Thirty years ago this month Ivan Misner set up the first BNI chapter in Southern California. Since then chapters have been formed throughout America and all around the world. As you may know here in New Zealand, Graham Southwell introduced BNI in 1999. He was aware that with tougher economic conditions ahead, local businesses were going to have to network more to generate new business.
Over the last 16 years BNI’s proven success to generate business has seen BNI New Zealand grow phenomenally. Today we have 2,600 members across the country, and internationally the organisation has over 7,000 chapters and is in more than 58 countries.
How did it all start?
Looking back over its 30 year history, Ivan was surprised by how many people were searching for referral business when the organisation was first set up. BNI was initially created as a group to help Ivan and his friends generate business between themselves. Because only one person per profession is allowed to join a chapter, Ivan was soon approached by a woman whose business was already represented and who wanted to set up her own chapter.
Soon a second chapter was opened with 25 people showing interest in joining. Again, 2 people’s professions were already represented so they opened their own chapters. In a year 20 chapters opened throughout California. The growth was organic and natural much like the word of mouth marketing BNI employs to grow businesses.
It was clear that BNI had struck a chord in the business community. Ivan is no longer surprised by how hungry people are for referrals and to understand how to network more effectively. It’s something that isn’t taught in school and doesn’t necessarily come naturally to everybody. BNI’s success shows how important networking is to growing businesses.
New year, new beginnings
As we move into the new year, it is a perfect time to take a moment to reflect on your business and your chapter’s health. Ask some questions like:
- What happened last year?
- What do we want to happen this year?
- Where do we want to be in 5 years?
Draw up some plans, set some goals and get to work.
Your business and chapter will be the stronger in 2015 for the time and energy you put into things now.
