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| Advocate newspaper, Burnie & Devonport, Tasmania |
June 2008 |
New group aims to expand NW network
ROB McDowell, member of the newly formed Business Network International (BNI) Seacoast Chapter, wants to make one thing very clear.
"We're not Amway, it's not a pyramid scheme, we aren't a social club or a religious cult," he said with a grin.
"People often have that misapprehension and we want to clear it up."
What BNI does, in the simplest terms, is build business relationships, BNI Seacoast Chapter president Michael Chettle explained.
"We are a business networking organisation whose purpose is to exchange qualified business referrals," he said.
"It's about building a professional, ethical relationship without kickbacks or financial restitution."
Despite (or perhaps because of) the simple philosophy at the core of the organisation, BNI is the most successful networking group in the world, boasting 5000 chapters in 37 countries and around 100,000 members.
It has eight other chapters in Tasmania, including one in Devonport.
Each chapter's members have a different area of expertise and when their own work brings them into contact with someone requiring another kind of service, that client is referred within the group.
It's simple and it works, Mr Chettle said.
"The BNI badge is a mark of respectability," he said.
"Members are rigorously screened and we aim for the highest sense of professionalism."
The group also meets once a week to discuss business over breakfast and to network further.
At these meetings they exchange knowledge and tips, preparing themselves for a future which Mr McDowell believes will be a golden age for local business.
"The North-West Coast is not traditionally known for business, more for farming and agriculture," he said.
"But that is definitely changing.
"Business in the area is going places and there are a lot of dollars going around."
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| Central Coast Business Review - September 2006 September 2006 |
September 2006 |
BNI helps local business grow! Local Director, Glenn Kirkwood said "...referrals are already being given in the new chapter and ... it had only just begun the process of building trust and how to make the referral process work for them."
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| The Australian - Entrepreneur |
July 2006 |
Not just who you know but how well. Dr Ivan Misner, during his recent visit to Australia said that one of the things we teach our members is that it is not who you know but how well you know them. BNI is about relationship building so that people will naturally refer you. And it works! In 2005 BNI passed A$2.4 billion worth of business referrals!
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| The Age - Business Section |
July 2006 |
Dr Ivan Misner gave advice on business networking to more than 400 BNI members and guests at two functions in Melbourne last week as part of his Australian tour. Contact David Byers on 03 9376 6721.
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| The Mercury - Hobart |
July 2006 |
Lunch - time for networking. About 100 BNI members and other local business people attended a lunch on Friday to hear Dr Ivan Misner, the founder of Business Network International speak on the subject of success.
Contact Daniel Garlick on 03 6231 5611
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| Canberra Times |
July 2006 |
Sharing Advice on Networking - Dr Ivan Misner was in Canberra today to share advice on networking and referrals as part of his Australian tour. More than 140 BNI members and visitors attended two events, the main one being a breakfast at Old Parliament House. Contact Barbara Knackstedt on 0414 761 794.
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| Daily Advocate - Wagga Wagga |
July 2005 |
Operators Gather to Talk Business.
Wagga business operators had a valuable experience yesterday after the National Director of Business Network International (BNI) visited. Geoff Kirkwood was intown to run a new training programme called the Reciprocity Ring exclusively to BNI members.
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| The Bulletin with Newsweek |
May 2005 |
Power Networks by Vince Morello. I've built stronger business relationships in the past 12 months than in the 10 years before that. ........ and much of that is attributable to BNI. Russ Holland.
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| The Australian |
June 2004 |
Help from others makes opportunity knock. Word-of-mouth marketing is the lifeblood of small business, with Business Network International the largest networking group of its kind in the world. "... the huge growth ... reflects the highly organised structure of the organisation. ... members receive professional training to help them better promote their business."
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