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BNI (Business Network Int'l) is a business and professional referral organization whose primary purpose is to exchange qualified business referrals and develop word-of-mouth marketing techniques. Unlike other networking groups, BNI provides its members with a structure and a plan to enable them to network in a deliberate and professional manner. As an organization, BNI keeps track of the number of referrals passed by each chapter and encourages the members to record the dollar value of the business they receive. Rapid growth has seen BNI become the world's largest business referral organization, with currently over 5,000 chapters in 37 countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Israel, Sweden, Ireland, South Africa, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand and most recently Indonesia. History  BNI Founder Dr. Ivan Misner Over the following few years "The Network" grew steadily throughout many states in the US and Dr Misner became known as an authority on Business Networking and Word of Mouth Marketing, having published his best selling book; "The World's Best Known Marketing Secret" - Building business through Word of Mouth Marketing. He re-named "The Network" to BNI (Business Network International) and the organization began chapters in the Caribbean and in 1995 Canada, where it now enjoys enormous success. The UK/European operation was formed shortly afterwards. Today, BNI operates across six continents with over 4,200 chapters and 84,000 members, a clear global leader in the business of Word of Mouth Referrals. Dr Misner has published several other books: "Seven Second Marketing", "Business by Referral" (co-written with Robin Davis) and the New York Times best sellers "Masters of Networking" and "Masters of Success". His most recent book, "Truth or Delusion: Busting Networking's Biggest Myths", was released in 2006. Word of Mouth MarketingWord-of-mouth marketing is the best advertizing there is! 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. Generally speaking, your initial investment in BNI for 12 months is less than a reasonable size display ad in a major city daily. Secondly, and more importantly, there is an investment of time required. Members need to be prepared and able to invest their time every week in developing their Word of Mouth based marketing program. Our philosophy is: "Givers Gain" and to succeed in BNI members must embrace that philosophy by helping to find referrals for the fellow members of their chapter. |
