We invite you to come visit our group.

Contact Shawn at 410-382-3144 to let us know you are visiting our Thursday Meeting.

BNI is a business and professional organization whose primary purpose is to exchange qualified business referrals. It is the largest networking organization of its kind. Currently, BNI has over 5,000 chapters internationally and more than 100 chapters locally. Last year, members of BNI passed over 5 million referrals which resulted in nearly 2 billion dollars worth of business for each other.

What makes BNI unique is that it allows only one person per profession to join a chapter. Thus, once you have joined, none of your competitors can participate. The Hunt Valley Thursday Breakfast Chapter is currently looking for business professionals to whom they can refer business. We would personally like to invite you to come visit one of our meetings so you can learn more about the organization and find out if you would be interested in generating a steady source of referral business for yourself.

Word-of-Mouth and Referral Marketing
“Word-of-Mouth” is the most cost-effective form of advertising possible. Being a member of Business Network Int’I (BNI) is like having sales people working for you every day who market your product or service. BNI’s sole purpose is to provide a structured environment for the development and the exchange of quality business referrals. If referrals are, or should be an important part of your Business, then BNI is the organization for you.

The Mission of BNI is to help members increase their business through a structured, positive, and professional “Word Of Mouth” program that enables them to develop long-term, meaningful relationships with quality business professionals.

Our BNI Hunt Valley, Maryland chapter has passed thousands of referrals which generated more than $500,000 worth of business for our members!

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I have been in the group for over 15 years and the referrals I have received from the Hunt Valley BNI chapter makes up about 50% of our clients.

Shawn Coles

Owner, Xsight Group

“BNI Hunt Valley has opened doors for me well beyond my own centers of influence. I have learned how to refer business to others in a very natural and non-threatening way. It has been a pleasure to partner with the other members and help grow each others businesses all the while having fun doing it.”

Jonathan Nelson

Agent, Atlantic Insurance Group

Not only does BNI help me build my book of business, but my clients know that I have this great group of people I work with and they call me often for advice and contacts.

Margie Carvella

Owner, Camden Benefits Group, Inc.

We need someone from the following categories:

Members of the chapter think the following professions would be a great fit for the group.

Office Supply
Residential & Commercial Cleaner
Business Attorney
Commercial Printer
Promotional Products
Sign Company
Caterer
Florist / Gift Baskets
Auto Mechanic
Title Company
HVAC
Business Attorney
Business Internet Service Provider
Telecommunications Provider

Networking Tips

Genuine & Authentic

Keep in mind that networking is about being genuine and authentic, building trust and relationships, and seeing how you can help others.

Goals

Ask yourself what your goals are in participating in networking meetings so that you will pick groups that will help you get what you are looking for. Some meetings are based more on learning, making contacts, and/or volunteering rather than on strictly making business connections.

Visit More Groups

Visit as many groups as possible that spark your interest. Notice the tone and attitude of the group. Do the people sound supportive of one another? Does the leadership appear competent? Many groups will allow you to visit two times before joining.

Volunteer

Hold volunteer positions in organizations. This is a great way to stay visible and give back to groups that have helped you.

Ask Open-ended Questions

Ask open-ended questions in networking conversations. This means questions that ask who, what, where, when, and how as opposed to those that can be answered with a simple yes or no. This form of questioning opens up the discussion and shows listeners that you are interested in them.

Become a Resource

Become known as a powerful resource for others. When you are known as a strong resource, people remember to turn to you for suggestions, ideas, names of other people, etc. This keeps you visible to them.

Know What You Do

Have a clear understanding of what you do and why, for whom, and what makes your doing it special or different from others doing the same thing. In order to get referrals, you must first have a clear understanding of what you do that you can easily articulate to others.

Know What You Are Looking For

Be able to articulate what you are looking for and how others may help you. Too often people in conversations ask, “How may I help you?” and no immediate answer comes to mind.

Follow Through

Follow through quickly and efficiently on referrals you are given. When people give you referrals, your actions are a reflection on them. Respect and honor that and your referrals will grow.

Call

Call those you meet who may benefit from what you do and vice versa. Express that you enjoyed meeting them, and ask if you could get together and share ideas.