I joined BNI in 2009. Before I talk about why I joined BNI, let me talk about BNI.

BNI (Business Network International) is the world’s largest professional networking organisation.  Each week hundreds of thousands of members around the world meet to grow their business through a structured, positive, and professional referral marketing program enabling them to develop long-term, meaningful relationships with quality business people.

The proof, however, is in results.  Now operating for over 30 years, last year member’s generated over A$12 billion dollars in business globally for each other.  In the Melbourne Central region alone, our members generated in excess of A$52 million making us the most successful BNI region in Australia.

The philosophy of BNI is built upon the idea of “Givers Gain”. Our members tell us that being part of BNI is like having a room full of promoters working for you who market your product or service to their own extended networks.

When I joined the BNI Essendon Chapter in 2009 I had two main goals:

I wanted more leads so I could make more money – When I joined i was young and ambitious. I had an established business and wanted more customers. Immediately after visiting a BNI Chapter meeting I decided that BNI was for me.

I wanted to expand my network so I could offer valuable services to my clients – I wanted a way to find a trusted network that I could share with my non-BNI network. I’ve always wanted to be the “go to” guy – the guy that “know’s a guy.”  thought BNI would be a great way to tdo this.

Unfortunately BNI Essendon closed down. As mentioned I already had an established business so it would have been easy to say, “bugger it. I will not change chapters.” That was never really an option though. I stay a member of BNI for the following reasons – and not just because I make money

I’ve made new friends – By virtue of networking with a great bunch of people every week you end up becoming friends with them, My life wouldn’t be the same if I didn’t see them every week.

I’ve learned a lot – BNI has been great for my networking education. Before joining BNI, much of my business already came from networking but the things I have learned about networking from being a member of BNI have dramatically improved my networking – both within BNI and in everyday life.

I still like being able to refer my network to trusted professionals – As mentioned when I joined, I want to be the guy that “knows a guy.” BNI still allows me to do this.

I still make money – Our Company also still makes great income from BNI so we stay a member for this reason.

I love being a member of BNI and would recommend joining a BNI chapter to everyone. (I recognise that not everyone will see BNI the same way but it’s worth visiting a couple of different Chapters to see if BNI is for you.) If you want to learn more about BNI please get in touch.