Business Networking Organizations 1

[cmEngr]

I just got a letter inviting me to join BNI, a business networking organization (

http://www.bni.com).

This group is set up to generate leads for the businesses that participate. If you have tried this, did it work for you?

 

[GregLocock]

I haven't heard of them, I have seen a couple of others. They are free.

http://www.guru.com

seems pretty well established. I know that it is used by at least one engineering VP.

http://www.linkedin.com

is also free, but I haven't seen much useful stuff from it, so far.



Cheers

Greg Locock

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

 

[COEngineeer]

I get a phone call from a similar companya a lot! They will tell you that it is free (only free trial) and they will eventually call you again and say do you want to renew it and charge you money.

 

[Pud]

I have found most of these "we get you work" outfits are rubbish (in the UK).

Although, I might add, my wife is in a "Women into the Network" scheme in the North East of England which has turned out to be a women only party/drinking club..

At least she enjoys it!


Cheers

Harry

 

[mechmama]

Here's the first hand word on BNI, as my husband is currently the president of his section. . .

As an independent electrician, this has been an extremely valuable marketing tool for him and is actually the only marketing he does. His business has been built entirely on word of mouth through this group. However, I am not sure there would be a huge value for an engineer being in one of these groups, depending on your specialty. He's had architects and general contractors in his group, but no engineers.

A typical membership might include a remodeler, insurance salesman, chiropractor, marketing firm, uniform rep, audio/visual installer, landscape architect, lawyer, realtor, and so on. His group tends to have people who own their businesses or work for small businesss more than people representing a major company, i.e. Joe the insurance guy, not Bob with AAA.

These are groups of about 30 professionals, and the sole purpose is to generate referrals to other members. Each time you attend a meeting, you should have a referral for at least one other member. You should have a big enough network already that you will have friends who might be moving and need a realtor, or maybe your neighbor is painting her house, etc. That's why I don't know how valuable this would be for an engineer. How many times does someone have an opportunity to refer an engineer to an acquaintance?

As for cost, you can visit as a guest for free maybe once or twice, depending on your section's rules. After that you can apply, and they can accept or reject your app. It's about $300-400/year, but if you serve as an officer (which is typically required at some point), you'll get a reduced rate for the next six months.

Another important note is that you're expected to be there every week or send a sub. The sub can be an employee or your grandma (if grandma happens to have a service business to promote), but your only allowed 2 absences without a sub or you can be asked to leave the group.

Hope that explains BNI a little more for you.

 

[mechmama]

One more thing to clarify. . .BNI isn't a for-profit company, it's more similar to a professional society or being part of the chamber of commerce, so it's not a pyramid scam type thing where someone gets commission if someone joins the group.

My husband's "presidency" will be up in a year, and someone else will (reluctantly) take reins for a year, just to clarify, in case you thought I had some biased interest in recruiting people to BNI.

 

[cmEngr]

mechmama,
Thanks for the input. I do own my own inspection business. My clients are mainly home buyers, referred by realtors. So, BNI might work for me. Someone told me to look for a group with the right mix of professionals. The one that is recruiting me is probably not what I need.

 

[mechmama]

Ahh. Now it makes sense. Our BNI chapter also has a home inspector.

 

[cmEngr]

Yes, and the group that contacted me has a residential real estate agent. But, I was advised to look for a group with a commercial agent and a real estate attorney. I just checked and there are only 5 groups in my general area. None have that kind of mix.

 

[mechmama]

Just keep in mind they're always adding new members, so maybe one of the groups will be a better fit for you 6 months from now. Good luck!