BNIConnect: Changing The Way The World Does Business

Just a little over a year ago, BNIConnect was an action plan, and now, it’s a plan in action.

In March 2009, the United Arab Emirates was the first region in the world to roll out the BNIConnect project. And, now as regions, one by one, begin to launch the project, we are in essence just in the countdown phase of BNI’s entire organization operating under one roof….all with the same tools and all teaching the same consistent message……exemplifying the true meaning of “Givers Gain” in referral based marketing. Once again, an example of how BNI is truly changing the way the world does business!

“My marching orders to directors around the world this year are to focus on the fundamentals. Get back to basics. Do what BNI does well and do it better than we have ever done it before. We are committed to making BNI an even better organization in 2009.”

It was almost a year ago that Dr. Ivan Misner delivered these words to his team of BNI members and directors in Orlando, Florida at the 2008 National Director’s Conference. Dr. Misner pointed out that it was focusing on the “basics” of networking that has driven BNI to become the world’s powerhouse in referral-based marketing. And, now…..we’re “Raising The Bar in 2009.”

Beth Anderson, project manager for BNIConnect, is working closely with Dr. Misner and his team to ensure that all BNI members have the opportunity to experience the grassroots essence of participating in a worldwide networking organization. Even though regions may be separated by vast miles, various business scopes and even speak different languages, BNIConnect will allow a more solid infrastructure for the franchise owners of BNI as well as for it’s members globally.

Dr. Ivan Misner & Beth M. Anderson

“With just over 110,000 members, BNIConnect will now be able to bring its members onto a new plateau for referral marketing,” Anderson said. “Members can modify directory listings and interact with other members around the world. From podcasts, to blogs to focus groups, BNIConnect will allow BNI’s members to equally participate and network, no matter where you are located in the world. This project will exemplify that we really are a worldwide organization with its member’s best interest in hand.”

If you’re a member of Linked In, Facebook or any other social media organization, you have probably experienced how easy it is to keep in touch with people that you haven’t seen or heard from in years. From old friends you went to high school with, to family members you almost forgot you had, these social venues are allowing relationships to rekindle with the touch of a keypad. And now, BNIConnect is going to allow you to revisit old friendships and build new relationships around the world in a business environment!

Bijay Shah, National Director for the Middle East and Executive Director for the United Arab Emirates said, “We’re certainly very excited! The UAE is considered to be highly technologically advanced in all aspects of business and global trade – it fits in perfectly well with this trend. Our members have been waiting for this for a very long time. We’ve delivered and are getting great feedback already!”

Unlike most social networks, which is open to anyone who wants to join, BNIConnect will bring together tens of thousands of active BNI members who all agree to and abide by the BNI Code of Ethics and who understand and practice the fruits of Givers Gain…..making your membership even more valuable. BNIConnect is a tool by which you can pass referrals not only across the room…..but across the world!

“Most of our members are savvy when it comes to online networking. They see this as a fantastic tool to connect with BNI members globally. They already use Ecademy, Linked-in, Xing, Facebook and Twitter and they see BNIConnect making the common connection across the board when it comes to BNI focused online networking,” Shah pointed out. “Furthermore, 100% of our members are nationals of other countries (as are 90% of the residents of the UAE) and they tend to travel frequently. The ability to connect with BNI members through BNIConnect will encourage them more to visit BNI Chapters in other parts of the world. Popular BNI regions are the United Kingdom, Germany, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India and South Africa. There is plenty of 2-way traffic between these countries – we receive at least 1-2 visitors weekly from these countries who are BNI members and visiting the UAE,” Shah continued.

BNIConnect will allow members to build a team of like-minded professionals and create a “group” (online Power Team) within BNI’s web-based system. Imagine what it will be like to be a florist in Huntsville, Alabama (like I am)  and having the opportunity to join other florists from BNI chapters around the world to discuss industry trends or how we are making our membership in BNI more successful. On the other side of the coin, a member that receives an engagement ring can soon join the “Wedding Mafia Group” on BNIConnect and gather ideas and suggestions from some of the best wedding professionals globally. Would this make your membership even more valuable? Having an international focus group at your fingertips is priceless.

“We’re taking the four walls of your chapter meeting down by showing the world that there’s more to BNI than the BNI chapter,” Anderson said. “Potential applicants will now be able to access an application online to expedite the application process. Interest parties for core groups will soon be able to view videos, sign up to receive email alerts, gather chapter information, and search category availabilities for any chapter in the world.”

Dr. Misner points out that BNIConnect is not taking the place of BNI’s weekly, face-to-face meetings, but yet, it is complimenting the meeting with an opportunity to connect to members outside of the meeting which will enhance the benefits of cross-chapter relationships.

Get connected with BNIConnect. Coming to your BNI region soon!