BNI. Have Anybody Here Used Them Before?

PerfConst

Hi all,

Here's the website: http://www.bni.com/

What are they about: http://www.bni.com/Default.aspx?DN=2,1,Documents


What are the good, bad and ugly side of joining BNI?

Regards,

T

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Taylor Phan
Perfection Construction
"Take your time to built it CORRECTLY & PERFECTLY "

ProWallGuy

I was asked to one of their meetings, then subsequently asked to join. I wasn't thrilled about their annual fee (around $200 if I recall correctly). There was a lot of paperwork to go through. And the deal breaker was if you missed a couple meetings, you got the boot. I work out of town a lot, and wouldn't be able to make all the meetings.

Another things was I doubted my ability to be able to provide referrals for the rest of the members. Being a painter/paperhanger, how many times do you think one of my customers asked for a name of a mortgage loan officer, or an accountant? Not very often.

BTW, I went to 3 meetings, and received 7 referrals. I closed none of them. Most were dead ends, a couple wanted low price.

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Wallpaper Hanger St. Louis
Digital Murals Installation

Second Look

Wow, it's more like $700 a year here. I attended 2 meetings myself and didn't join.

I never heard about that. The deal breaker for me was the time committment as well. It's something like an hour and a half every week. I would rather sleep in, or be designing a mail piece, putting business cards on the Dunkin' Donuts drive through sign, whatever....

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Second Look home improvement www.SecondLookHome.com
Handyman and Home Repair Specialist in Rhode Island
RI Licensed Lead Safe Remodeler/Renovator, RI Registered & Insured Contractor

dougchips

Wait...if you got 7 leads in 3 weeks, what potential does this have if you rode it out for a year?

__________________
To get the best replacement windows, or sun rooms contact the replacement windows experts at FHI Vinyl Window Company.

PressurePros

exactly.

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Ken Fenner
Pressure Washing PA
Roof Cleaning Services PA

Gordo

I attended BNI as a guest. Ran in to an old friend......and BOOM secured about $30,000 in work over a year and a half from her.

I also 'subbed' for BNI members that were sick/couldn't attend meetings. Did not cost a dime. This is the way to go IMO.

Highly recommended.

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Looks like some pros were here.

mdshunk

The meetings are during working hours (wed mornings, in my area). I'd be interested in belonging, but I've got stuff do do, like work.

Gordo

Usually (here at least), the meetings start early at 7:00am and last an hour.

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Looks like some pros were here.

dougchips

Might I ask what they do with the money? Is it a business that runs theses programs or is it like a local AA or Elks club?

__________________
To get the best replacement windows, or sun rooms contact the replacement windows experts at FHI Vinyl Window Company.

mdshunk

That's when I'm restocking the truck, working out the day's schedule, and driving to the first call. That would screw me up, royally.

Gordo

Its one day a week.

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Looks like some pros were here.

Humble Abode

What is the purpose of the meetings?

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Just because some of us can read and write and do a little math, that doesn't mean we deserve to conquer the Universe. Kurt Vonnegut, (1922 - 2007) from the Novel 'Hocus Pocus'
The NAPP
Milwaukee Painting Contractor

Gordo

Every member pitches their product/service to other members who then go out and sell your product/service to potential clients (word of mouth). Also, strict records are kept on who are the top performers referring the members product/services (to eliminate slackers). You also meet some interesting people that may be able to help your business in some way.

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Looks like some pros were here.

mdshunk

Put down the Kool-Aid, and step away from the keyboard.

EMCustom

If you are looking to increase your workload and have the opportunity to join BNI, seriously consider doing so. I have found it to be an invaluable source of lead generation (and $$$ generation). I do small-medium size residential remodeling and starting out I would have had to spend thousands in marketing dollars to get the results I have so far from BNI. It does take an hour and a half a week of your time but IMO that is time well invested in marketing your business- because the rest of the week you have the other 20-30 members of your chapter marketing for you.
If you do good work and behave professionally, once your chapter members get to know you they will probably throw you more work than you can handle. Most trades are in demand at BNI.

You have to decide if the commitment is acceptable for you but for me the returns are huge for the time and money involved.

PerfConst

I think it is a good start for very little money. I'm going to join them.

I will have a follow-up post on this BNI stuff within 6 months or so to let you know how good/bad it is.

Regards,

Taylor

__________________
Taylor Phan
Perfection Construction
"Take your time to built it CORRECTLY & PERFECTLY "

dougchips

Check out Yahoo Groups, anyone can sign up to look at their "group". Look in the document area and you can read up on their procedures.

I talked to someone Tuesday that is in my trade that does very well with the program.

Need to find a way to watch my kids in the morning and attend meetings now............

__________________
To get the best replacement windows, or sun rooms contact the replacement windows experts at FHI Vinyl Window Company.