As a business owner, you need to continuously network and make new connections. Relationships are at the core of any business – it’s how your business will grow. But sometimes, networking and making new connections isn’t as easy as it sounds. That’s where BNI comes in: Our proven system is centered around building strong, lasting connections.
One of my key focuses as CEO of this incredible organization is to support you throughout your business journey. Our team wants to make networking both productive and fun, so that you can grow your business beyond your wildest dreams. We want your experience with BNI – whether you’re a Core Group Members, a new Member, a long-time Member, a part of your Chapter Leadership Team, or simply someone seeking more information on our organization – to be the absolute best that it can be.
Today I’d like to focus on one aspect of BNI: Core Groups, and share a few thoughts on the impact these groups have on our organization and the larger business community. If you live in an area where there is not already an active BNI Chapter, or you are in a common profession that rarely has an opening in a Chapter, I’d encourage you to continue reading to learn more about the benefits of being a Founding Member of a BNI Chapter – an honored role within BNI. And if you’re already a BNI Member, be sure to share this article with your wider business network, so they too can explore how BNI could change their life.
If you’re unfamiliar with the term ‘Core Group’, it’s a brand new group that is working towards their official Chapter launch day. In my opinion, it’s one of the most exciting times for a BNI Member, and for the Chapter-to-be! Below are just a few of the many reasons why:
- Founding Members Are in Charge of Their Destiny: It’s not often you have the opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a new group. Yes, launching a Chapter requires effort, but the rewards are truly worth this effort.
- Founding Members Will Be on an Accelerated Path to Success: One of the basic principles of growing your business is something called the VCP process – Visibility, Credibility, Profitability. You must have regular, positive visibility to become credible. Once you are credible, you have the opportunity to receive consistent, ongoing referrals reaching a profitable relationship. It takes time to create, grow and strengthen relationships, but you’ll have added credibility by being a founding member of your Chapter.
- Founding Members are Fueling Economic Growth: Each new Chapter that launches is helping to create jobs and grow businesses in your local community. As a Core Group Member you are recognized for adding more referral partners to your community, but also our global network.
- Founding Members are Part of Something Much, Much Larger: What many Core Group Members don’t yet realize, is that they are part of a much larger community that goes well beyond the four walls of their meeting space or even their city or town. There are thousands of business leaders here to support you throughout your BNI journey, and we want you to succeed.
To find a Chapter or Core Group near you, visit bni.com. I’d encourage you to visit and talk with current members – in Core Groups and established Chapters – about the many benefits of BNI, and the impact it can have on your life, your business and most of all your success. And if you’re currently in a Core Group, keep up the terrific momentum! You are inspiring others around you and I know you have a long, successful journey ahead of you in BNI!