Here is a very well produced video from BNI in New Zealand. I love that BNI is the same in every country.

I get asked quite a lot about whether going to chamber meetings are recommended or even worth it. Sometimes they seem to not be but you have to remember that networking is all about contacts and not about selling something. Ivan Miser, the founder of BNI, says that the very best networkers are in 3 different types of networks. The first needs to be a ‘strong contact’ network group, which BNI is one. The second is a chamber, not just a paying member but actually an active member. Large chambers can have ambassador programs and smaller ones may have leadership positions available. The main thing is to be active and seen. The third group is some type of professional or womens organization. These are typically full of people in the same type business but you never know who can help you.

The most important thing is to get out and meet people on a regular basis. You never know who someone knows, and when was the last time you met someone new and it hurt your business?

The Trussville BNI Chapter just hit a milestone on the way to our goal. We just inducted out 35th member and we continue to have visitors every week trying to get in. Our new leadership team has done a spectacular job in leading the chapter and growing the group in both strength and size.

If you are interested in visiting with us please use the form on the right and contact us so we can expect you. Remember there is only 1 per category in a BNI chapter and those are filling quickly. If you come and visit remember to bring plenty of business cards, everyone will want one!

See you Friday!

The Trussville BNI chapter had an awesome visitors day last week. We had over 80 businesses attending and many new contacts were made. Above is a picture of our members as of last Friday, maybe you could be in this picture next time, come visit with us and find out how.

The B2B powerteam has put together a business clinic named “How Not to Participate in a Recession”. This event will be on March 17th, 2010, at the Trussville Civic Center from 11:30am to 1:00pm sharp. We have a few speakers that will be covering some good topics on how to strengthen your business in this type of economy and how to get more business without spending a ton. There will ONLY be 25 seats available to get registered before they sell out. Click the icon for more information.

Well, after 11 years of meeting on Friday mornings at 7AM at the St. Vincents East Hospital (used to be Medical Center East) we have finally moved. Our new location is going to be at the Trussville Civic Center. We are excited about the new location and we are looking forward to meeting there starting on November 6th, 2009.

If you do not know where the Trussville Civic Center is please contact us through the form on the site, or click here for a map

What a great day to do business!

A huge milestone was reached in the Trussville Chapter of BNI. We are now at 30 members and applications are still being processed.

New members include:

Terry Trott, Total Merchant Services, sets up credit card processing for businesses.
Donna Lowery, McGowin-King, is our new mortgage consultant.
Alan Duke represents a group and individual health insurance provider.
James Lovell, Steel City Stone, fabricates and installs natural stone products.

Great things come out of a business networking group of 30. The one that stands out the most is the 33% increase in business referrals.

Our goal is 40 members. Don’t you think it’s time to visit our group and see how referral networking can help grow your business?

What a great day to do business!

Our Personal Services Power Team has been busy planning special events for business networking.

April 10, 2009 will feature all things to do with cosmetics and skin care. Mary Kay, Arbonne, Avon, and Independent Sales reps. Specialty beauty care products such as soaps are also welcome to visit.

Reserve you seat today. 27 seats have been filled. This will be a great day to get your product or service in front of other businesses involved in cosmetics and skin care.

What a great day to do business!

Time to introduce readers to our newest members. Members are actually investors in our group. They invest time and effort into business networking and receive great benefits (new business) in return.

In Southern California there are many huge, tall, lush eucalyptus trees that topple over fairly easily in the high winds that occur almost every year.  When they’re uprooted and blown over, you can see that their root system is broad and wide but not very deep.  I think this is a powerful metaphor for what to consider in building your personal network.  To go deep in establishing your network, you can do three things:

1.  Build quality relationships. Take time beyond normal business interactions to deepen your relationships with referral sources.  Invite them to social functions, learn their hobbies and interests, and help them pursue their personal goals.

2.  Network in new places. Other than your strong–and casual–contact groups, look for new areas to find partners with common interests, such as charitable organizations and professional support groups.  Don’t prospect right away; let the relationships mature.

3.  Focus on others. Rather than having a “What’s in it for me?” mind-set, ask yourself, What can I do for this person?  Continually look for ways to bring business and benefits to others in any group you’re a part of.  Make yourself known as the person who always has something for others.  This is a powerful way to both deepen and broaden your network.

If your network is a mile wide and an inch deep, it will not hold up in the winds of today’s economy.  Go deep in building relationships and you’ll do well in these challenging times.