Any successful organisation generates a degree of ‘Urban Myth’ around it’s activities and, all too often, these myths have developed through a process similar to Chinese Whispers. As a result many of these Myths misrepresent the facts of the situation.
Now, it’s very true that BNI doesn’t suit everyone but it’s a great shame that many people decide against even visiting a BNI Chapter based on those myths. So, we’re going to take a look at seven of the more ‘popular’ (if that’s the right word) Myths and try to separate fact from fiction.
Myth 1: BNI is for Start Up Businesses.
The latest BNI Members Survey shows a very different picture. According to this survey the majority of BNI Members, 55% of them, have been in business more than 5 years. 24% have been in business more than 2 years (but less than 5 years) and only 10% of members have been in business for less than one year. BNI really is for all businesses.
Myth 2: BNI is Stuffy, Formal and Highly Regimented.
A Warm Welcome
At BNI Uplands Eastleigh, we understand how daunting it can be to walk in to a room full of strangers, particularly knowing that you also have to stand up and talk for 60 seconds about your business. That’s why we go out of our way to make sure that our visitors feel very welcome and appreciated. We’re not at all stuffy.
Whilst it’s true that we do run our meetings in accordance with BNI’s structured agenda, the meetings are far from regimented. And let’s not forget that for any business organisation to be successful there has to be some structure as, without it, failure is practically guaranteed.
The BNI agenda’s there to keep us focused on the fact that BNI is about generating business for our members but we do like to ensure that our focus is sprinkled with a healthy dose of fun, as well. Not to mention the fact that there’s plenty of time for open networking before and after the structured part of the meeting.
If it wasn’t fun, none of us would be doing it.
Myth 3: You Have To Attend Every Meeting
Breakfast at BNI
It’s not compulsory to attend every meeting but, as members are working together to help one another find new business opportunities, there is an attendance policy regarding absenteeism and the provision of substitutes. And a substitute ensures that your business is still represented even when you’re unable to attend, personally.
Many years of experience has shown that when a group meets on a regular basis relationships blossom. These relationships encourage confidence, trust and the willingness to recommend other group members. Each member in the group is a bit like an unpaid salesman for your company and by giving a commitment to regular attendance you build a circle of trust that works to everyone’s advantage.
The truth is meeting weekly results in relationships that are far stronger.
Myth 4: BNI Doesn’t Work
BNI Referral Slips
In 2010 worldwide totals showed that Members of BNI passed 6.5 million referrals that resulted in £1.75 billion worth of business being done. In the UK and Ireland, over 696,000 referrals were passed resulting in more than £245 million worth of business for our members. These figures come from each Chapter where they track the number of referrals passed and the business that results from them. Members provide these figures which prove, beyond doubt, that BNI works.
As we said earlier, BNI doesn’t suit everyone but, if you embrace the BNI system that’s followed by members worldwide, that’s been developed over 25 years, in 44 different countries and is designed and proven to maximise the amount of business passed in each Chapter, then BNI works.
Myth 5: If You Visit a BNI Meeting You’ll Get The “Hard Sell”
Easy to Join but No Pressure
It’s true that we’re always on the lookout for new members for the simple reason that more members generate more referrals. But we do understand that BNI is not for everyone. We also understand that people that are pressured to join BNI don’t make for very good members. What the BNI system does ensure is that we make it as easy as possible for visitors to join us, should they decide to do so. But no pressure is put on them.
At the end of the day, it has to be a good fit – for you and for us.
The important thing is that we welcome everyone to our meetings and we do find that many visitors to our Chapter make valuable business contacts on their very first visit. BNI encourages us to build relationships outside of our Chapter, as well as within it, so you certainly don’t have to be planning to join to come to a meeting.
Why don’t you take the opportunity to come and tell us about your business and pass around a few business cards? You never know. Your next best customer may be at the meeting just waiting for you.
Myth 6: You Have To Bring Referrals Every Week
No you don’t. However, let’s remember that the whole point of BNI is to create a Referral Network. Just imagine a room full of people with their arms crossed, all waiting to see how much business they get but none of them prepared to bring anything to the party. How much business would they receive?
None whatsoever!
Join us for Coffee
For this reason, members of BNI are asked to commit to bringing a positive contribution to every meeting. That contribution can take the form of referrals, visitors or written testimonials for fellow members. The important thing is that everyone is committed to making a positive contribution to their fellow members and to embracing BNI’s philosophy of ‘Givers Gain’. It’s this mindset, amongst members, that has made BNI work for them and that has, subsequently, led to BNI’s own success.
After all, giving is the first step in the receiving process. It’s the Law of Cause and Effect in action.
Myth 7: BNI is Expensive
The truth is, the most cost effective way to build your business is through word of mouth referrals.
Going back to the latest Members Survey mentioned in the response to Myth 1, 81% of members said that BNI membership represents great value for money and 92% said that they would recommend BNI to family and friends. It seems to me that asking those people that have paid their BNI fees is the best way to gauge the value that BNI delivers.
But what do you get for your membership?
Well, apart from joining a positive group of like-minded people that are committed to helping one another find more opportunities to do business, BNI offers a great Education Programme. Experience has shown that helping members gain a greater understanding of Referral Networking, how it works and how to put it to work for themselves, helps them to get better at finding opportunities for their fellow members, which results in more business for everyone.
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The personal development benefits received by members are many and varied. Going back to our survey, over 80% of members say that membership has improved their public speaking skills and many long term members report that the biggest benefit they’ve received from their BNI membership is something other than the business they’ve received.
So, that’s the seven most ‘popular’ myths surrounding BNI and the truth about them. If you’ve heard a different myth, and there are more, then please do the sensible thing. Don’t listen to rumour and myth, come along and visit us and find out the truth for yourself. I’m sure that you’ll be surprised and I guarantee that you’ll have a very positive experience.
We look forward to seeing you very soon, so, click here to book your visit.
Best wishes from everyone at BNI Uplands Eastleigh.
