Business Over Breakfast
15 November 2007
This article appears in the lastest Barbican Life magazine.
Document: Barbican Life article (192 kb)
How would you like more clients referred to your company every week – and all before the working day has begun? Local breakfast networking group, BNI Barbican, tells us more.
Have you ever stopped to wonder how important word-of-mouth promotion is to your business? Think about it for a minute and you might be surprised. It’s one of the oldest forms of marketing, but arguably still the best and most cost-effective way to bring in new custom.
It was this realisation that convinced Stoke Newington copywriting company, TENFOUR writing, to join BNI Barbican – a business networking group that meets near St Paul’s cathedral every Friday. “We were looking for more clients,” says owner Chris Kilvington, “and it suddenly clicked how important third party referrals were for us. In truth, client recommendations were practically running the business. We simply decided to go with the tide.”
In just 10 months as a member of BNI Barbican, the writing company has received leads totalling over a thousand pounds worth of new fees. “It’s definitely been a worthwhile effort, and not just in terms of income,” Chris continues. “The members of the group are really passionate about what they do. And this never fails to rub off on you.”
Out with the business lunch…
Over and above picking up new leads, breakfast networking is an opportunity to meet likeminded professionals. As the group runs early in the day, the nine-to-five is never interfered with. And, once the meeting is finished there are twenty or so people keeping their eyes and ears open for good opportunities.
Although BNI Barbican is a local group, BNI itself is a global concern and the most successful organisation of its type in the world. Meetings run to the same format. They start with coffee and informal networking. Then, over breakfast everyone gets a chance to tell the others about what they do and the types of referrals they are looking for. Later, there’s a dedicated time for pass on leads and another chance for a coffee and a chat.
It’s all surprisingly informal, according to Chris – especially considering the global nature of BNI. “Members are based largely around North London, so there’s always common ground,” he says. “Meetings are lively and inspirational. Everyone gets to know the other members’ businesses well, which means the referrals are always of a good quality.”
The most important meal of the day…
So, how do you rate breakfast? Perhaps it could indeed become the most important meal of the day – especially if you’re looking for more clients.
BNI Barbican tells us they are on the lookout for new members. So, if you’re based a comfortable distance from St Paul’s and interested in finding out more about breakfast networking, why not get in touch with the group? You could even drop by one of the meetings to see what it’s all about.
For more information, or to show interest in paying a visit, take a look at the BNI Barbican website, www.bnibarbican.com.
Some quotes from BNI Chapter members...
Tamara Gal-On
From Capitalise on Creativity, coaching and facilitation for the creative industries. Member for over four years.
“Somewhere between 90 and 95% of my business has come from BNI referrals over the last four years. Once I filled a whole seminar in just six conversations. Quite honestly, I haven’t come across a more effective or supportive way to develop my business.”
Paul Dutch
Solicitor at Harold Benjamin, a niche real estate practice based in North London. Member for three years.
“The best business referral from the group was for a top multinational accountancy practice. Over the years, I’ve gained a lot of new clients and will hopefully be able to pass on the benefits to any new member. I’ve also made some excellent friends.”
Paul Hooper
From Spirit Design Consultants, a Camden-based design company. Member for nearly two years.
“We’ve picked up lots of bits of business, right across the spectrum – from tiling companies to travel and accountancy experts. We even worked for a well-known London poet because of BNI. The support from the group has been excellent. And the breakfast is pretty good too.”
Robin Narayan
From Bates, financial advisors for property, income and growth. Member for seven years.
“I’ve been a member of the BNI group since it started. It’s been a great way to learn how to network profitably and speak confidently about what I do. The most profitable piece of business from the group was worth £15,000 in fees and commission. BNI is a fun and supportive structure.”
Erica Lee
From Melt Therapy, practitioner in Thai yoga and pregnancy massage. Member for over a year.
“The best thing about BNI is its structure. The group offers a priceless resource of knowledgeable people – something that’s really important to me as a sole trader. It helps to strengthen and focus my business activity, and offers a far-reaching network of word-of-mouth opportunities.”