Early Breakfast with Business Network International

Running a small business can be a daunting task, especially when you also work another job. I work as an ICU nurse and do three 12 hours shifts per week. Most of my days off work are spent creating jewelry for inventory, listing items on Etsy, and the myriad other duties of daily life such as grocery shopping, laundry, cleaning.

Little time is left for me to advertise my business and network myself. I have this blog and belong to many networking sites, but they always come last on my list. Yes, I feel I am not very good at promoting myself. There just aren't enough hours in the day!

Thursday morning I was given the opportunity to go to my first Business Network International Meeting in St. Louis. What a great group of people! The concept behind BNI is word-of-mouth advertising and referrals. Only one person per professional organization is allowed to join the group. All of the members carry copies of everyone's business cards with them. When they meet someone who could use a product or service represented, they hand out the card and make a referral. It's like having salespeople working for you all of the time!

The Saint Louis Chapter meets every Thursday morning at the Drury Inn on Hampton at 7 am for breakfast.

At the beginning of each meeting, every member gives a 45 second "infomercial" of their product or service, finishing their spiel with a little rhyming jingle. Corny, but I can tell you I remember almost everyone's service or product in the room. I also received a business card from everyone in the room. Anyone looking for senior pictures, closing gifts, basement waterproofing, hypnotherapy? I can hook you up!!

Run like a well-oiled machine, each week a member also gives a 10 minute discussion on their business or product and discusses how BNI has helped them succeed. What a great way to start the work day! Breakfast, coffee and inspiration!

As a visitor, I got to speak for 45 seconds on my business and tell them a little bit about the Handmade Movement and hand out my business cards. After the meeting, I showed some of my jewelry and accessories. I sold a bracelet, got a custom wedding favor order, got numerous ideas, and have two folks who want to give me some vintage items to upcycle! I also have someone who want to help me quit smoking!

The cost to join BNI may be prohibitive to some, but I am told it is worth it. I am contemplating joining, but my work hours may not allow it just yet.

For more information on BNI: http://www.bni.com/
Saint Louis Chapter: http://www.bnistl.com/about.php