. We are not allowed to promote and sell at a signing, so how can I promote them when I am with my clients?

Bottom line: When I am not at the meetings, I am making money. When I am at the meetings, I am losing money.

Reply by ToniK on 5/16/12 2:51pm
Msg #421020

Wish we had a like button.... n/m

Reply by ikando on 5/16/12 5:31pm
Msg #421049

Re: I didn't join.

I've had experience with networking groups for the last 20 years. For the most part, those that "require" meeting attendance and referrals have been the least effective to grow my business even though mine is unique. Chiropractors, accountants, attorneys--those who usually have little problem getting clients anyway--are the ones who do the best.

The Chamber of Commerce in my area has a list of small networking groups that offer the opportunity to meet weekly for either breakfast or lunch, with a small fee to pay for the meal and perhaps a little extra for expenses. Those have been good for building my confidence to better market my business, as well as potential clients.

I've also found a real estate investment group that meets once a month. This group is very good for those who are new investors because they are able to interact with seasoned investors, title companies, lending companies, and now an on-call notary. Perhaps there is something similar in your area to join.

Reply by Shannon_Va on 5/23/12 2:06pm
Msg #421644

Re: I didn't join.

I have been in BNI for almost 5 years. It has made me well more than 10 times the annual membership fee, which is $365 here in my region. And has also made connections for me with others that I would have never been able to acheive if it werent for those I met within BNI.