When the members of a leading Plymouth Business group decided to change their meeting place little did they think they would have to break into a bank. The weekly meeting arrived at the new setting and joined the staff looking at locked doors. It was all rather fascinating as on this occasion the group had invited 11 new visitors to their meeting. An interesting introduction to business networking!
However with great ingenuity they found a place like a letter box through which they could post somebody lithe and slim. Little discussion took place as members lifted Karen, a member of staff at Bar Ha Ha for just 2 weeks, into the oversized letter box. She completed a Fosbury flop style entrance and unlocked the doors. The chef scampered to prepare the breakfast. Eventually a sleepy headed manager presented a red face to the group and explained over their bacon and eggs that a power cut had stopped his alarm.
The Drake Chapter of BNI could now begin, although some networking had been taking place on the pavement! Each week these business people meet to discuss and place business over breakfast. During the year the group has produced over £250,000 of local business for members. Chapter Director Nikos Lemanis explained “Networking has become the major marketing method bringing results. You know the saying – it’s not what you know but who you know. Today this is more important than ever. Success comes from providing an introduction to a known and respected associate. Our group has been meeting for over 5 years and has provided £2million of local business”
The Drake business day starts at 7 am and members share a hearty cooked breakfast. It becomes the most important weekly meal for the business people in Drake Chapter of BNI. The meeting is well thought-out and active
Bank
The membership comprises a wide range of businesses and trades. The group is continually expanding and is actively seeking members in the banking, marketing and recruitment sectors. Business is available for all these areas. “The average member receives £26,000 in a year, however this sometimes grows to huge contracts” explained Ben Dillon, membership secretary.
Drake BNI is part of a worldwide network. These 19 businesses are part of the global family of over 100,000 members. If 19 businesses produce regularly £250,000 of business, no wonder the global group produces over 5.5million referrals which translate into over £1.25 billion in business. Even in the UK over 538,000 referrals pass resulting in over £185 million in business. The philosophy of ‘If I give you business you will want to give me business’ is working well in Plymouth. Business can contact Ben Dillon by telephone 01752 244885 or email him at ben@bdworks.co.uk
