How my BNI chapter helped me

Hardcopy Ltd
Unit 9, earls court
Churchtown
Dublin 14

Signs and Displays

I have always wanted to sell more safety signs because I knew it was a valuable product line for my company. The difficulty I had to overcome was that those obliged to use safety signs bought from sources that specialised in that area. That all changed when safety expert and consultatnt Paul Maslin of Olive Safety Ltd. Joined our chapter.

Through a ‘one to one’ Paul and myself realised that safety signs provided a good opportunity for both of us. I produced samples for Paul and he quickly agreed to the production of 5,000 brochures for distribution to all his current and future clients. Brochures are now being sent out.

Both of us are now looking forward to enjoying the benefits of our co-operation

Pat Shannon M.D.
Hardcopy Ltd.

PS On a recent check of new business and where it was coming from my figures reveal that 63% comes directly from membership of BNI

How my BNI chapter helped me

Margaret Boland Photography
3 Merchant Square
Eastwall
Dublin 3

Photography

The support provided and business opportunities created through my BNI chapter membership.

One of the biggest difficulties experienced in my business is gaining an introduction to potential clients, particularly in the corporate market. Much of my business is gained through word of mouth; recommendations and testimonials.

BNI has provided me with an opportunity to present myself and my work to other business people within the group, who have given me testimonials and ‘referrals’ for other businesses outside the Chapter. This has lead to me gaining repeat business from e.g. Government bodies or a well established Irish catering firm.

Members have also introduced me to other Networking groups and events and provided me with other forms of professional support and advice.

Besides financial, there are many benefits to be gained from joining a BNI Chapter.

Margaret Boland M.D.
Margaret Boland Photography

I have recently received some business from a visit to another Chapter.

How my BNI chapter helped me

SmartNote

Text messaging for business

Background info.

SmartNote delivers text messagning applications for business. A large number of our customers are insurance industry including a chapter member, Connolly Gaw. Aiden Kerin from Connolly Gaw arranged a recommendation to the Irish Brokers Association. The IBA then appointment SmartNote as a preferred supplier of text messaging solutions to its 700 member companies.

How BNI helped.

The personal recommendation of the current head of the IBA, a BNI member, lead to the exclusive recommendation of our services to exactly the type of client I am trying to get.

Conclusion

To date the recommendation has lead to tens of new clients.

Sign off

James Kennedy, MD
SmartNote
Some extra point of interest.

How my BNI chapter helped me


Atlantic Insurance

General Insurance


The most obvious one is the referral process, I have been intrduced to a number of new clients through the chapter. It is sometimes difficult to convey accurately by advertising how our service differs from most others in the industry, we strive to meet all our commercial clients at some stage. It helps that there are a group of people who are willing and happy to endorse me to potential clients.

Less obvious is the sharing of business experience between members. I also have managed to make savings on a number of my outgoings by switching BNI providers.

I am 12 years in insurance but bought Atlantic last year. It’s been a busy year but I have no regrets.

BNI has provided me with a forum for learning about running a business, things I would not, for obvious reasons, have encountered previously, like advertising, printing, etc

Apart from the obvious increase in my income from being a BNI member there are other things I have found advantageous to my business, learning from others around me and sharing information etc.

Sign off

Michael Burke