by FitSmallBusiness.comFor Local Networking

Chamber of Commerce

BNI Or

Referrals are golden!

The referrals that you are getting from friends, customers and other business people are an important part of your business.

However,Asking for

referrals can beuncomfortable

or even backfire.

However,Asking for

referrals can beuncomfortable

or even backfire. Who wants to send their connections to overly aggressive business person?

You have a couple of good options:

When building business through referrals

You have a couple of good options:

When building business through referrals

Joining A Local

Chamber of Commerce

You have a couple of good options:

When building business through referrals

Joining A Local

Chamber of Commerce

Joining A Local

Chapter of BNI

What is BNI?

BNI markets are the

“world’s largest networking, referrals, and word of mouth marketing

organization”.

BNI markets are the

“world’s largest networking, referrals, and word of mouth marketing

organization”. It’s ironic because BNI is very locally focused.

When joining

a BNI,your are joining a specific local

chapter.

When joining

a BNI,your are joining a specific local

chapter. They will only allow one member from each profession into

a chapter, so there is competition for referrals with members of other chapters.

BNI is highly structured.

They hold weekly meetings w i t h eac h l a s t i ng 90 minutes. If you cannot c o m m i t t o r e g u l a r l y attending these meetings, BNI is not for you.

is

BNI is highly structured.

They hold weekly meetings w i t h eac h l a s t i ng 90 minutes. If you cannot c o m m i t t o r e g u l a r l y attending these meetings, BNI is not for you.

Also...

is

BNI is not cheap,

The cost of joining BNI is around $500 per year.

What is a Local Chamber of Commerce?

First there is a

big misconception about chambers of commerce,

one organization. which is that they are all part of

on political advocacy for their members.

state, national, and international

As a rule of thumb,

chambers of commerce tend to

focus

While local chambers of commerce like

political advocacy

practical help

the Austin Chamber of Commerce, do both

and provide

The Chamber has a number of activities designed to boost networking and offer local business people an opportunity to connect socially and professionally -

from monthly "Business After Hours" events, to networking luncheons, breakfast meetings, annual gatherings, etc. They sponsor an annual "Business

Expo" that is always a big draw.

“Linda Pophal

of Strategic Communications, LLC, member ofthe Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce

“

I personally run a monthly event they throw called "Leads to Business" where about 70 people are in attendance. Everyone's

business card is photocopied and we go around the room in that order. Each participant gets 30 seconds to explain what their

business does and what an idea, lead, or referral is for them. In the 7 years the event has been happening, there hasn't been a

single month where every single person in the room hasn't left with a lead or referral.

“Darrah Brustein

of Equitable Payments, member of the Metro Atlanta Chamber which has around 185 events per year.

“

$100 and $500 per year.

Eachchamber of commerce

is differenthowever

they generally have annual dues between

Often there are discounts for new members.

BNI Local Chamber of Commerce?

Should you join a

chapter

or

You can do

BothHowever,

before joining one or both,you should attend a couple meetings.

In both cases,

impact∂

the specific organization will have tremendous

∂ one’s experience.

And Finally...

the process of To learn how to

running your businessvisit us at....

simplify

www.FitsmallBusiness.comThanks for watching