Does anybody belong to Business Networking International (BNI)? How effectively is it working for you, in terms of rainmaking?
Three people have recommended BNI to me. It seems a little pricey. On the other hand, one or two good jobs presumably would pay for the fees. But of course…you’ll need to generate more than one or two jobs to put bacon on your plate. It looks like a lot of work…and it also looks like it’s a profit-making enterprise for the gent who founded it. On the other other hand, do either of those things matter if it’s actually producing business for you?
I’ve joined a local Chamber of Commerce group. As a vehicle for meeting other business owners, it’s awesome. And since my business proposes a b2b model, it’s the perfect venue for networking. I’ve already met some very interesting people, including a woman with a start-up that sells a program—not an app—that causes a website to adapt automatically to whatever device a visitor is using. It creates a really neat page for a cellphone (for example), and does so by using code on your site, rather than running it through an app. Also have run into a graphic designer who specializes in print only, lawyers coming out the wazoo, and the usual array of mortgage brokers, insurance agents, and financial advisers. Plus the Chamber itself has some pretty neat offerings, including free air time on a radio show, space in its newsletter for articles, and plenty of ad space.
However, Wednesday at the Chamber meeting, one person told me he gets about 60 percent of his referrals from BNI and 30 percent from the Chamber. If that’s so, it could be worth the cost. Or maybe not, if he’s talking about a total of three referrals…
Yesterday one of the guys at the Scottsdale Business Association recommended the National Organization of Women Business Owners. That appears to be an extremely active group, at least in this part of the country.
It looks to me like one probably needs to pick one’s networking groups with care. Most of these outfits are not cheap: annual dues plus $15 or $20 for breakfasts or lunches add up to a hefty fee. One or two such organizations might pay for themselves, yes, with a single successful referral. But a half-dozen of them could mean the proceeds of half a dozen jobs would be consumed before you’d make a profit. Probably it’s best to focus on one or two, spending more time there rather than less time at a larger number of meetings.
The question is, which groups to pick?
Do you network? What types of networking, or which specific groups, seem to be the most effective?
I just joined my local Chamber of Commerce and have already noticed a great deal of interest in my web design business. (Probably because I’m basically the only show in town, but I’ll take what I can get.) I haven’t been a member long enough to judge the impact on actual jobs obtained, but at least my business name is out there and I’m meeting new business owners who might need the services I provide.
It’s always hard to choose; like you mentioned, the dues and fees can eat you alive if you join too many things. Also, in my case, since I’m a one-woman operation, I can’t devote too much time to meetings and fundraisers because I need to work. However, I don’t regret the decision to join the Chamber and I look forward to seeing how it goes. Keep us updated on what you decide to join and how it works out!