While networking is important, there are better alternatives than paying $300+ for membership.

BTW if your BNI meets at a restaurant, often the BNI chapter charges a seperate fee for food.

To research a business, I’ll find, through Google, what I’m looking for. When I find a Web site of the type of business I’m looking for, I’ll research their domain to see if there are any complaints on the Internet about them. Then, I go from there.

The biggest complaint referral I go to is ripoffreport.com. People “tell” on businesses there, so you learn who not to do business with.

I really have no use for a phone book anymore, because if they’re a friend, I already have their number. If they’re a business…there’s an Internet out there to find their Web site.

I’m in the process of starting my own company and won’t open until I have a nice Web site for people to go look at. I know if sites are important to me, then chances are, others will ask me if I have a Web site. That’s one of the first questions I ask people if they introduce their business to me. “Do you have a Web site?”

As for networking, I got tired of trying to keep up with Facebook, LinkdIn, Plaxo, etc. so I deleted all those accounts. Everyone wants you to sign up for their networking and it got tiring trying to update what everyone considered to be the “best” networking.

When I get in the position to be able afford networking, I would prefer something where you can see people face to face. BNI sounds like it’s that type of networking.

I have investigated the local Chamber of Commerce as well. The dues are slightly higher, and I don’t think I’d get as much out of it.

Decisions, decisions!

Found your blog – wanted to share my experience with BNI.

I’ve been a member of BNI for 3 years. It has been the best move I made for my business. 70% of all my business came from BNI referrals last year.

Attorneys do EXTREMELY well in BNI.

The Attendance policy is a little different then what you wrote. You get 3 absences every 6 months – and if you know you are going to be unable to make a meeting – you can send a substitute.

The structure and “rigidness” is what makes BNI the largest referal organization in the world. It has been around for 24 years —- so they know something about referall networking!

The cost is actually very nominal for what you get. People spend way more money on coffee on a yearly basis – and as you said – ads in the yellow pages are way more expensive. Most business owners get a return on their investment within the first few months!

Have you looked at the local Chamber of Commerce. In my area, it costs about the same to join the Chamber as it does to join BNI.

I have yet to meet a Chamber member who feels like their investment in the chamber was worthwhile! BNI members RAVE about their membership!!

If I were you —- my application would be signed and delivered to the membership committee already!

Good luck!

http://www.pnconnections.org/

Their is some overlap in some markets but from what I have heard PNC’s requirements are a little more relaxed. The dues are similar but a little bit less. Our business has done quite well by our active participation in local networking groups including PNC, the Chamber of Commerce, etc. The trick however is you can’t just show up and expect things to happen. Yes, you do get known and are more familar than a “non name” in the phone book but general business rules apply like a quick follow up after exchanging business cards, making follow up sales calls, etc.

I mentioned in a previous meeting that although we often try to get referrals for others in attendance I have also developed partnerships with non-competing but complimentary businesses.