BNI, the world’s leading referral networking organisation, is opening up groups on the Isle of Wight.
Alyson Roach, Executive Director of BNI Hampshire for the past 10 years, has decided to expand the BNI Hampshire family into the vibrant business community on the Island.
She said:
“This is a huge opportunity for all organisations on the Island to do more business, not only between themselves, but also across Hampshire and southern England, and even, given BNI’s worldwide presence, around the globe.”
“Statistics show that members of BNI groups benefit from many thousands of pounds worth of extra business every year. I know for a fact that there is a copywriter in BNI Royal Wessex, which is based in Eastleigh, who has been a member for 20 years, and gets nearly 80% of his work through referrals from his fellow members.
“At the other end of the scale, the personal trainer in my Bordon group has seen her business grow by 75% in her first 10 months as a member alone. But there are other ways of benefitting from BNI too.
“The conveyancing solicitor in my Alton group learnt many other business skills from the weekly Educational Slots, which are part of every group’s agenda, and the training from us at BNI Hampshire. He also hugely expanded his network of contacts. The result is that he has now been able to start his own conveyancing company.
“Elsewhere, I know that an Electricians Cross-Regional Team is passing business worth more than £100,000 a month between themselves!”
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So how can Isle of Wight organisations learn more?
Alison says:
“I would urge any company or charity on the Island that could take on more business or would like increased donations to get in touch with me.
“I am looking to launch groups across the Island, and I would love to start to gain a sense of where these would be most beneficial and successful.”
Alison can be contacted by email at [email protected].
The BNI model is incredibly expensive and incredibly structured and not a match to existing business networking groups, on the style of BNI, already operating on the island such Vectis Business Link, Island Business Networking and Medina Business Exchange let alone the network meetings organized by the IOW Chamber.
We already have similar organizations! At least 3 of them. BNI is incredibly expensive and very structured!
£960 a year plus weekly charges as well. it is a franchise.