Increase your business via a Business Networking Organization

March 6, 2009 - PRLog -- As a Real Estate agent, Bo Kauffmann is keenly aware of the value and benefits of referral business.  While mass-advertising draws in new customers and 'cold-leads', nothing beats a warm referral.  That is certainly true in real estate, but also equally true in every kind of business.  Whether you're selling insurance, offering services to the public, selling goods out of a storefront or from you home, or any other type of business where you come into contact with the public, getting business via referrals is like gold.

That is why Bo joined a business networking organization called B.N.I. (Business Networking International).  With over 5,000 chapters and over 100,000 business members worldwide, BNI is the largest and most successful organization of its kind.  In Winnipeg there are currently 6 chapters (with plans to add more).  Here is how this concept works, and has worked for over 20 yrs.

Each chapter accepts only 1 member per profession.  So a chapter would have only 1 lawyer, one florist, one travel agent, one car dealership, one realtor, one chiropractor etc etc.  The list of potential businesses is almost endless.  

The members meet on a weekly basis, either for breakfast or for lunch.  Some chapters are set up to meet for breakfast, from 7 am to 8;30 am, and others are set up for lunch, from noon until 1;30 pm.  
All meetings are exactly 90 minutes long, and are held the same day and place each week, so that members can simply schedule these meetings the same as if they were a meeting or lunch with a client.
During the meeting, members get to present a 60-second infomercial about themselves and their business, and also hear about all the other members businesses, new offers etc etc.  Referrals are dealt with at this time as well.

What makes this concept so powerful is the fact that YOU will be the only member in your group, who represents your type of business.  So lets say that you are a lawyer:  As other members get to know you, and feel comfortable in working with you, they will refer business to you.  Each time, during the week, that they hear of someone who needs a lawyer, these members will have your business card on hand and suggest to the potential client that they give you a call.

On average, a seat at a BNI club yields over $20,000 per year in business.  Of course this can depend greatly on the average cost and value of your business.

Our chapter, the BNI Accelerators, currently has 20 members, and are actively seeking applicants.  Some of the top spots we are looking to fill include a Massage Therapist, a Florist, a Flooring Supply and Installation Company, a Roofing and Siding Company, a Painter, and many others.
As well, other chapters a looking for lawyer, travel agent, computer technicians and many more.  In addition, new chapters are being planned, so that even if your profession is already represented, you might consider applying and being ready to attend an information session for new chapters.

For more information, e-mail Bo at bokauffmann@remax.net and we will be happy to direct you.

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Award winning Real Estate Agent in Winnipeg. Works with home buyers in the search of their dream home, and excels as a "Listing Agent", with marketing plans which are second-to-none. Homes are featured in magazines, newspapers, internet and Television.