CASTLES AND COASTLINES – HALL OF FAME SUCCESS STORIES: Networking for Growth
What has BNI done for me and my business?
I joined BNI in 2018, technically before I started my business! I was just beginning my initial training as a business coach with ActionCOACH, and ActionCOACH HQ tell their new recruits just how well BNI works and recommend that they join a local chapter.
So, with BNI as a springboard, I could really hit the ground running to get my business going. Having those weekly BNI meetings was a lifeline when I first started out — just having the opportunity to have someone else to bounce ideas off was so helpful.
My BNI group not only offered me a really effective way to generate business referrals, but the chance to get to know other people, learn how other businesses work, and decide what kind of people I wanted to work with myself. So, I found it wasn’t just useful for me and my business, but gave me the chance to share the experience with my clients too. In the years I have been with BNI I have made genuine trusted connections, some of whom have become real friends and confidantes.
I met Tracy Franz, SmartPA when I first joined BNI and within six months had outsourced my invoicing and bookkeeping to her, what a revelation! Our working relationship grew, and I now have a couple of Tracy’s fabulous team helping me keep my business on track. We are firm friends and recently went on an amazing spa day and afternoon tea at the wonderful Ardoe House Hotel. It’s not all work work work!
I also met Deb McCombie of DXDMedia through BNI and, upon learning she was such a marketing whizz, got her onboard to work her magic with my marketing and communications. Our genuine connection (and again, firm friendship) led us to collaborate on the Operations Mastery programme we offer for business owners wanting to scale their business.
Having my BNI community was especially welcome during lockdown — like having a big business family with everyone checking in on each other and supporting each other through the tough times. Diana Muzzall (Video Marketing Confidence) and I met on Zoom every week for a chat, it was so helpful for us both to have that support from a fellow business owner. I’m one of those rare beasts that didn’t get Zoom fatigue, I was quite happy to spend all day talking to people if I could!
For me, my BNI meetings serve as a source of inspiration and motivation. Interacting with my fellow members who are passionate about their businesses and committed to their success fuels my own drive and ambition. In return, if I can share my knowledge and expertise to inspire and motivate others, then I see that as a definite win.
I love the opportunity for continuous learning and development within the BNI framework. Be it constructive feedback from fellow members, one-to-ones or the wealth of information and guidance available online for BNI members, there is always something to learn — and I love to learn!
What would I say if someone were to ask me why they should join BNI?
Networking through BNI can have a profound effect on both your business and your everyday life — you will meet potential clients, suppliers, friends, and maybe even a reliable plumber to fix your boiler. It doesn’t just benefit you; you end up with a network of people who you would happily recommend to your own family, friends and clients.
Don’t be discouraged by the BNI ‘rules’ — put simply, the statistics are there to ensure the success of each member, and so that everyone puts the time and effort into their membership. Networking is a two-way street, and we all want to work within a collaborative environment — one where we all work together towards the same goal.
There are so many benefits from being part of a BNI Chapter: you get to improve your public speaking, whilst learning the art of being concise (you’d be surprised how much you can manage to say in your weekly 60 seconds!), you have a ready-made focus group to trial new products or ideas, you get to learn about other businesses and industries, and may even get the opportunity to pursue a joint venture with one or more of the other members.
I liken it to the ripples in a pond — you join, you network, you meet people, they introduce you to other connections and the ripples get bigger and your reach grows.
BNI has had a huge impact on both my business and personal life. I have found many clients (both in the room and through the room), administrative support, a marketing company to assist with my content creation, some great contacts for presents or treats, a wealth of support and advice along the way … and some very wonderful friends.
10/10 Would definitely recommend!
If you’re interested in local networking, come visit us at Hall of Fame – we’d be delighted to say hello!
We are a HYBRID Chapter
Tuesday mornings: 0645-0830
First meeting of the month: Number 44 Hotel & Bar, Stonehaven
All other meetings: online
Email: bnihofstonehaven@gmail.com
Phone: +44 7796 997447 (Chapter President)
Meet the team: http://bniscotlandnorth.com/scotland-north-(aberdeen-and-the-highlands)-hall-of-fame/en-GB/index
Click here to visit us: http://bniscotlandnorth.com/scotland-north-(aberdeen-and-the-highlands)-hall-of-fame/en-GB/visitorregistration?chapterId=28050
