By CASEY NEILL
BUSINESSES from Cranbourne and beyond can connect and prosper through a weekly breakfast.
The Cranbourne Business Network International (BNI) branch meets at 7am each Wednesday at The Settlement, Cranbourne.
BNI is the largest business networking group in the world with 6600 active chapters and 170,000 members in 58 countries. It’s been in Australia for 15 years.
Mechanic Ian Alphey joined the Cranbourne chapter about four years ago and is now its president.
“We started our business just on five and a half years ago,” he said.
“It helped build our business. We started our business from scratch.
“It works really well. It’s all word of mouth.
“We haven’t looked back since.”
Mr Alphey has grown from being a sole proprietor to employing an apprentice, a mechanic, and two office staff.
“The other businesses in the chapter have gone from strength to strength as well,” he said.
“You never know who someone else knows. That’s where the referral base comes in.”
He said referrals ranged from first tier – from one BNI member to another – to second tier – a BNI member to an outsider – and beyond.
“We’ve had third and fourth tier referrals where the word has been passed around,” he said.
“We wouldn’t have gained that if we hadn’t been in the BNI
“Being surrounded by like-minded business people boosts your business as well.”
Mr Alphey said members ranged from mortgage brokers to newsagents, insurers and lawn mowers.
“It’s pretty diverse. There’s no business that wouldn’t benefit from it,” he said.
“We see a lot of people come and go, where they may be in the group for 12 months and don’t see the returns in that time.
“But it takes a little while for people to build trust.”
Only one business from each category is allowed in each chapter.
“You’re not competing against anyone else,” Mr Alphey said.
“Some chapters around the country have waiting lists.
“There’s quite a few other local groups that we can refer them to.”
Mr Alphey said the breakfasts were structured according to an international formula.
“It’s not just a case of turning up and doing a bit of networking,” he said.
Book with Mr Alphey on 5995 9839 or vice president Wendy Eriksen on 0439 566 826, email bnicranbourne@gmail.com or turn up on the day.
