Business Networking - Build Your Own Sales Team Through Networking

Networking is one of the most effective ways to market your business by spreading the word about what you do. There are plenty of business networking groups out there, all of which have something positive to offer. Business Network International – or BNI – is the biggest and most successful networking organisation in the World today.

BNI works on the principle of ‘givers gain’: if I refer some business in your direction, you’re more likely to do the same for me. Imagine it like this: you have a team of fellow business people actively promoting YOUR business to their own customers – whilst you do the same for them. It’s similar to having your own sales team out there every day, working for you and your business.

Each BNI group (‘chapter’) typically includes 20 or so members who meet once a week for an early-morning breakfast. Meetings follow a structured agenda and each member gives a 1 minute presentation to fellow members, highlighting the sort of business they are looking for. The most exciting part of the meeting comes towards the end, when referrals are passed between members.

Each chapter allows only one member per profession to join, which can create some healthy competition for membership, and testimonials are required before membership is accepted. This means only quality professionals are accepted as members of BNI – so when you refer a fellow member to one of your customers you can be confident in their ability to do a good job.

There are BNI chapters dotted throughout the country, so there’s sure to be an active chapter close to you. Visit the BNI Europe website and check out the ‘Chapter Finder’ page: www.bni-europe.com/uk/index.htm.

www.businessinberkshire.co.uk/networking

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[ Build Your Own Sales Team Through Networking ]

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