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BNI is a business referral organisation whose primary purpose is to assist its members to find and exchange qualified business referrals for each other and develop word-of-mouth marketing techniques.
Unlike other networking groups, BNI provides its members with a professional structure and an ongoing training system which enables members to network in a deliberate manner as well as constantly update their referral marketing skills.
Rapid growth has seen BNI become the world’s largest business referral organisation of its kind, with over 6,000 chapters in 40 countries, and more than 138,000 members.
Last year members of BNI in Australia generated business referrals that resulted in more than $165 million in new business. (In that same period BNI worldwide passed over 4.9 million referrals, this translates to over A$2.25 billion of business).
BNI provides a structured and supportive system of giving and receiving business. It does this by providing an environment in which personal relationships can be developed with dozens of other qualified business professionals. By establishing this ‘formal’ relationship with other people, each member has the opportunity to substantially increase his or her business.
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Members of BNI Network Connections Geelong
enjoy the following benefits:
- Increased exposure to many other people and businesses
- Substantially increased volume of business referrals, just like having 30 salespeople working for you
- Participation in up to 50 networking meetings per year
- Free listing on the BNI website directory
- Regular electronic BNI newsletter with material on networking, word-of-mouth marketing and business
- Opportunities to participate in cross chapter networking events and social functions
- Free periodic workshops on networking, and much more…
Read what some of our members have achieved from their BNI Membership here.
Want to know more – why not visit our chapter and meet us in person.
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Joining Process
We are delighted to know that you have decided to join BNI Network Connections, Geelong Chapter. We are as excited as you are! Please allow us to walk you through the application process – and discover how our strategic ways could contribute to the continued success of your business.
Application Details
We require you to complete a very simple BNI Membership Application Form. This is to make sure that we won’t miss any vital information about your business. Here, you will be asked to provide business references to support your application. They could be your satisfied clients, suppliers or associates.Credible Membership Process
We have strict guidelines for the selection process of members. The appointed Membership Committee assures that careful screening is facilitated to ensure members comply with our strict standards of quality and ethics and to prevent competition among members. No other candidate is invited to join the chapter in the same business category as an existing member. We will evaluate if your membership is beneficial to both you and the chapter. A follow-up meeting or a call may be initiated by a committee member to learn more about you and your business. In some instances, you may be asked to meet with some chapter members to discuss your application. This will be organized before having you on board. You can always contact a committee member if you have some queries with regards to your application. Processing time is around two weeks – no one is admitted to the chapter automatically! -
Commitment
BNI Network Connections adheres to BNI’s uncompromised standard of success. We are determined to help every chapter member to succeed and have high expectations for each of our members! Some of the things that make us so successful:
Attendance is a Must
Your BNI membership is a privilege and it’s not transferable to anybody. Your affiliation with us will only generate good results if you are present during our weekly meetings. Connections can only be productive when strong relationships result from that. You need to be there to make it happen!We are aware however that there are things in life that we do not have control of. You may send a substitute if you can’t help missing a meeting. Substitutes cannot build relationships in your behalf but you will be kept informed despite being away, and your business will be represented. Somebody who is knowledgeable about your business, products and operations would be an ideal substitute. A business partner, client or employee will be your best bet but, bear in mind that your presence is crucial to make your membership valuable. Make it a habit to attend meetings regularly and your results with BNI will never fall short.
Dance Cards are “One on Ones”
It indeed takes two to tango! Business, like dancing is better with a partner. Setting up a one on one meeting with a member at least once a week would be a good objective. The purpose of this meeting is to learn about each other’s business and to strengthen the relationships. You will also develop a better understanding of ideal referrals when you are focused with just one person who is as capable as you are. Get on with Dance Cards or One on One Meetings and you’ll be dancing your way towards prosperity!Business and a Lot More
BNI gatherings through community involvement are something to look forward to. Most BNI members find informal gatherings to be very nurturing to newly-found relationships. This is where trust and confidence to others are developed. Instead of asking “what’s in it for me”, isn’t it more pleasing to hear “how can I help”?No wonder members get closer to each other after participating in activities like the “Everyday Hero” fundraising for Trevor Ah Hang and Autism Victoria. Many of our members are also active in the Geelong Chamber of Commerce and local Rotary Groups.
These are manifestations that we are more than just a business referral group. We are also a community-based organization that contributes to the care of our community’s welfare.
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Application and Meeting Fees
The completed membership application form must be submitted together with your check or credit card guarantee for the application fee. Payment processing will only take place once your application is approved.
We have negotiated a contract with our venue to make facility expenses more manageable. Facility fees will be collected from members which is payable on a monthly basis to the venue. Facility fees include the cost of a morning snack, tea and coffee. This will ensure that our weekly meetings can take place in a comfortable, professional environment.
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