If you’re in business, you’ve probably heard about ‘Business Networking’. If you go Business Networking, you’ll almost certainly have heard of BNI… and we can bet what you’ve heard, makes it sound like it’s not for you?

Well, BLU:72 Creative has been a member of a BNI in Nottingham for over 5 years and our chapter is called the Business Team and we have one simple question for you… Would we even bother getting up for a meeting that starts at 6.30am every week for 5 years if it wasn’t worth it?

It’s clear that it’s not for everyone as there is a time commitment i.e. you have to be there or have your business represented by someone else every week, but that’s about it. There’s no pressure in our group to bring referrals and visitors every week, however, because of the philosophy of ‘Givers Gain’, you soon come to realise that first and foremost it makes you feel good to find opportunities for other members, but also that as long as you’re in it for the long run and not ‘hunting’ for a quick sale, that giving mentality will reap rewards for you and your business.

Once your fellow members get to know and like you and trust your business, they will subconsciously be on the lookout for opportunities for you. By having 1-2-1’s with fellow members and having the opportunity to do 10 minute presentations, you can get your message out there and your colleagues can effectively become your sales team.

Listen to Ivan Misner, the founder of BNI put a bit more meat on the bones as he explains what BNI is all about.