Corey & Ben, you might be more impressed with BNI if you actually tried it. I’ve been an active member for the last 2½ years, and it has resulted in referrals worth many thousands of dollars. That said, not all chapters are equally productive. My suggestion would be to visit all the chapters in your area before choosing one. Examine their membership carefully, and look for chapters with members in your “sphere,” that is, with similar service businesses who are in people’s homes frequently. We have a painter in our group who gives me tons of referrals; every time he paints the exterior of a home he has me pressure clean it first. Many of these jobs turn into window jobs too.
Other compatible businesses would be carpet cleaners, HVAC people, Realtors, disaster repair, window blind installers, etc.
You are not expected to automatically refer everyone who happens to belong to the group. You are encouraged to meet privately with other members, get to know them well until you can feel comfortable referring them. Conversely, do not expect to immediately receive lots of referrals as soon as you join the group. Trust takes time. I offer fellow BNI members a special discount so they can try my service themselves, then the next meeting they will often give a testimonial on my service to the entire group, which enhances credibility. There are a few people in my group that I will not refer, but many more who are very high quality contractors who will enhance my reputation. Bottom line: BNI was responsible for 15% of all my new customers last year.
Douglas W. Hodgson
ABS Professional Window Cleaning
Greensboro NC
856-0032
addressis@removed
www.ABSofGSO.com
-----Original Message-----
From: addressis@removed
[mailto:addressis@removed On Behalf Of Corey
Goforth
Sent: Friday, March 20, 2009 7:41
PM
To: addressis@removed
Subject: RE: [World] Advertising
Question
Ben, I agree with you on the BNI networks. It doesn’t make cents to refer someone just because they are part of your network or referral group (as in not based upon personal experience).
If you were to refer someone that didn’t do a good job, it would reflect poorly upon you.
Although I do say this with tongue in cheek. I am tempted myself to join a BNI group in order to get more business. If I felt that the businesses that I met in the BNI group were reputable, honest, & reliable I would be more inclined to refer them.
Corey Goforth
714-890-3885
www.4abetterview.com
From: addressis@removed
[mailto:addressis@removed On Behalf Of Ben
Curran
Sent: Friday, March 20, 2009 11:05
AM
To: addressis@removed
Subject: Re: [World] Advertising
Question
I was
investigating a referral network called BNI here in Pennsylvania. I believe it
costs ~$350 annually to join. Additionally, as part of the membership they
expect members to make so many business referrals to retain membership.
Not sure of the value, and if I'd be comfortable referring members just on
account that they are also members. Are not the best referrals those based on
personal experience with the business?
My thoughts.
Ben Curran
Owner/Operator
Curran Services
Morgantown, PA
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