Hi folks,
A few people have enquired at different stages about networking meetings, what works, what doesnt etc so I would like to pass on some information. I joined a business networking group last July based in Stillorgan. This is part of a worldwide organisation BNI (Business Networking International) and the local branch is called the ‘Mint’ chapter,. Every Friday morning at the ‘Mint’ 30 + businesses meet and pass business referrals to each other.
I would like to welcome you all along to our open visitor morning on Friday 27th June, yes at 6.45am!! But trust me its worth it! There is a light breakfast served and you will get a chance to meet the group and other visitors on the day. Unlike many business events its very easy to network as people are very friendly and delighted to meet new businesses who come along.
Generally there are 35 – 40 people in attendance. For the visitor day we would expect 60+ people so a worthwhile opportunity to tell people about your business.
For me it has been one of the best business forums I have been involved with both in terms of direct business and business contacts. As much as I dislike early mornings, it is rare that I will miss a Friday morning. It is finished by 8.30 am sharp.
One of the features of the BNI is that the meeting is very structured, it starts on time, there is no time wasting. People are serious about generating business for each other and making relevant contacts. Equally the ‘mint’ group are a good laugh and there is always a good buzz even at that early hour. The concept behind it is that you bring in referrals for your fellow members and they bring business for you. There is only one type of each business allowed to join each chapter e.g. one accountant, solicitor, website designer, trainer, electrician, business coach, architect, mortgage provider, engineer etc etc. so as you build up a relationship with the people there and they get to know that you are reliable and provide a good service, they refer more and more business to you. Because of the diversity of businesses, the contacts can be invaluable. Building good relationships with other businesses targeting the same markets can work very very well.
The BNI chapter could be compared with having a sales force of 30+ sales people e.g. you know that if any of the 30 members come in contact with anyone who is in the market for your product or service that they will refer them to you. If you want to read more go to http://www.bni.eu/ireland/bni-experience.php
Some stats from the BNI Mint chapter:
§ Average Monthly Referrals 98
§ So far we have recorded €223,000 in business referred through the Mint chapter
Details
Time: 6.45am
Date: Friday 27th June
Venue: The Stillorgan Park Hotel
Please drop me a line if you are interested in coming along to rosey@webresults.ie
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me,
All the best
Rosey
WebResults.ie
Getting customers on the web for your business
www.webresults.ie
Ph: 01 7163757
Mob: 087 2445187
