began word of mouth has been recognized as one of the most effective ways to develop

new business opportunities. But how do you consciously develop word of mouth as a marketing

strategy? The answer is BNI, the worlds largest and most successful business referral organisation.

BNI is in over 40 countries and has over well over 120,000 members. For organisations large

or small, the basic principle of getting business is still the same building trust. Business

is all about people and BNI is people ! Unlike other networking groups and organizations

that allow multiple businesses in the same industry to participate BNI, or Business Network

International, is a business and professional networking organization that allows one person

per profession to join a chapter; one solicitor, one plumber, one florist, one chiropractor,

one travel agent etc. They get together every week and pass each other referrals. s really

a way for business people to get together in a structured environment and help one another

to increase each others business. Members actively refer business to each other around

the chapter. You are not selling to them directly but familiarizing them with your products,

your services and your requirements. Through them you reach out to the larger market. The

philosophy of BNI can be summed up in two simple words: Givers Gain. If you want to

get business you have to be willing to give business to other business professionals.

It is predicated on the age old concept of what goes around comes around. If I help you

you ll help me and we ll all do better as a result of it. What BNI really focuses on

in its mission and in its philosophy is teaching people that the process of networking and

word of mouth marketing is more about farming than it is about hunting. s about helping

other business professionals increase their business by developing relationships and getting

to know each other and the more you know each other and trust each other you refer each

other. BNI is the only networking organisation which has a distinct structure for each aspect

of its functioning. If you re advertising in the Yellow Pages then you re probably an

ideal member for BNI. If you sell to the general public or the general business community you

re a likely candidate for the BNI programme. Members have generated many referrals in their

groups Member testimonial video(s) here ( 2) Networking with people in a supportive structure

on a regular basis is the key to achieving the success you desire! In an increasingly

competitive market the power of relationship networking is never more important that it

is now ! s main focus is on developing long term relationships. It also means accountability.

Accountability, commitment and training are the cornerstones of BNI s worldwide success.

When relationship networking or helping other people is the cornerstone to your networking

efforts then having a referral based marketing system for your business is a great idea.

And that s BNI. END gd*S gd*S gd*S gd*S BNI web video script What is BNI Dan Garlick Normal.dot

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