by Monique Hodgkinson

Jewelry designer Stephanie Hamilton setting up for her 10-minute presentation at a recent BNI chapter meeting in Pacifica. Staff photo.

Oct. 1, 2010 — Before MySpace, before Facebook, networking was done face to face. That is still how it is done at Business Network International meetings all over the world. BNI is an international organization for businesses that believe in growing through word-of-mouth marketing. The philosophy behind BNI is that “Givers Gain,” meaning that when you help others, you will also benefit.

Started by Dr. Ivan Misner in 1985 as a weekly meeting with professional colleagues in Southern California, the organization has grown to include over 130,000 members in 5,700 chapters around the globe. Each chapter holds weekly meetings that focus on supporting the members’ businesses.

Many types of businesses are represented ranging from financial planners to acupuncturists to housepainters — and much more. In order to eliminate competition for business between members, only one business per category is allowed in any chapter. Through a well-established, professional structure, members present their businesses, learn about principals of networking, pass referrals, and meet one-on-one with other members. Meetings are run professionally and efficiently.

Being a member of BNI takes commitment, because attendance is critical. Members must either attend each weekly meeting or send a substitute. Only three absences are allowed in a six-month period. Many people feel like making a meeting every week takes up too much time, but BNI members know that the hour and a half is part of their on-going marketing effort. Putting the time in builds relationships that yield results.

Half Moon Bay chapter at weekly meeting. Photo courtesy of Dianne Passen.

Members of BNI will tell you that joining the organization has helped them to grow their business. They will also have many other reasons for being a member. These include getting to know other business owners in the community, learning about how others do business, gaining credibility, getting support, learning more about business, and being able to visit other BNI chapters in any location.

Jeri Dansky, a professional organizer, has been a member of BNI for five and a half years. BNI has helped her grow her business. “One of my long-time clients came from a BNI referral,” says Dansky. “Referrals are one of the easiest ways to get new clients, because the person you’re calling has already been somewhat sold on you.” Dansky also notes, “BNI has introduced me to many wonderful businesspeople — people whose services I use myself, and people I can refer to my clients, who really appreciate those recommendations.”

On the coast there are two BNI chapters, which both meet on Thursdays. The Half Moon Bay chapter meets for breakfast at the Comfort Inn in Half Moon Bay. The Coastside chapter meets for lunch at the Sharp Park Restaurant in Pacifica. If you have a business and would like to visit one of these chapters, bring approximately 40 business cards to pass around the room. You can find out more about our local BNI chapters by visiting their websites.

Monique Hodgkinson has been a member of BNI for over three years. She is the founder of Screen Caffeen. Specializing in Internet strategy development, custom Web design and social media marketing, Screen Caffeen will wake up your online presence. Follow Hodgkinson through Twitter where she is @screencaffeen, visit her Web site at screencaffeen.com, or call her at 650-740-1491.