Is anyone here a BNI member?

[Bikeboy80]

Just wondering if anyone here is involved in BNI (Business Networking International)

For those who have not heard of it, we are groups of professionals in all sorts of professions but with only one of us representing a profession in each group.

I have been the Home Remodeler in our group for almost 5 years now. Our membership averages about 30 members. This past year I recieved 12 referrals that turned into paying work to the tune of just over 82k (or about 20% of our gross last year)

Just wondering from anyone here that might be in a group, how are you doing in it?

 

[Tim Morris]

I belong to a local evening group that sounds like the same demographics as yours. Been a member for about six years, it has been very lucrative venture for me as well.

 

[3PedalMINI]

Its not for everyone, I was invited to one by another business owner i know. They were looking very hard for an AV guy. Went once and decided it wasnt a commitment i was willing to take, especially since the ROI didnt seem to be there for me. I can see where this can be very beneficial for someone like a carpenter or builder though. My local chapter required a meeting every Tuesday at 6:30am and be there until 8AM. You were allowed 1 absent every two months and if you weren't there you had to send someone to represent your company. It was just something I wasn't willing to do or pay to join.

YMMV  [smile]

 

[Bikeboy80]

Its not for everyone, I was invited to one by another business owner i know. They were looking very hard for an AV guy. Went once and decided it wasnt a commitment i was willing to take, especially since the ROI didnt seem to be there for me. I can see where this can be very beneficial for someone like a carpenter or builder though. My local chapter required a meeting every Tuesday at 6:30am and be there until 8AM. You were allowed 1 absent every two months and if you weren't there you had to send someone to represent your company. It was just something I wasn't willing to do or pay to join.

YMMV  [smile]

I agree, it is a commitment. I actually had the pleasure(not so much) of being my chapters president last year.  [eek] On average it takes up about 3 hrs a week for me, still completely worth it.

We have had that happen with some "sub-contractor" businesses that have joined. Just wasn't enough business coming directly from homeowners to make it worth it.

Do you know if they ever filled the spot for AV? Might be a good opportunity for you to offer to sub on occasion and get your name in front of the group.