I'm at the year anniversary of my BNI membership, and am trying hard to convince myself that ANY networking is good networking.

For those of you that don't know what BNI is about, it's a networking group that meets every week, and only allows one member for a profession into that particular group. And you have to pay a substantial dues to join.

Anyhow, about a month ago, just went I decide I would renew my membership, it came crashing down onto me that this group would never "get" what a VA is all about. Why did that happen at that time, you might ask. Well, whenever anyone applies to the group, the membership committee is suppose to send out a notice to all the members asking if there are any conflicts, and try to work through them if so. Well, about a month or so ago, this didn't happen, and the membership committee very nicely let a Temp agency join without bothering to ask anyone if he conflicted!

I happen to be on jury duty when the person was inducted, so I didn't know they had joined. When I found out, I immediately got in touch with the Vice President and the membership committee and let them know I was not at all happy with that. They just couldn't figure out why I could possibly think I would be in conflict with a temp agency, even though the commercial that this temp agency gave was the very same commercial I gave several months ago. When they talked in committee, they figured this person could enhance my business. Honestly, I just don't get why someone would feel that a business owner would want to work for a temp agency. I told them we were targeting the very same people, but they still don't get it.

What they told me to do is to talk to the temp agency and see if we can work it out between ourselves. I told the membership committee that I would accept him into the group if he didn't talk about Administrative services at all. Now, I'm trying to decide if it's worthwhile to even bother with this group, they obviously don't get it. I have done a whole year of 60-second commercials, and even did a 10-minute presentation, and they still didn't understant why I was so upset about this person joining our group.

So....am I making too much out of this? Should I still renew my membership with this person in the group?

Opinions please!!!

Kathy Harmacek
Your Virtual Aide

It's kind of a lost cause at this point worrying about the temp agency being there, because there they are...but I don't necessarily think quitting altogether is going to do you or the group much good either.

Do you feel up to the challenge of continuing to try to (continue to) educate them?

How much do you feel your continued membership would gain you? And what has it gained you so far? I'm not at all familiar with the way a BNI works so not sure what the benefit is beyond networking.

Otherwise, why not join your local chamber of commerce instead?

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Thanks Tess, I have thought about joining the Chamber, just couldn't justify paying dues to both groups.

I have gotten a little business from my BNI group, not much.

As far as continuing the challenge....honestly, I am so angry with them, I'm not sure I can see past that. I'm really struggling with that feeling because I don't want to "cut off my nose to spite my face".

I don't know anything about BNI groups either but I usually try and weigh the pros and cons when making a decision like that. If you gain more than you lose by sharing the stage with the temp agency, then stay.

The temp agency may offer the same services as you but they don't offer the same benefits. Temps come and go. VAs are partners with our clients. Maybe you could try and play up that angle if you decide to stay.

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Shari Sultana
Online Business Manager (marketing for retail ecommerce)

Also, people within BNI get to know you. A temp agency, who knows who they will be working with. Just one of his random representatives. People buy people. Sell yourself, you are there live and in person and nobody better to represent you than you.

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Tamika R. Johnson, MBA, Principal
administrative partners, llc
www.administrativepartners.net | http://adminpartners.blogspot.com

I don't think BNI members ever really get what we do; they didn't in the chapter I belonged to. When I did my five minute infomercial I even handed out an 8 page booklet with my background, what I did, what to listen for, etc. and they still didn't get it. I'd put the money into your local Chamber of Commerce - you'll reach a much wider range of people and not be shackled to the requirement to provide 4 referrals, written testimonials or bring guests each month.

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Julia

Kathy,

My husband and I were invited as guests to a BNI meeting a while back. I must say it wasn't for us and our businesses. Though they do encourage referrals, I couldn't justify the money and didn't feel it was the best way to network. We have a great Chamber of Commerce nearby and if I had to choose, I'd choose them. However, you may consider networking in other ways that are less costly.

My husband and I network through Meetup groups and other free mixer events. We started our own networking group in Roseville where we live. We honestly can't see the value of paying to be a BNI member when we feel we can get honest to goodness word of mouth referrals by doing our own, no cost networking.

Sue Canfield
Awesome Assistant

Thanks for the wonderful replies.

I have been going back and forth on this one so much in the past few months, my head is spinning. Just when I think I'll quit, something happens and causes me to wonder if that's the right move.

I think I might give the Chamber a try.

Kathy
Your Virtual Aide

I love networking with my Chamber. I've even gone to other local Chambers. Chamber networking events are usually free and open to anyone for my Chamber, which is great. Most Chambers will let you attend events - and give your 30-second commercial, even if you don't join.

I also joined a local small business association - like the Chamber, except specializing in small businesses and a lot less expensive. I actually met another VA at one of those events. You may want to check to see if such an association is available in your area.

Hi Kathy! It sounds to me that your BNI chapter simply isn't a very good one. I think there are three in my area and I got invited to attend a meeting by a member. I loved the meeting, made some good connections AND got a client from one lunch! The other chapters in my area aren't so great. This one was voted best chapter for the last 3 quarters and they were working hard toward 4th quarter. I don't know if you dropped your membership yet but it would seem the best way to win over the group as a whole, although it would take a lot of work on your part, would be through one-on-ones. Find a few people in the group who you would like to cater to request a one-on-one. If you can't get at least two or three set up in the next month consider if it is because they aren't interested in your "pitch" or if it is because they don't "get" you. If you think either reason is the case I'd wash my hands of it.

As a side note, even after I got a client out of the event I still didn't join.

Create an amazing day!

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Sundi D. Hayes
Chief Virtual Officer - My Office Zilla
www.myofficezilla.com