Re: BNI in Longford/Roscommon
I was a member for 7 years , from founding chapter to changing direction and no longer needing BNI.
I was also involved in setting up 5 other BNI chapters as an AD.
Wasn’t treated very well as an AD but enjoyed the BNI experience .
Its not for everyone, strong leadership helps
Apply the rules
Get rid of half hearted members early
Don’t fall in to the trap of gosh no referral today I buy another xxx from another member!
If starting a chapter, try and get a mix of trades and professionals
BNI has always thrived more in a recession than in good times.
Also be strict about visitors, story of a visitor who's job involved travelling around country, always tried to stay in a hotel with a BNI group and would drop in, managed 4 BNI's a week and obviously picked up a bit of business.
It is gone quiet expensive to join, but is an allowable deduction
Over all, did I make money out of BNI, doubt it, but I was able to provide a better service to my clients using my BNI colleagues.
The BNI is a franchisee so has to work for the Directors as well, and the Master Franchisee holders in UK , if still the same husband and wife, are ruthless and never understood that the Irish where more natural and relaxed networkers then UK.
And contrary to BNI lore, a good breakfast does influence members, while its not the breakfast they come fore its the business, a good feed helps!
( Could write a book on bad coffee made by the night porters in Hotels for BNI!!!!)
Word of mouth Rocks!