Today, I had the pleasure of being accepted into a local Sherwood Park BNI Chapter. For those who haven't heard of BNI, it stands for Business Networking International. It is an association that consists of chapters all across the globe; it is an association that allows professionals to get together to help each other's businesses grow by utilizing the power of referrals.
Most businesses talk about "word of mouth" advertising, this just takes it to a whole new level. This group meets for breakfast each week and has a very focused meeting that is designed specifically to know more about each other's businesses. BNI's core philosophy is "Givers Gain."
How this plays out in the real world is evidenced in the operation of a successful chapter. Most businesses can benefit from being a part of a network such as this, and as such attending as a guest is strongly recommended. You can visit a local chapter to see what its all about by finding one near you at www.bni.com. (Our local chapter can be found HERE) -as of today, my membership isn't yet listed, but I should be listed on this page shortly...
The meetings run from 7am until 8:30am and are run with a clock-like precision - we're all busy professionals and without respect for each other's time, not much can be achieved.
I visited the chapter twice, as well as a few other chapters before I decided to submit my application. Unlike most networking groups whose sole membership qualification is the prospective member's ability to clear a cheque, a successful BNI applicant has to pass a background check including references of existing clients, as well as successfully navigate an interview process.
As referrals are an extension of our own reputation, it is IMPERATIVE that only true professionals are admitted as passing a referral on to an untrustworthy individual not only can be frustrating for the person that is searching for a needed product or service, but it can be devastating to the reputation of the person that extended the referral. For this reason, if there are any members that don't respect referrals received by their chapter members, they are immediately removed from the chapter. These folks take their business extremely seriously!
Beyond the commitment to learn about each others' businesses each week, members are expected to meet each other for an in-depth one-hour meeting in which the actual operations of member businesses and information about what makes them special are discussed. In short, by the time a referral is made between chapter members, you can be assured that whoever is benefiting from the product or service in-need will be in excellent hands and treated with the utmost respect.
The in-depth knowledge chapter members have for each other's businesses ensures that by the time a referral is extended, the chances of the professional being recommended being able to provide PRECISELY the needed service are extremely good. It is not uncommon, for example, for multiple types of insurance brokers to be represented within a chapter - each with specialized knowledge and products specifically tailored to dealing with a specific scenario. The best person to talk to if you seek disability coverage, isn't necessarily the same person that would get you the best deal on car insurance, nor are they specifically trained to discuss some of the investment aspects of some life insurance products.
If "Bill" needed some new maple flooring installed, he may ask his brother "Bob" if he knows anyone that can help. "Bob" may have a friend that works as a general contractor and think that may be the perfect person for "Bill" to speak with. If "Bill" decided to ask me the same question, I can look at my professional network to determine who would be the best fit for Bill's needs. In this case, there is Carolee that deals in new home construction, there is Richard who specializes in renovating existing properties, and then there is Blair. Blair is someone that specifically deals in hardwood flooring. While "Bob" may feel that his general contractor buddy is the best person to talk to, I am completely confident that Blair is more knowledgeable in this area - although may not know the requirements for pulling a permit to allow for a new electrical panel to be installed.....
If you are lucky enough to know someone in the BNI world - if they offer to connect you with someone in their network, take the opportunity to meet with the professional involved. They have not only been pre-screened to ensure they are a knowledgeable professional, they are also bound by the BNI Code of Ethics to make sure you are treated fairly.
By all means, do your due diligence as a consumer and make sure there is a fit between what you need and what the professional offers, but rest-assured, you will be treated fairly and with respect!
For more information on BNI and to find out if you could benefit from association with a group of true professionals, please visit a chapter near you. To come out to visit our chapter in Sherwood Park, please email me directly to discuss. If after talking it over, we both feel it would be of benefit to you, let me buy you breakfast and invite you to join us as our guest!
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