BNI network

Figment

Hi guys,
Decided to take the plunge and try one of the BNI network groups. Thought it might be usefull to post how i get on for others to read. You guys interested in this kind of information or will i leave it?

Merrion

I'd be interested.

Specky

Always interested in seeing someone else's opinions but my experience of BNI is that it's a complete waste of time and money.

There are lots of other more useful networks around who don't have the same sort of "agenda" that BNI do.

What do you expect being a member of a network to actually do for you? Networking is extremely important. Being a member of a network may be counter-productive if all you're doing is joining a "club". You just end up talking to the same "club" members again and again, they're all there hoping the same things you're hoping i.e. it's going to magically make business happen.

Go to ISME meetings, go to trade association gatherings, if your chamber of commerce is active go there and meet people. They're doing business and meeting for a reason, BNI is just meeting because....?

Figment

I am not sure what the BNI agenda is apart from a specific system for networking and referrals?

I have also heard conflicting reports of success from it i have also heard the success rate is down to how much work you put into making it work. A couple of personal accounts from people in my business have recommended it to me so i think that it is at least worth a try. The reason i was thinking of reporting on it here was so that others might see if it is or isn't worth it from a first-ish hand account.
I will say that i have a potential project lined up from my very first meeting as a visitor this week.

I also don't intend putting all my eggs in one basket. I am continuing to attend other networking and social events as you suggested.

Looking at it from a ROI perspective. It would cost more to have one advert appear in one publication for a month then to join and have the potential of a team of other professionals ready and wanting to refer business your way for the period of a year. In my experience have not seen any return from traditional advertising models for business in my industry. From that point of view it makes sense to me however i will report if it actually turns out that way.

joolsveer

I joined the local chapter recently. The chapter is only starting up and does not have enough members yet to launch. At this stage it is hard to say if membership will generate sufficient referrals to make it economically worth while but I am an optimist.

Sonnenblumen

BNI like any referral base business lead system is based on quality of members ie business mix and volume and quality of business leads/referrals.

The more diverse the business mix the better the leads are, eg if chapter comprises accountants/solicitors, the level of referrals for construction members might not be as good if more members were architects, quantity surveyors etc. On a more general note BNI is quite big, and as such offers a considerable pool of potential for generalist business service providers eg printers, insurance, legal etc which every business requires.

In principle the group dynamic is good but my gripes about BNI: it spends too much time counting 'small beans leads', members tend to be more 'consultant types' and members must commit to attending a high % of weekly meetings.

ISME on the otherhand is dominated by moaners, which always get in the way of lead generation. ISME is more inclined to screw members with extras and is far less independent than might appear.

Ther is a noticeable growth through micro groups to foster co-operation and lead generation.

is_that_so

There are a number of extremely successful and dynamic ones in Dublin. Like everything it does depend on the members. Some show more enthusiasm than others. People I've talked to claim to get up to 60% of their business out of it but like anything you have to buy into the idea and it does take time.

alanmccormack

Hi Guys

I read with interest some of the previous posts in this thread. From my own personal point of view I was very impressed with the BNI chapters that I 'guested' at, BNI Marketwest and BNI Tara. Both of these chapters seemed to be very dynamic in generating business and leads for the other members. But I do take the point that it depends upon the composition of the group whether you personally will benefit from it or not. Of the two groups I experienced, the membership was so diverse that I had no worries that I would get some business from it if my trade had not already been filled.

With that in mind, I am very keen to help start a BNI Chapter in Navan where I now have my business (www.themortgageshop.ie), but not being from Navan originally I don't know enough people in the Navan business community to get together a bunch of like-minded individuals to help start a chapter here. Navan's a big place, so there must be more people like me who think a chapter would work here. If so, could I ask you to contact me at: alan.mccormack@themortgageshop.ie and we'll see if we can get enough interest to get a chapter started.

Thanks

Alan

alanmccormack

Hi, just to update anyone that might be interested. There are concerted efforts underway to start a Navan Chapter of BNI.

It had its initial (exploratory) meeting last Tuesday evening (18/11/08) at the Ardboyne Hotel. It was just a meeting of people keen to see a BNI chapter up and running in Navan. I was very impressed with the enthusiasm for the BNI concept, but it is still early doors.

I'd imagine that we will get the group to 12 very quickly and this will allow the newly formed chapter to start the morning meetings proper and go into the 'pre-launch' stage. From my understanding the chapter says in the pre-launch stage until a core group of 22 is reached and then it goes into full launch phase and this is usually when the group fills up its remaining places very quickly.

I was always keen to be in a BNI Chapter in Navan, so I've already signed up. I'm nothing to do with BNI but I'm happy to help, so anyone who wants more details about BNI Navan can drop me a line at: alan.mccormack@themortgageshop.ie and I will point them in the right direction. Remember the chapter is at conception stage at the moment, so there will never be a better time to get in there and lock your profession/ service out so that your competition is left out in the cold.

Darragh29

BNI is before anything else, a franchise business operation, so maybe that's one thing to take into account. It is a business, not 22 folks meeting up at 7AM, because they want to work to help each other. This isn't made clear at BNI meetings. I tried BNI and I came to the conclusion that it certainly wasn't for me. I noticed a few weeks in a row that BNI "Directors", would come along to brainwash the attendees into the whole BNI culture, which I found to be very American, and didn't sit easy with me.

If you make an effort to promote your own business when you meet people, you can network very effectively without paying hundreds for the privilege...

sifinn

well Alan, how is your bni chapter coming along?

alanmccormack

It's coming along very nicely thanks. We are still very new and in the pre-launch stage. That just means that we haven't quite reached the stage where we have all of the members that we would like to have.

BNI groups tend to function best with 30 - 40 members and that is the ultimate aim. At the moment we are a little bit shy of 22 members. When we reach 22 members, which should be in the next 2 – 3 weeks, we will we be closed for all new applications for 4 – 5 weeks whilst the members go through a period of training. Once this is complete we will officially launch Navan BNI. It is at this stage that the group should hit the 40 members mark with the resultant increase in referrals.

I have to say that so far I have been very impressed by both the calibre and the enthusiasm of the individuals setting up Navan BNI. I’m proud to be a member of the group and I’m really optimistic about the levels of business that will be passed amongst the members.

If you’re interested please feel free to come along. It is on a Wednesday morning between 6.50 and 8.30 at the Ardboyne Hotel on the Dublin Road. If you want more info, or if you want to see another more established group in practice, please feel free to contact me at: alan.mccormack@themortgageshop.ie and I'll try to help.

Ranking Smartz

alanmccormack wrote: »

It's coming along very nicely thanks. We are still very new and in the pre-launch stage. That just means that we haven't quite reached the stage where we have all of the members that we would like to have.

BNI groups tend to function best with 30 - 40 members and that is the ultimate aim. At the moment we are a little bit shy of 22 members. When we reach 22 members, which should be in the next 2 – 3 weeks, we will we be closed for all new applications for 4 – 5 weeks whilst the members go through a period of training. Once this is complete we will officially launch Navan BNI. It is at this stage that the group should hit the 40 members mark with the resultant increase in referrals.

I have to say that so far I have been very impressed by both the calibre and the enthusiasm of the individuals setting up Navan BNI. I’m proud to be a member of the group and I’m really optimistic about the levels of business that will be passed amongst the members.

If you’re interested please feel free to come along. It is on a Wednesday morning between 6.50 and 8.30 at the Ardboyne Hotel on the Dublin Road. If you want more info, or if you want to see another more established group in practice, please feel free to contact me at: alan.mccormack@themortgageshop.ie and I'll try to help.

Hi Alan,
Is the BNI in Navan still in existence - I have sent you an email as I would be interested in this.

Regards,
Larry O'Connor

FusionNet

There is one definate winner of BNI and that the founder as he is pocketing millions. I think its mad that we would pay 700 euro a year plus the breakfast money to meet at a stupid time and pass business to each other. Why cant people network themselves without paying the franchise.??

My line of work BNI was good to a point but I hated the 630am start and the pressure to have leads. I think there must be a better, cheaper and certainly more IRISH way of doing business. Our country hasnt been developed the way it is by this method of networking, we're talkers and word of mouth has been much better for me than BNI....

Chubbcakes

A good idea is to group interested people in each counties and meet for a coffee every month etc. Allocate an 1hr, and have an informal chat. Talk fast to each other and get outta there! Limit the numbers to 6 and just turn up. Minimal cost and effort!Or is this far too simple/difficult? lol

bon ami

Darragh29 wrote: »

BNI is before anything else, a franchise business operation, so maybe that's one thing to take into account. It is a business, not 22 folks meeting up at 7AM, because they want to work to help each other. This isn't made clear at BNI meetings. I tried BNI and I came to the conclusion that it certainly wasn't for me. I noticed a few weeks in a row that BNI "Directors", would come along to brainwash the attendees into the whole BNI culture, which I found to be very American, and didn't sit easy with me.

If you make an effort to promote your own business when you meet people, you can network very effectively without paying hundreds for the privilege...

From my experience of BNI , I currently get about 25% of my business through BNI , each chapter is only as good as its individual members. As for brain washing , I would not think taht my fellow members would agree with you. Try a different chapter and see how it works out. Certainly in my chapter in Marketwest we are 38 memebrs who work for eachother not for any BNI Directors and last year we generated over a €1 million worth of business for each other. Some of our members have been memebrs for over 5 years and I can assur eyou they don't get out of bed at 6:00am each wednesday for nothing.

Culchie

bon ami wrote: »

From my experience of BNI , I currently get about 25% of my business through BNI , each chapter is only as good as its individual members. As for brain washing , I would not think taht my fellow members would agree with you. Try a different chapter and see how it works out. Certainly in my chapter in Marketwest we are 38 memebrs who work for eachother not for any BNI Directors and last year we generated over a €1 million worth of business for each other. Some of our members have been memebrs for over 5 years and I can assur eyou they don't get out of bed at 6:00am each wednesday for nothing.

agreed ....in our first year, we are on target for €1million between our members in Sligo.

BNI is brilliant for those who are willing to put the time and effort in. "Givers Gain"

Colm_purchase

Culchie wrote: »

agreed ....in our first year, we are on target for €1million between our members in Sligo.

BNI is brilliant for those who are willing to put the time and effort in. "Givers Gain"

I guess every BNI is different but generally speaking most people I have spoken to see it as a waste of time and a distraction to their core goals in business. My opinion in general would be that unless you got a completely novel type of business then start-ups are best adviced to concentrate on other things then networking groups in year one at least unless you have a large team of people in place

Culchie

Purchase.ie wrote: »

I guess every BNI is different but generally speaking most people I have spoken to see it as a waste of time and a distraction to their core goals in business. My opinion in general would be that unless you got a completely novel type of business then start-ups are best adviced to concentrate on other things then networking groups in year one at least unless you have a large team of people in place

For the life of me I cannot see how you can honestly believe this statement.

If you think that getting out of bed early for one day a week, to meet 30-40 other business people (BNI or not) on a regular basis, and develop a relationship with them is a waste of time, then I would have to question the hunger and energy of the 'people' you refer to.

it's a bad week when I don't receive 5 referrals, and I can say that it is a bad week when I cannot give at least 3 referrals to other businesses.

mickbyrne

I'm involved in a a chapter in Wexford (Menapia) and have been a member for 4 years now. 30% of my annual business comes directly from BNI referrals. Not only is it a good business network its also a good social network. If I have an issue I would like to discuss with someone I have a network of almost 40 self employed business people to discuss this with.

Like anything in this life, What you put into it is directly related to what you get out of it.

We are fortunate in our chapter to have a very good atmosphere and people work and get on very well with each other.

Colm_purchase

Culchie wrote: »

For the life of me I cannot see how you can honestly believe this statement.

If you think that getting out of bed early for one day a week, to meet 30-40 other business people (BNI or not) on a regular basis, and develop a relationship with them is a waste of time, then I would have to question the hunger and energy of the 'people' you refer to.

it's a bad week when I don't receive 5 referrals, and I can say that it is a bad week when I cannot give at least 3 referrals to other businesses.

Some truth in what your saying I guess. Nothing ventured nothing gained I guess. All the same if it is the same 30-40 people every week I'd imagine referals wear pretty thin quite soon.

Dr.Silly

Purchase.ie wrote: »

I guess every BNI is different but generally speaking most people I have spoken to see it as a waste of time and a distraction to their core goals in business. My opinion in general would be that unless you got a completely novel type of business then start-ups are best adviced to concentrate on other things then networking groups in year one at least unless you have a large team of people in place

Have to agree with this,
I had joined BNI in Bray about 5 years ago, and it was a complete waste of time. There was conflicting businesses and referals were poor.
I know it has worked for some people though, but as you say, the majority of the people I know who have tried it have had a poor hit rate.

FusionNet

Can anyone tell me why it costs around 800 euro per year as well as the hotel cost of up to 500 euro a year. The first figure is unavoidable, obviously the second figure relates to the breakfast cost. I just dont understand how it makes sence for a 22 member chapter to pay BNI 17000 euro for a structure and a bit of support? Can someone tell me what we were paying for? Also does anyone know what BNI Ireland makes from just membership??

bon ami

Purchase.ie wrote: »

Some truth in what your saying I guess. Nothing ventured nothing gained I guess. All the same if it is the same 30-40 people every week I'd imagine referals wear pretty thin quite soon.

Not so. If you fully participate as a member of a chapter you will be concious of developing referrals for your fellow members as you meet new contacts and develop your own business.

As I said in my previous post each chapter is only as good as its individual members and how well they work together. BNI is far from perfect but it is worthwhile.

bon ami

FusionNet wrote: »

Can anyone tell me why it costs around 800 euro per year as well as the hotel cost of up to 500 euro a year. The first figure is unavoidable, obviously the second figure relates to the breakfast cost. I just dont understand how it makes sence for a 22 member chapter to pay BNI 17000 euro for a structure and a bit of support? Can someone tell me what we were paying for? Also does anyone know what BNI Ireland makes from just membership??

BNI is a professional networking organisation and while I admit that not everything is perfect , I have been at free networking events where every saleman in the country is there to get what they can without giving anything in return and they are a complete waste of time. I believe that the cost is reasonable if you are getting the return but you must put in the effort. If tehre were no charges BNI would become another networking event for salespeople rather than business owners. I ahve been to chapters which are not properly run and this can have a negative impact. I have also seen new members join expecting referrals immediately without making any effort to forge relationships with memebrs etc. personally I am not going to refer my clients to any joe or josephine soap , I need to be able to know I can trust them to deliver on their promises before I give them referrals and I can assur eyou taht takes some time.

Accountsplus

Hi,
there's a new BNI chapter in the process of being set up in Oranmore, Co Galway at the moment. It is still early days so not too many of the trade/profession slots are locked down.
If anyone is interested in finding out more, send me a pm.

FusionNet

I still didnt get a real answer to this (no offence Bon). I cant understand why the BNI format is so special. Surely anyone who has been to one can setup a similar type with the referral thing etc. I dont understand why it costs 800 euro???? Lets say there are 30 chapters in Ireland with 25 members each, thats €600,000 a year for what??? A few people to offer advice, books little slips.. Thats serious cash...

RUDOLF289

FusionNet wrote: »

I still didnt get a real answer to this (no offence Bon). I cant understand why the BNI format is so special. Surely anyone who has been to one can setup a similar type with the referral thing etc. I dont understand why it costs 800 euro???? Lets say there are 30 chapters in Ireland with 25 members each, thats €600,000 a year for what??? A few people to offer advice, books little slips.. Thats serious cash...

Actually in the Republic the are 72 chapters with a total of 1872 members, membership is Euro 600 plus VAT per annum, so that's even more serious cash than you thought it would be. If you look at all the countries in the world that BNI operates in, then it is an incredible amount of money. So it is a franchise and you pay to join the franchise. It is special because it works, using a tried and tested system. In my chapter we passed Euro 1.6M worth of business last year. So that's the proof in the pudding. Sure, everybody and anybody is free to set up a referral network. The question is, will it work and will it generate revenue for the members.

Regards,
Rudolf289

FusionNet

But surely one could just copy it word for word and call it Business Networking Ireland and be as succcussful?? I mean Ive bean part of it, I paid over my 1500 euro for my time and ya I got good work but I cant see why the same formula cant work on its own with a reduced fee???? Am I crazy here or what?

1800 members at 600 euro each thats €10,80000???? FFS what are we paying somone 10m for? I bet none of that 10m stays in Ireland?

RUDOLF289

FusionNet wrote: »

But surely one could just copy it word for word and call it Business Networking Ireland and be as succcussful?? I mean Ive bean part of it, I paid over my 1500 euro for my time and ya I got good work but I cant see why the same formula cant work on its own with a reduced fee???? Am I crazy here or what?

1800 members at 600 euro each thats €10,80000???? FFS what are we paying somone 10m for? I bet none of that 10m stays in Ireland?

Hi FusionNet,

Oke, first of all, if you want to start Business Networking Ireland, by all means go ahead. I am sure that people are interested in creating genuine business opportunities and develop sales through Networking. Not sure if you get away with copying the Business Network International concept word for word. First of all "BNI" is a registered trademark and I am sure most of the other aspects of BNI are protected, so, doubtfull you could do a "cut and paste".

As to your calculation, I think your calculator may have added a zero somewhere along the line. 1800 x 600 is 1.080.000 (say 1 million and eighty thousand euro) and yes, a portion of that 1 Million or so stays in Ireland as the Franchise Holder for Ireland keeps a percentage of that.

I think the membership fee is value for money. It would take a tremendous effort to run a successfull referall marketing / networking business to be able to compete with BNI.

Regards,
Rudolf289

Culchie

It's the same old story....keeping trying to find holes in a good idea.

Yes it costs money to join BNI .... but (and I speak for myself) I had my money paid back within 2 weeks.

Yes, I hate Monday evenings with the thought of getting up at stupid o'clock on Tuesdays for the meeting .... but hey, once I am up, I am up so no big deal there.

There is nothing to stop any group of people doing the same thing....but it doesn't happen does it?

Same as people sometimes need a coach, a counseller, a mentor ....

40 people generated €1 million in my group this year ....fact. Yes you could argue some of that what have happened anyway, but I reckon 50% was new income/custom for me anyway.

FusionNet

Firstly I wrote that last post without my glasses and the MS calculator font is small.. So apologies for the Zero.

As for picking holes Culchie, Id lake to state I was in BNI for over two years, I even sat at the head of the table so I more than anyone know the sales and profits I made out of it. But thats not the point, this is the worlds biggest downturn and BNI who have vertually no expenses in Ireland havent reduced the fee I think its too expensive. And to say BNI is all singing all dancing it isnt. BNI's downfall is its weakest link, as soon as members drop off a chamber can vanish within weeks. I remember our chapter went from 27 to 5 in a matter of months just because people couldnt make the 7am start. It suits certain people but its only as good as what people put in and that can be a problem when people are busy or quiet ironically..

Anyways my original point stands, 400 euro would be fine 600, I just think its too much...

Culchie

FusionNet wrote: »

Firstly I wrote that last post without my glasses and the MS calculator font is small.. So apologies for the Zero.

As for picking holes Culchie, Id lake to state I was in BNI for over two years, I even sat at the head of the table so I more than anyone know the sales and profits I made out of it. But thats not the point, this is the worlds biggest downturn and BNI who have vertually no expenses in Ireland havent reduced the fee I think its too expensive. And to say BNI is all singing all dancing it isnt. BNI's downfall is its weakest link, as soon as members drop off a chamber can vanish within weeks. I remember our chapter went from 27 to 5 in a matter of months just because people couldnt make the 7am start. It suits certain people but its only as good as what people put in and that can be a problem when people are busy or quiet ironically..

Anyways my original point stands, 400 euro would be fine 600, I just think its too much...

Everything you say is true (although I never said it was all singing and dancing). I would also welcome the reduction from 600 to 400 as well ..... but I would also welcome a reduction in my rent, my rates etc....

For me, when you weight it up €11.50 a week is well worth it. Now time for bed for tomorrows meeting

conolan

I've been invited to join in Waterford. Went to meeting last week, and was disappointed to see people doing obvious consumer-oriented services. Somehow i thought it was B2B mostly. What's the mix in other groups?

LauraOrlagh

Chubbcakes wrote: »

A good idea is to group interested people in each counties and meet for a coffee every month etc. Allocate an 1hr, and have an informal chat. Talk fast to each other and get outta there! Limit the numbers to 6 and just turn up. Minimal cost and effort!Or is this far too simple/difficult? lol

Chubbcakes.. I think what you're talking about there is OpenCoffee and that idea is already in practice around the country - but good idea all the same check it out on Linked in if you like http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=85170&trk=myg_ugrp_ovr

I'd have to agree with FusionNet.. who wants to get up at 6am to get to a breakfast meeting only to be under pressure to generate referrals.. honest word of mouth is a far better stimulator of business than this pressurised setting. Maybe we should set up our own network which meets at a sociable hour and is a less formal networking opportunity for any business owners interested

FusionNet

Hi Laura (again:)

I think the strict format of BNI does work to a point as it keeps you from getting lazy but you really have to be in the mood for it at that hour of the morning.. What I noticed was I did most of my business in the group not outside it and after I left I have all the customers then.. But I did land some nice deals in it but Im well beyond getting up at 630am, Ive stopped all that craic and working myself to death... Its not for everyone but definately has potential for some start ups.

bon ami

There is no doubt that WOM works and taht networking is worth it. I ahve tried a numebr of networking groups both paid and unpaid and have found taht BNI is the best of the lot (for me). Other groups I have been involved in do not adhere to similar policies as BNI . I have been a member of my chapter for 3 years and some members have been there more than 8 years, and I can assure you we don't do it for nothing. The early start isa pain in the ass but one reason it is there is that it ensures that all members are committed. One reason that BNI does not work for some people is that they do not buy into the "Givers Gain" philosophy - they turn up pay their fee and expect to generate referrals and business. That is not how it works and you have got to put the effort in doing 1/2/1's with other members, building up a reputation and credibility in both you and your product/service. I have been to one particular networking session where more tahn 100 people turn up and the majority of them are salespeole looking for referrals but are not in a position to give referrals themselves.

As I said in an earlier post BNI is not for everybody but don't knock it totally as there are quite a lot of members doing very well out of it thank you.

OfficeAngel

I know this thread finished some time ago, but as I appear to be in the right type of place, would anyone out there know anything about the various chapters in Limerick?

BNI did me proud when I lived in Co. Clare considering I haven't even joined yet.
I have since moved to LImerick so are there any comments?

It seems the only way forward at the moment, products sell on the internet but services don't.

Thanks.

RUDOLF289

OfficeAngel wrote: »

I know this thread finished some time ago, but as I appear to be in the right type of place, would anyone out there know anything about the various chapters in Limerick?

BNI did me proud when I lived in Co. Clare considering I haven't even joined yet.
I have since moved to LImerick so are there any comments?

It seems the only way forward at the moment, products sell on the internet but services don't.

Thanks.

Hello Office Angel,

I have sent you a PM with a linkedin profile. Suggest you make contact. He is an Area Director for the region.

Cheers,
Rudolf289