[ewingpainting.net]

I was wondering if any one is part of a BNI group? http://www.bni.com/

I was invited to a meeting as a guest. I thought it was great I am thinking of joining It's a peer to peer networking deal. allot of other business in the from paper hanger to builders to Avon. It basically a referral networking where it a tight group of people that give leads to each other.

any way just wondering if any one knows about it?

 

[vermontpainter]

I used to use it to kill knots but havent been so impressed with it lately...too brittle.

 

[ewingpainting.net]

I used to use it to kill knots but havent been so impressed with it lately...too brittle.

You seriously need to get out in the field a little more

 

[vermontpainter]

You seriously need to get out in the field a little more

My skills have abandoned me. I am afraid to.

 

[ewingpainting.net]

Now, now. Don't be afraid, you got our support.

 

[ewingpainting.net]

Wait, I got it! Sev can run the office (he likes the tabs too) and you can practice in the field.

 

[Doug Dahlke]

I belong to a similar group called Power Core. The group has been positive for my business. I don't know what dues are for BNI but PC is not very expensive. The hardest part is getting to the meetings every week when you are a one man show like me.

 

[vermontpainter]

I belong to a similar group called Power Core.

I ordered one of those. I was up early (way early) one sunday morning drinking coffee and eating a donut. Chuck Norris was on an informercial demonstrating it and he had like Cindy Crawford, Jennifer Aniston, Teri Hatcher all on there using it and I was like duh ok I'll try it. It didnt work for me at all.

I am still the pudgy guy with the 2" Purdy. It was some slick marketing though. I never buy from informercials. I always liked Walker Texas Ranger though.

 

[ewingpainting.net]

I belong to a similar group called Power Core. The group has been positive for my business. I don't know what dues are for BNI but PC is not very expensive. The hardest part is getting to the meetings every week when you are a one man show like me.

The dues are 600 for two years. I havent even joined yet and I got two good leads from the deal. I will profit more than that and pay the bill. just from those two leads

 

[ProWallGuy]

I was invited to join a group a couple years ago. It didn't seem to be a bad gig, but I too was concerned about making the meetings every week. with the way I travel for work, it wouldn't have happened. Plus, wasn't thrilled about the dues, and there was some sort of test or class you needed to complete if I remember correctly.

The biggest deal breaker for me though was my fear that I wouldn't be able to provide quality leads for the other members. Really, how many of my customers would ask me for the name of a mortgage loan officer, or lawyer? None that I can ever recall. If you are able to get in with a group that has more comparable trades, such as a plumber, deck builder, landscaper, etc, I think that would work well. It just seemed my trade was way out of the ball park with all the other professions in the group.

 

[ewingpainting.net]

Their is one Remodel GC, One designer, one Restoration service (that does work for Insurance comp. a landscaper carpet cleaner Paychecks rep and a real estate lady. I think I happen just the right group.

 

[Alex PCI]

The biggest deal breaker for me though was my fear that I wouldn't be able to provide quality leads for the other members. Really, how many of my customers would ask me for the name of a mortgage loan officer, or lawyer? None that I can ever recall. If you are able to get in with a group that has more comparable trades, such as a plumber, deck builder, landscaper, etc, I think that would work well. It just seemed my trade was way out of the ball park with all the other professions in the group.

Those are my exact thoughts about BNI

 

[DeanV]

I am in one of those type of groups. It does work and I get some good leads, especially from the real estate guy in the group. The challenging part is getting to the meetings every week, especially on those days where I need to be 45 minutes west of my home for work and the meeting is 35 minutes east of my home. At 13 mpg, that just sucks. For me, the challenge is trying to deliver quality leads too. I think with time you develop an eye for getting leads, but it does not come naturally to me.

 

[EricTheHandyman]

I am a BNI member. I get about 10% of my business from the group. Most of my referrals go to and come from the people with associated businesses. For example, I just landed a gig refinishing 19 decks from the roof & siding contractor in my group.:thumbup: It works for me!

 

[ewingpainting.net]

:thumbsup:

I am a BNI member. I get about 10% of my business from the group. Most of my referrals go to and come from the people with associated businesses. For example, I just landed a gig refinishing 19 decks from the roof & siding contractor in my group.:thumbup: It works for me!

:thumbsup:

 

[Housepainter]

Hey NEPs you remember John Hannah

 

[NEPS.US]

Hey NEPs you remember John Hannah

From the Pats ....yes

 

[Housepainter]

From the Pats ....yes

I had played against him in High School and we did some running around together during our high school days.. Was a good player even in High School. Of course Bear Bryant already had him in his grip by his 11th grade year.

 

[Doug Dahlke]

In my group we have a real estate agent and a home inspector that have given me referrals. Had a builder remodelor for awhile and I still get ocassional work from him. I have also done work on some of the other members homes.

We also have a real estate closing attorney who linked me up with a PM company that gave me about 6K of work last year and another 3K so far this year. It can be tough to come up with some leads for some of the people in the group but if you stay at it long enough you might surprise yourself on the opportunities to refer others that come your way.

 

[APC]

BNI is still the best thing that has happened for my business. I was a one man show and things were good for me, but now I have 2 full time guys with 2 other painters on the side I can grab to meet tight deadlines. Granted I do not believe all BNI groups are the same. I got lucky and got in a good one and its been great for me. Making meetings every week is very difficult though- keep it in mind before joining.