From your profile, I see you are in Pinckney, Michigan. I'm surprised that there are "various" BNI groups in your area. Unless, of course, Pinckney is a suberb of a larger metro area of Michigan. I say this because BNI, from my limited experience, tends not to be all over the place. Not too many units within a concentrated area.
In any event, there is a BNI here in my region. And I attended several times for breakfast as a result of being invited as a "guest". At the time, about 2 1/2 years ago, the membership was "about 15" companies/businesses. My membership fee/annual dues was going to be $285. Having been in other networking groups over the years in my previous career, I thought $285 was somewhat expensive to be in a group of 15 members. Consequently, I did not join. This was at the time of opening the doors of our business and I had other marketing ideas, and other ways of utilizing the $285.
Fast forwarding to today, the group still has only "about 15" members. Maybe even less. One of my business neighbors in the building is still a member, but he's thinking about quiting.
Although I do believe in networking groups, if I were going to belong to one, it would be the the most active and largest one in my area based on research. That's my advice to you.
My other advice would be to forego a "network" group altogether and invest your dollars in the local chamber of commerce(s). Utilizing their tools (mailing lists, mailing labels, etc.) and their own networking opportunities (monthly luncheons/breakfasts, coffee connections, quick connects, etc.), you can get more bang for your buck.
But to be successful, you or someone in your organization has to be outgoing and eager to convince chamber members that you have something to offer them. Actually, from our experience, it's kind of easy. To paraphrase what somebody once said, most of succeeding is just showing up.
Good luck, Linda!
Ed Holley
Victor Valley Trophy Co.
and Coffee Mugs Online
www.coffeemugsonline.com |