When I became a real estate agent, my mentor at the time talked about his BNI  ( Bussines Network International)group often.  The market was starting to slow down, and he tried to empower his trainee's on going out and finding their own clients.  He had started his own team and with new responsibilities did not have time to participate in BNI, any more.  He gave his position to his favorite agent, and he in turned was getting great referrals.

I started looking for a BNI group in our local area, and although I applied with a couple of them, no group would give me a chance.  I was a brand new agent.  Consideration to my large business card holder, and that I had been investing for several years didn't impress them.  I received a phone call from a lady that I had met on some of the original training. I specifically remembered her, as she was very personable.  She was starting a group with another young woman who was a financial adviser.  I yelled in delight "I will be your real estate agent."  We had our first meeting and decided that I would be vice-president. (I did not want to work that hard).  The name "Strategic Alliance."  The local organizers sent a couple of people to our first meeting, and we had another two members within two weeks. 

If you want to be lazy in BNI, the last position you want is Vice-president, especially in a new group.  You will be doing several jobs.  That first year, I dedicated at least two days a week to BNI.  Also, that first year, I only received one good referral. Was it worth it?  Absolutely, last year (my second in BNI) my income was almost 50 % BNI referrals.. 

For those that have never heard of it, BNI is the largest referral organization in the world.  The only purpose of meeting once a week is to exchange referrals.  There is no competition, as there can only be one person per each profession.  There are almost 20 members now, and I am the original founder left in the group. The other two ladies have moved on with their professions.  One is a supervisor; the other owns her own restaurant.

There are almost 20 professionals in our group, and after countless meetings, one to ones and get togethers, I consider these people my friends.  Whenever I need one of their professions, I can safely say that my clients will be very well taken care of.   There are rules and expectations.  Our group follows the format to the letter, and I think this has been one of the reasons we are a successful group.  Visit our website, and if you are in a profession that is not part of our group, and would like to have a sales force dedicated to finding you businesses come join us.   We meet  every Tuesday at  8AM at  228 N. Lynnhaven Road, Unit 130, Virginia Beach VA

To buy, sell or invest in real estate in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth or Suffolk, Virginia visit my website.   TereRottink.com