The History of BNI
BNI is now the world's largest referral organization, with Chapters in many countries around the globe. It was started in 1985 by Dr. Ivan Misner, one of the world's leading experts in networking and word-of-mouth marketing.
Dr. Misner was a management consultant when he started BNI. He received most of his business through referrals. However, he was not satisfied with the types of business groups that existed and he put together a networking group that he felt was structured, focused on doing business, and had an emphasis on positive reinforcement and support. That organization became BNI.
The present Lewes Priory chapter emerged after the disastrous Lewes floods of 2000, with the sole intention of encouraging business in the area.
60 Seconds
During the meeting everyone is called upon to speak for 60 seconds.
This is your opportunity to generate business.
"Tell everyone at the meeting about your business and what sales leads you want"
Doesn't sound like a long time, does it? But all you need to say is:
1. Who you are;
2. Your business name;
3. What you do;
4. What makes you different to your competitors;
5. Who you would like an introduction to.
BNI organise free workshops that will help enhance your presentation and thus get you more leads. Many members adopt props and memory hooks or tag lines to ensure they are remembered.
Another benefit of doing the 60 second slot every week is that you can very quickly and clearly inform people what you do in other business, networking and social situations.
Ten Minutes
In addition, each week one member makes a ten-minute presentation, when they can go into detail about their work and what sort of referrals they would like from fellow members.
Breakfasts
"The most important meal of the week!"
The essence of BNI is that although the meeting takes place at breakfast, the sole reason for coming is to network! Efficiency and timings are maintained because every BNI meeting all around the world follows a structured 20-point agenda. The meetings are often an exhilarating start to the day's business for most of the members!
The meeting starts at 7:00am sharp with 15 minutes of open networking, after which the meeting proceeds as breakfast is served.
The meeting closes at 8:30 am (although much further networking can be accomplished after this).
This is all achieved over a choice of breakfasts ranging from full English breakfast to a fresh fruit platter, at The Real Eating Company, Lewes. Cereal, tea, coffee and fruit juice are also served. Vegetarian options are available and special dietary requirements can be catered for with prior notice.
Members pay £8.50 for breakfast, but first-time visitors get it free. If you wish to have a vegetarian breakfast or have any special eating needs please contact Roger - roger-utilities@uwclub.net - so that he can forward on the information to the venue caterers.
Substitutes
If you, as a member of BNI, cannot attend any particular weekly breakfast meeting, you are expected to organise a substitute, who will give your 60-second presentation for you. Ideally the substitute should be in a different line of business from any of the other members of the Chapter.
"Do they put that member's 60 Seconds across well?"
Or do they just gabble through what they have been given to read? Would you be happy with them substituting for you? Build up a mental list in advance of potential subs for when you are unavailable, with a view to making sure you appoint a good one.
The first line of approach in finding a substitute is the BNI Sussex Subs e-mail list: sign up to it at www.sussex-subs.co.uk, fill out your profile (including your 60 Seconds, for your sub to print out and use) and send a message about your requirements to all registered subs in one go, via the Members page. Those who are interested will reply to you by e-mail, and you can then negotiate direct with them.
You may, however prefer to target
subs who have expressed a particular preference for attending meetings
of BNI Priory Lewes. We have a brief list of these, who are guaranteed
not to clash with any current member's line of business, and you can
obtain their telephone numbers from any member of the Leadership Team.
Don't forget to provide them with your 60 Seconds!
If you come across any other names who ought to be added to the BNI Priory Lewes subs list, please let us know.