Is BNI for me?

Source: Alison Peck, Clearly Stated
Date: 10.19.09

I joined The Business Team in April 2009. I was a bit sceptical at first: would people understand what I do? Would they have the contacts to refer me to? In short, would they ‘get it’ – realise what a technical author does and the sort of business contacts I’m looking for?

Well, the short answer is ‘no’… but it doesn’t matter, and in many ways it’s actually a good thing. Joining BNI has made me think about what I do and why I do it, how to explain it to other people and help them see the value in it. On a more practical level, it’s opened up avenues for me that not only didn’t exist before, but that I hadn’t even thought of before. I’ve written marketing materials, wording for leaflets and sales letters in the past, but always as a side activity to what I was doing in my ‘main’ role – writing the manuals, designing the training courses or working on bids and tenders. Now I’ve discovered I enjoy the more creative side, writing to explain to others just how good I know my BNI colleagues are at what they do, and to promote their businesses.

It’s not just the referrals, either, nice though they are. It’s the support you get from other people, many of them running their own small businesses, in what can be a lonely role. For example, in the last few months I’ve had advice about dealing with late payers and people have listened when I’ve been worried about the lack of work. I nearly always leave a meeting feeling much more enthusiastic than I did when I arrived – in spite of the early start.

There is a financial commitment – but for me it’s been a worthwhile one. I’ve not made a fortune, but already I’ve about broken even – and there is more in the pipeline. As with any other organisation, you get out what you’re willing to put in. I’d certainly recommend you come along to visit – see what you’re missing!