AND WHAT DO YOU DO...?

I don’t know about you guys, but the word ‘networking’ fills me with pure dread. In fact, I’d rather stay home and alphabetize my DVD collection. If you’re not one of those socially gifted geniuses who can network a room in 30 minutes and leave with 50 + (somewhat useful) business cards – events like these can be tedious, dull and a real waste of time. Or so I thought…

One Thursday morning I was introduced to a networking group called BNI or Business Network International. BNI bills itself as “the world’s largest business networking and referral and organization” with eight ‘chapters’ in Hong Kong. It uses word-of-mouth and referral marketing to generate actual business for its members during the 90-minute meeting. Pretty cool. Here’s how it works:

Each week, members arrive at 6.45am sharp (yes, you read that right) for a super-structured, high energy breakfast meeting in Exchange Square, Central. Members get 60 seconds to introduce themselves, their businesses and educate others about what they do. They also get to ask for a specific introduction or connection they’re looking for. Last week requests ranged from the head buyer at Lane Crawford to the Editor of HK Tatler – and here’s the genius bit – there’s usually someone in the room who can provide a direct connection or knows someone that can – so business leads are virtually guaranteed.

BNI is not for the faint-hearted (or lazy!). Aside from the crack-of-dawn starts, members go through a rigorous selection process and are required to bring along at least one qualified referral for another member each week. As you can imagine – the results can be pretty amazing. 

Visitors from all industries are welcome to come and check out the meeting. Drop me a line at lara@plug-me.com to receive an invite for this Thursday. Hope to see some of you there! 

For more information: www.bni.com. 

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