Sometimes business owners ask themselves the question, “Am I really a BNI business?”
Meaning: Is their business the type of business that is the right fit for BNI? Will it get referrals and succeed?
The answer and reality is …every business is a BNI business.
BNI is all about building trust and credibility with other members on an individual level. People get to know and trust you (before your business).
This means that any business is a great fit at BNI as long as you are a good fit (and you give other members the chance to learn about you and trust you).
This is what BNI Waikato member Tracey Mooney found when she bought her new business (Windy Ridge Weddings and Function Centre) to BNI. She wondered how many referrals she would be able to generate from her chapter for what is essentially an event venue. All her questions were answered when within 6 months of having the new business she generated $15,000 in referrals from chapter members. It was an incredible reminder of the value of BNI to get a business off the ground and keep it running when you’re just getting on your feet.
Tracey Mooney
Managing Director at Windy Ridge Weddings and Function Centre
This wasn’t the only benefit that BNI brought to Tracey’s business however. Buying her business meant Tracey needed to raise money from the bank. She says she would not have been able to do it without the expert advice and support from BNI. Her chapter stepped up to help during the due diligence process. They gave her support on business plans, valuations; HR advice; property inspections and insurance.
In a 1-2-1 with the accountant in her chapter, it was suggested to Tracey the opportunities for her business to branch out into other events like school leaving parties – a new market that Tracey never would have considered. Since doing the 1-2-1 and targeting new markets, she has dramatically increased her mid-week business. She’ll turnover more than a million dollars this year and has already employed 5 staff and 20 casual employees.
Tracey shared some of her journey with BNI as part of the BNI Story Video Contest by creating a 2-minute video testimonial on how BNI has changed her professional and personal life. It was a reminder of all the benefits she has gained from belonging to BNI Waikato over the years; benefits that have flowed on to both her business and personal life.
