BNI Members voice their thoughts...
Susan Katz - Downtown Thurs B
 
I would like to share a personal story about what BNI means to me.

Six months ago I launched my coaching business. The first day of the first week as a business owner someone from CT told me that the most important thing I could do to launch my business was to join a BNI group. I had never heard of BNI. So I went online, looked up BNI, called the MD number, found a chapter and showed up on Thursday, my first week as a business owner.

I had no idea what I was doing that first day at BNI. All I knew was that I would do what I do best - meet people. And my chapter was the best group of people I could meet!

It is thanks to my BNI group that my business has grown to over 35 clients in six months. And why is that? It's because everyone was open to meeting with me (1:1) and helped me with whatever information I needed.

Members welcomed me with open arms, led me to many networking opportunities, helped me understand the best method for giving a good referral and in general gave me the confidence to speak from my heart about my business.

My level of success today is largely due to my BNI group. I thank them for their trust, support and encouragement. And that's the meaning of BNI!
Scott Kidd - Laurel Thursday B (Famous Dave's)
 
BNI has been a godsend for our small busniess. The amount of contacts that you come by is just overwhelming. What a great way to keep the dollars local and not send them out of the region. All the members looking out for your company you just can't pass on that.

Me personally,I have benefited greatly by being associated with "The Cartridge Pro's" also a Laurel Thursday Breakfast grp member . First lets talk about Guy Mitchell and The Cartridge Pro's. A man and Company that is dedicated to your toner and ink cartridges,bringing them to you at 30 to 70% off the costs that you currently spend. And beleive me to have your vendor local as you have in them you get peace of mind. They personally have brought in a great deal service revenue for us at Laurel Laser Printer. We depend on him for our toner needs and you shold too.......

Let me ask you a question what do you know about your printing/scan,fax © equipment. Not much I bet ,so how then can you expense the needs for your office if you don't know where you stand. Thats what we specialize in offering you the Peace Of Mind that your equipment is at the top of condition and is giving the print quality you paid all those dollars for. Are you living with a printer that's feeling sick and you too. Just one call 301-498-4926 and we can make feel better yet not drain your wallet.
Kate Fisher - Westminster Fri B (Harry's)
 
I had a tough time finding a group that I clicked with but finally found the Westminster Friday Breakfast Chapter and knew it was a match. I have formed long lasting business relationships with my fellow members as well as a deep rooted trust. I know that every referral a fellow member gives me will be given top priority and the same applies for referrals that I give to follow members.
Eden Godfroy - Rockville Wednesday Lunch (Theo's)
 
I have met many wonderful people through BNI who are more than willing to support my business & spread the word for me. I highly recommend BNI to anyone who is looking to increase their "warm market."
George Burkhead - Kent Island Wed B (Moved 12/3 Hemingways, Stevensville)
 
Three years ago I was one of those who said, I don't have time to go to a group every week! Now I find them far too valuable to miss. Without hesitation, I can say BNI has been a positive and profitable impact on my business growth!
Kathie Okun - Cross Keys Thurs B
 
BNI has been a continual source of prospects, business contacts, new clients and great friendships!
Jerry Caplan - Pikesville II Tues B (Cosi's)
 
Without question, BNI is one of the best sources for new business referrals and sales growth in the Baltimore-Washington area. You give referrals and you get referrals! That's a winning proposition!
Pete Albert - Annapolis Wed L (Double Tree Hotel)
 
I couldn't have chosen a better chapter of professionals than this one. I feel privileged to be a member of a business network that feels as warm as family. Joining BNI was a GREAT move for me. I highly recommend membership to any/everyone who values referrals to sustain their business.
Todd Buchman - Kent Island Wed B (Moved 12/3 Hemingways, Stevensville)
 
BNI is an awesome source of business however to get good referals it is best to have the ones giving the referals using your product. That way they believe in what you do! This is for any business!
David Thompson - Westminster Tues B (A Gourmet Affair)
 
I have been able to grow my business over the past 5 years with the multiple meetings I go to beyond my regular weekly opportunity. I have been able to meet far more people who might use my unique insurance product just by visiting at least 2 groups every month, and more if possible and if it is within my appointment territory.
Many lunch appointments that have postponed have turned into local BNI networking opportunities. One meeting in Owings Mills gave me 2 one on ones, a referal and I won the door prize.
My advice to anyone, regardless of your category, go to other meetings and promote your group, if not your business. You will still get in front of new people...and you never know.....
Dave Thompson, Carroll Co Tues B (Denny's Rt 140 Westminster...come visit our 730 breakfast anytime!)
Lori Teachum - Rockvile Thursday Lunch (The Vyne)
 
I have had a steady flow of referrals since I joined BNI in Sept. '05. The opportunities are pretty awesome if you work at networking yourself throughout BNI.
-Lori Teachum, BNI Flaming Pit Lunch (best lunch in the area!)
Ray Miller - Mt. Airy Fri L (Green Turtle)
 
I have been a member of BNI for 9+ years. Referrals have always been an important part of my business. When I started my own company, BNI was the foundation. I have since did a career change and once again BNI and referrals have set the stage for my growth. Anyone who is starting out brand new or who has an established business should consider BNI to take them to the next level.

Ray Miller, President
Mount Airy Friday Lunch Chapter
RE/MAX Realty Group
Robert Ryan - Timonium Fri B
 
It has been my experience that in order for BNI to work as it is intended, each member of the chapter has to make a conscious comitment to channel all of his or her business referral activity to the other members within the chapter, whenever possible. Putting past relationships aside and focusing on the members of the group strengthens the synergy of the group and promotes the growth of intra group relationships.
Those members of the group with whom I have developed the above symbiotic relationships have proven to be valuable assets in my sales efforts, and have become an intergral part of my collective marketing efforts in my efforts to grow my business. They have truly become my business partners, and have added to the value of my services to my clients.
Marv Jackson - Gaithersburg Wed L (Holiday Inn)
 

How do you market your business? That was a qustion that I was asked 9 years ago and my answer was neighbors and friends.
That person then introduced me to BNI and it has been a business marriage ever since. It was matter of buiding "Relationships",
not only in my chapter but with the entire BNI commmunity that has speeded my business to its success.
Thanks to Jerry, Eric, and their team, and to the BNI "structure" it has been a very rewarding journy.
Sincerely,
Marv Jackson
" WE MAKE GIFT GIVING A SNAP"
Larry Hughes - Cecil Cty Wed B
 
BNI is the single most cost effective way to make your business name known and abailable to others. Also, as a member you instantly gain access to other skilled and professional people normally needed during the course of running your business. Getting referrels and increasing business may be the primary reason for joining a BNI chapter, but you soon begin to regard it as a nice spill-over benefit when you compare it to all the other amenities you enjoy. Furthermore, it is just a lot of fun to network and kabitz with people that quickly become your friends and business supporters.
Jim Ward - Kentlands Thursday Breakfast (Crepes a Go Go)
 
“70% of my business comes directly or indirectly from BNI referrals. “