I did do a search before anyone suggest it. I had a hard time really figuring out who likes it (other than Rick:) ) and why.

I ask now because I am giving serious thought to joining. there is only one other guy and he is HWE only. I think that if I do, I will get involved with the networking and events. But, before I jump, I always look down.

Thoughts?

Phil,

Read Jeffrey Gitomers: "Little Black Book of Connections: 6.5 Assets for Networking Your Way to Rich Relationships".

http://www.amazon.com/Little-Black-Book-Connections-Relationships/dp/1885167660/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3/102-2346710-2149766?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1186611493&sr=8-3

There is a used copy for $6.96 + 3.99 Shipping = $10.95

Or new copies from $9.94 + 3.99 Shipping = $13.93

Retail locally is $19.95 + local tax = Around $22.00???

If you can afford it I'd join the Chamber and do what Jeffrey says to do in the book.

I am looking into joining mine here.

Make you own luck,

Del Scrivner
Owner/Operator
Cowboy's Carpet Care

Phil-
I strongly suggest you join a B.N.I. group, your business is exclusive and a good chapter can yield some serious buisness and great connections. I belonged to both and found much more business with BNI. If you have the funds join both and you decide. B.N.I. will allow you to visit 2 times before joining check it out if you go to BNI.com you can find a local chapter. Just my input!

... that if you post here you are primarily / all commercial?

if so, these groups are a waste of your precious time, period.

devote the same 1-4 hours a week canvassing.

if you are after resi then i reckon they help.

thanx --- Derek.

Derek,

The Chamber of Commerce is all businesses looking to better their community and their own businesses.  How would that be a waste to join?

Make you own luck,

Del Scrivner
Owner/Operator
Cowboy's Carpet Care

Dereck-
Both groups provide referrals mixed residential and commercial. My best referral from a BNI member was for 22 assisted living facilities which I provide T&G cleaning and quarterly carpet cleaning. Phil- your call just providing some information, visit both then decide.

We are a member of several networking groups and the Chamber. We get lots of business from both. I would suggest getting in the Chamber and then find out what other networking groups are out there. Personally, there will be no more BNI for me. I could write a book with what I disliked about it and I have been in two different ones.

Also, look for any free networking groups one group I am a member of is free and there is about 50 people there every week.

Kevin

I am very interested in learning more about your experience with these groups. Perhaps private email would be better. claudecr@bellsouth.net

The Chamber is an excellent investment, but you have to get involved. You can't join and then wait for the calls to come in. Go to Business After Hours, Entrepreneurial (sp) meetings, get on a committee or two. I joined 2 years ago and attended the networking sessions. I can easily say that over these same two years, I have seen my business increase. For a $650 total (over the two years) I have added between $20k and $30k overall. Pretty good ROI in my eyes.

Phil you got an email or should I say a book and I agree 100% with Kevin Jones.

Kevin Pearson

i again assumed the chamber was like bni. i can see it isn't the same.

for the time put into it i feel canvassing is a much wi$er choice.

thanx --- Derek.

If you want to obtain new clients go ahead and just canvas or send out mailers

If you want to build your business from multiple streams then a network of other like minded business associates who will refer your company to others who are looking for company who does quality work with our going hunting around, then joining groups that with be mutually beneficial for your co and others is what you want.

Yes it takes work and in the begining you may not see a lot of return, in the long haul
it is the best thing going

David

Derek-

While your canvassing is working, don't discount the validity of the above-mentioned networking groups. Almost every referral from these groups is a 'slam dunk.' Price is less of a hurdle, and they've already been told by the referral source that you're the best on the planet!

These past 2 weeks, I've received over $1,000 in referrals from a carpet salesman who used to be in a BNI with me. Even though he's no longer in a group, he still carries my card, and gives it to EVERY person he sells product to. Both resi and commercial. That's pretty cool! Last week, I was out of town when a realtor called to do one small spot in her house (a referral from this salesperson's boss, who now also refers me), and it turned into a $400 job, not including protector! Not bad for being out of town...

Kevin Kluth
Pinnacle Cleaning
www.dryinonehour.com
www.fullerdirect.com/0704120

I can't argue with peaople that have had success in either group. I do commercial only so BNI has never really been a fit for me because the businesses tend to be smaller. Sometimes you do run into a carpet rep, a systems furninture rep or an interiors person and that can help a lot.

As far as my experience w/ Chambers, I think they're mostly sellers not buyers. My experience has always been the same. Mostly made of small businesses like mine that want to sell not buy. Anybody from a larger company that would be a prospect is a business development person and not a decision maker.

That all being said, you need to make a consistant effort over time in order to see the benefits from either organization.