It’s been described as the business breakfast club that really brings home the bacon. And now the Business Network International (BNI) Chapter in Llanelli is looking for new members. The busy Thursday morning club meets at The Diplomat Hotel in Llanelli.
It’s an early 7am start – but these are men and women who are keen to buck the recession and make the most of their working days. “Meeting first thing in the morning is great,” said Llanelli chapter (localbranch) director Nick Romanello.
“We all have busy days and meeting first thing in the morning means that it doesn’t intrude onto the rest of the working day. It also means that we start the day energised as there’s a lot of energy and enthusiasm in our meetings. The meetings really have a buzz. “It’s a place where networking can really pay dividends and it’s a place where people appreciate exchanging ideas and information. And our members also appreciate that we are a great support network. We are there for each other.”
It is estimated that each seat around the Llanelli BNI breakfast table is worth £12,000 in business. The key to this is in the make-up of the BNI membership. No two businesses in the BNI are allowed to be in the same category, so you get a mix which can be as varied as the proverbial butcher, baker and candlestick maker.
In Llanelli, the membership includes a plasterer, electrician, builder, web designer, IT support consultant and an environmental auditor. “It really is a great mix,” said membership committee member Phil Evans. “As well as the networking and the support BNI provides, the meeting also enables members to pass business referrals to each other, which can vary from firm orders from one business to the next or an introduction to a potential client. “The business between the BNI members is monitored and in money terms we know that the BNI members have done more than £200,000 worth of business between each other since September, 2009.”
Mr Evans added: “In addition, we have regular training sessions and guest speakers. So, we are able to combine an entertaining way of business networking with some innovative ways of making sure we stay on top of our businesses in these difficult economic times. “The BNI experience is different to other networking organisations, but we are very open and accessible and would be delighted to welcome potential members who just want to come along on a Thursday and see what we are about.”
BNI contact details: Endeavour BNI (Llanelli), Director Nick Romanello. Email address [email protected]. Venue Diplomat Hotel, Felinfoel, Llanelli, SA15 3PJ. Meeting time: Thursday 0700am – 0830am If you are interested in joining the Llanelli BNI, then ring Phil Evans for an informal chat on 07796 990493 Website – www.bni-southwales.com
