I love to give referrals to other business owners and entrepreneurs. Love it. In fact, I love it so much that just this year I have made over 100 referrals totalling thousands of dollars of closed business. Fortunately, I belong to an incredible organization called BNI (Business Networking International) that has members that have also referred lots of business to me. Real leads, real measurable closed business.
The sole purpose of BNI is to increase your business through a structured system of giving referrals. A leadership team is in place to keep the meeting on-track and on-time. An education topic is covered each week. Members give a 60-second commercial about a good referral for them. Members actively pass referrals or give testimonials. Meetings also feature a weekly member speaker. Individuals are recognized for networking achievements.
So, I am seriously in a group where we are actively looking for a member in each the following professions: travel agent, plumber, electrician, masseuse, dentist, accountant, home inspector, moving company, restaurant owner/manager, property manager, banker, gym owner/manager, roofer and others that I would be happy to elaborate on. Ask me!
BNI is a business and professional networking organization that allows only one person per professional classification or specialty to join a chapter. So, for example, if you are a residential real estate professional and we already have one, we can refer you to another BNI chapter, or we may help you open another chapter. Of course, if you are a commercial real estate professional, then you could be eligible to join. The philosophy of "Givers Gain" is evident in the large number of business referrals passed each week.
So, I invite you (and a colleague if you choose) to join us as my guest at the next BNI meeting on Wednesday at 7:45 a.m. in the lovely conference at Pearl Crossing Assisted Living facility located at 19205 Pearl Road, Strongsville, OH 44136. Type the address into your GPS and join me in giving and getting some of the best qualified referrals you have probably ever received.
The picture? Oh, heavens! That's me receiving the Notable Networker at the BNI of NE Ohio Awards ceremony this morning! Our chapter thinks I do a pretty good job of referring. Hope to see you on Wednesday!
Cyngier owns Cyngier Heating & Air Conditioning and is President of the Strongsville BNI chapter. For more information on BNI, call her toll-free at 866-360-6351
