Starting A BNI chapter in Kyle, Texas

I was asked via a message recently about how easy/hard it was to start a chapter of BNI. (As I cannot for the life of me figure out how to respond to the message I thought I'd post an answer in hopes the person would find this.)

I heard about BNI recently (like in the last two weeks). I read the attached book and it emphasizes the value of networking. So the first thing I did was go to BNI website which I think is www.bni.com and I read about it. Loved what I saw. As a realtor I am often asked about recommendations for various professions/service providers. So this seems a perfect match for me.

My plan was to join an existing chapter. So I went to state chapter link on the website, and eventually drilled down to the area chapter to see if I could join a local chapter. While there were some chapters with openings, everyone had a realtor and as you can have only one profession in a group...that left no place for me.

My next step was contacting the area coordinator that was identified on the website to see how I could participate. He said there was a chapter starting in my small town of Kyle Texas but they hadn't 'taken off' yet. He suggested I go to a nearby town and sit in on meeting. Make sure I have a better understanding of the process and like what I see. He told me time and place so I went that same week.

I was impressed with what I saw. I like that the meetings were very organized and focused. When we went around the room for the '60 second commercials', they allowed me to stand and while I couldn't speak about my realty business, I could explain I was going to start a BNI chapter in Kyle. A few passed me referral tickets while I was there with either a "call me I might know someone" or the persons name to contact. I found that there were many who were more than happy to share about their positive experience with BNI. It appeared to many the benefits went far beyond referring.

As there were no BNI chapters in Kyle/Buda area that had an opening for realtor I decided to start a group.

First thing I did is take the business cards of all of the people at the BNI chapter in San Marcos that I attended. (They give you an entire set as a visitor.) And I set out to call pretty much all of them. I thanked them for allowing me to attend, told them I was impressed with what I saw and repeated that I was starting a chapter in nearby Kyle. From that set of calls I got about 4 interested members. Then I called my cpa, my banker, I asked the four interested people if they knew anyone that would be good for the group etc. I am at nine that are confirmed and I called the BNI coordinator back and set up a meeting for next week to have him come, do a presentation of BNI, answer any questions and I guess he'll take the checks and application to start the ball rolling.

Currently we've got the following set of pretty solid members: Realtor(me)---mortgage broker---personal trainer---investment guy---insurance---hvac/electrical company---chiropractor---commercial janitorial svc. Most are either familiar or very familiar with the BNI concept so that helped a lot. They understand the value of referrals as well as the importance of having a good group. They agreed with me, you do not give referrals lightly, you are putting your reputation on the line when you tell someone, Joe is a great xyz, or you'll love Mary she is a great CPA...etc

I have invitations out to a few others but no confirmation yet. I'd love to add landscaper, cpa (invitation out), dentist (invitation out), residential cleaning service ...to name a few.

I am shooting for 20 members within the next few weeks as I heard that is when you reach 'critical mass'.

Once the initial group is together next week we'll decide time and place for upcoming meetings. I think so far looks like thursday mornings for breakfast (or in a conference room where we'll bring in breakfast). Only time will tell how hard it will be which was the question was asked. But I love the idea that "Givers Gain". I want a good core group of people that I can refer my clients to and if I get that I am more than happy to "talk up" someone else. I find that much easier than talking up myself.

So if anyone is interested or knows anyone that might be interested in joining the Kyle BNI chapter please let me know. Would love to talk to them. Hope this helps and best of luck to anyone considering it.