Twin Cities Business Networking Group Sets Visitor's Day Amidst Rapid Expansion
Bloomington, MN (PRWEB) March 28, 2008 -- The South River Networkers business referral group, located in Minnesota's Twin Cities area, has announced a Visitor's Day for potential members. The event is scheduled for the morning of Thursday, April 10th, 2008. The South River Networkers group is a chapter of BNI, the world's largest business referral organization. Those interested in participating in the April 10th event or other membership opportunities should contact the group's Event Coordinator, Patti Marrin, at 952-806-8778.
The South River Networkers plans for enormous growth in 2008, and is now reviewing applications from qualified business professionals in over 25 business categories. The categories include interior design, graphic design, promotional products, flooring, landscaping, professional painting, acupuncture, floral services, business and professional coaching, photography, legal services, event planning, security systems, and heating and air conditioning services.
"We have business to refer to a variety of different business professionals," said Stephanie Maxey, the chapter's President. "Our members enjoy building a network of trusted professionals within our group so we can turn to those individuals for the services we need. Bringing additional professionals of integrity into our chapter will allow us to make use of their services as well. Additionally, we can provide those professionals with referrals from our extended network of friends and colleagues."
The South River Networkers has a Membership Committee that thoroughly reviews each application from interested professionals and follows up on all references. "It's similar to filling open positions within a company," said Dale Morgan, the chapter's Vice President and head of the Membership Committee. "Ensuring that the membership is composed of reliable, trustworthy professionals means that we can be confident in referring our business to each other."
Tracking business passed amongst its members is a hallmark of BNI. In 2007, The South River Networkers chapter recorded over $310,000 in business gained through referrals from its members. "That is the real value of involvement in a committed business referral group," Maxey said. "Just by networking with each other, and building trust, we all gain new clients and do more business than we otherwise would have. And a membership in BNI offers a better value than most forms of advertising. We refer people to one another who are actively seeking those specific services. It's very powerful."
The chapter currently has new openings due to some job changes and transfers. "Additionally," Morgan said, "we aim to grow in the coming year beyond our traditional size of about 20 members to a goal size of at least 30. Statistically, chapters of that size experience an exponential growth in business passed amongst members. This is an exciting time to be a part of this group, because of where we're headed."
The April 10th Visitor's Day is open to any business professionals in the Twin Cities who are seeking to evaluate BNI. "This event is a fantastic opportunity to network with other professionals from throughout the Twin Cities," said Patti Marrin. If an individual's professional category is already represented, the Membership Committee will assist the individual in locating a chapter that has that position open.
The South River Networkers also welcomes visitors to attend one of the chapter's regular business meetings. For more information, see the South River Networkers chapter website, http://www.bni-mn.com/cgi-bin/chapterhomepage.cgi?chapter_id=127, or contact Stephanie Maxey at 952-842-8249. The Minnesota BNI website, http://www.bni-mn.com, is another resource, containing information about the organization as well as testimonials from business professionals about how their BNI involvement has helped to gain new qualified clients and increase business.
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