BNI - Busines Network International

TheBigCheese · 13 Oct 2008 at 15:08

Hi guys

I've just had an invite through the post to attend an open day for the BNI...basically seems to be a way of businesses in the local area to network with each other.

From the letter that has come through the post it sets my scam alert alarm sounding...it has been mentioned a couple of times in these forums but a couple of years back.

Basically, does anyone have any experience of them?
Are you a member / were you a member / would you like to be a member / have you run away after your wallet was offered as a sacrifice?

What are the costs etc.

Just looking for some information about them really.

Thanks

TheBigCheese · 14 Oct 2008 at 11:24

Sorry for bumping, just could really do with knowing if anyone has had any experience with these people and how you found it for your business.

Cheers

Matblack · 14 Oct 2008 at 18:54

Its not really a scam and a properly run group can help you to get referrals but your service needs to have a very wide appeal. I went a few times when I worked in recruitment and got a few referrals but it is VERY American, VERY rah-rah-rah and you have to get up very early to go. The people who seemed to get most out of it were companies like Signage providers, printers, builders and car valets. Companies where the product is universal and pretty much anyone can ask you if you can recommend anyone who does that job. If you make socks for budgies (a niche market to say the least) then its not going to work for you.

MB

<(Multi)> · 14 Oct 2008 at 19:05

The company I used to work for as an IT Field Engineer were members of BNI. The amount of new business leads from it was massive, but the impression I always got was it depends very much on the motivation of the entire group, get a bum group and its a waste of time, a good group and it becomes very profitable.

What line of business are you in?