Who here joins a networking group?

BNI is the largest one. They only allow one person from each profession in a group. Their big thing is referrals. You are supposed to bring referrals to each (weekly) meeting for the others in your group. I was invited to join one for my business and went to a meeting. My observations were: If you're a personal service business (realtor, insurance, chiropractor, handyman, etc.) it might be worthwhile. It's not really a b2b thing - it's more based on personal relationships. Those who really benefit from it work hard to help others in the group-we only have one BNI group in our town and it's pretty much the top people in each profession. The downside for me is that it's a bit cultish. My biggest problem is that you are supposed to only use the people in your group. So if there is a plumber in your group and your water main breaks, you're supposed to use them only. Some groups are more strict about this than others.

For a detailer, it might be a good group. Before you pony up the money (I think about $500), go to a couple of meetings as a guest and see what you think. You just have to find a sponsor that is a member of a group that doesn't have a detailer. I think you can find groups by zip code on the BNI site. As a guest, you get to tell about your business to the group, see what it's all about and see if you think it would benefit you.
 
My fiance is a chiropractor and belongs to something called Le Tip. She goes once a week and seems to like it a lot!! the part about only using the people in the group is correct. Not sure if it's expected or a rule or anything.....but it's kind of an unwritten rule thing.



I went to their XMas party with her and even the guests stood up and introduced themselves and told what they did. I handed out some business cards and will see what happens.
 
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