BNI Members

SpinTech

Looking for any other members of the BNI network out there.

Also, can anyone recommend other good networking groups around the north-eas / Dublin? Don't want the usual 'talking shops' that a lot of these are.

Thanks.

conolan

I've heard about BNI, but not joined. Anyone got experience?

DubTony

My brother (who is a member of one of these BNI thungs) reckons they're full of people looking to find other people to push their business for them (sort of unpaid salesmen type of thing).

I don't have any personal experience of them, but one member inadvertently gave my email address as a his address (a typo), and I was gobsmacked to see how this thing seems to work. I was bombarded with emails. The organiser seemed to be pushing and pushing for the members to find new members. And having been cc'd on a few replies, it seemed to be working for her. All very strange imo.

I suppose I just don't get it.

JoeTurner

SpinTech wrote: »

Looking for any other members of the BNI network out there.

Also, can anyone recommend other good networking groups around the north-eas / Dublin? Don't want the usual 'talking shops' that a lot of these are.

Thanks.

http://www.bni-europe.com/ireland/ for a list of all the chapters in Ireland....

rustytimber

I'm a member of a BNI chapter in the midlands having joined in the past few months. I started a new business recently and took the view that having a group of fellow business men and women knowing about my business and working to get leads for me could only be a good thing for my business.

People need to realise that the ethos of BNI is 'givers gain' and that if you get a referral for a fellow member they are more likely to keep an eye out for business for you.

I'd advise anyone considering joining to go along to a couple of meetings as a guest. Every chapter is different and that very much depends on the team at the top table. Find one that you're comfortable with. It doesn't work for everyone and you won't get referrals every week but if you get one or two good ones you will cover your costs and the rest is a bonus.

I like the positive nature of the meetings and whilst you may get the odd rogue member most people are not going to spend that sort of money and meet at 6.45am every week unless they are serious about making it work.

*Derek*

I am also a member and rustytimber has got it spot on. Go around to chapters you can go twice as visitor. find one that your comfortable in and suits your business and your lifestyle. My business is relatively new also and if you d'ont know many in the business world it is good for making contacts. It is all a good way to learn about public speaker and gives you more confidence to sell your product or service. It can be tendious some mornings getting up early but you must think of the big picture and the money you can possibly make.

BNI is not for everyone but certain companies are flying out of it.. The more you put in the more you get out..

MB74

I was a member for 18 months left as was getting a little stale. Tried some other networking groups but here I am another 18 months on and I've just gone and joined another one!! Networking can be an ugly pasttime but I felt the BNI structure was the best on offer and most suitable to me. Of course each group is different and success is dependent on the group you are in.

Go visit a couple and make up your own mind.

RUDOLF289

Hello Spin Tech,

I joined a BNI chapter in Cork last May. I have found it a very worthwhile experience. The meeting is every Friday morning. Getting up at 5.30 or thereabouts is not my favourite past time. However, meeting upto 50 positive people is worth it. I have made some really good contacts through the BNI and developed some business that has more than paid for the membership fee. The biggest challenge is making a positive contribution, but that is getting easier. Our chapter is quite succesfull (sorry for boasting) and referred 1.4M worth of business between the members over the last 12 months.

Dubtony, I would recommend to go to a few meetings. Nothing to lose except a few hours sleep .... Although there are some lunch time chapters around aswell.

Rudolf289

mneylon

It depends on what line of business you are in

We were members of a chapter for a few months and found it to be a total waste of time