Is BNI Worth It? My Thoughts After 2 Years

[@imjosephbobadilla]

2024 Update: I have since left BNI for a season after being a part of the network for over 4 years. I have more perspective about the value of the network which I can share in a future video! (Mostly good)

[@ExplodingHaggis]

In short, what was your reason for leaving?

[@imjosephbobadilla]

My vision outgrew the room.

[@shestattedinc7333]

Im about to join a chapter in my area. I just went to my first meeting last friday and I am a little bit nervous I prayed to be placed around ppl who could add value to my business and how I can do the same, and here comes BNI, My application was accepted and Im about to pay my dues! Im excited! I pray its worth it!!

[@imjosephbobadilla]

@@shestattedinc7333 congratulations! What business are you in? BNI is a great community if you find the right fit in a group. Keep me posted on your journey!

[@kevinbriner3811]

Did you consider joining another group. It sounds like your area might not be as saturated as mine with BNI Groups, so maybe that wasn't an option. ​@@imjosephbobadilla

[@mateomonsalve3544]

We’ve just joined BNI in Medellín, Colombia and have had our first 121’s. We offer softlanding services to companies coming into Colombia, so I identified a great opportunity for our company. I appreciate your take in regards patience in building trust within the chapter.

[@imjosephbobadilla]

Great to hear! Good luck with the BNI journey.

[@techtamilan3700]

Hi I am a BNI member in India, Tamilnadu. My name Bhuvanesh Kumar, you can look for the company called Premium support 365. Would like to do a 1 to 1 if it’s alright to get to know and explore.

[@healthymind-dynamics]

Well crafted and thought out video. I have been to one meeting and wasn’t sure if I should join. Having watched your video I will definitely join up now. Thank you.

[@imjosephbobadilla]

Hi Paul, thanks for the kind comment! Hope that you enjoy your BNI experience - where are you joining up?

[@healthymind-dynamics]

@@imjosephbobadilla You are welcome - and thank you. I am based in the UK between London and the south coast - will be joining Horsham Winners BNI

[@terrillchristians]

i joined BNI in 2020 and i love it. The comraderie and the business ofcourse..lol

[@imjosephbobadilla]

Yep! The two biggest things about a great chapter 👌

[@sia1019]

I’m thinking about joining a local chapter. I’m like you , very nervous to speak in front of a group. I go blank a lot. So Not sure how I will do. The commitment to that part terrifies me !

[@imjosephbobadilla]

It's actually a great development opportunity for public speaking!

[@comptonstills]

Not a fan personally but I can see how it could be beneficial for businesses, my schedule changes a lot as well as now working on feature film sets so am away for months at a time so it just doesn’t work for me personally so my networking is for the film industry specifically, I’ve been to a few and everyone was nice enough it just felt very staged and inauthentic…. Horses for courses definitely I’d say try a few out and find which one suits and fits if you decide to join up

[@imjosephbobadilla]

Absolutely - like you said, horses for courses. Film industry would be a lot different to SME business for sure. In my own experience, starting a brand new video production company with no business experience in a new city, there is no other way I would have been able to stay in business without any other income!

[@comptonstills]

@@imjosephbobadilla completely understand if you're starting out you are introduced to a number of businesses in different industry's and they will all require video production at some stage potentially

[@imjosephbobadilla]

@@comptonstills for sure, would love to know what it’s like to be mainly networking within the film industry from your perspective too!

[@comptonstills]

@@imjosephbobadilla I've worked on 4 feature films this year and one television show shooting unit stills, after deciding 18 months ago to change direction and focus on film and television exclusively, i'm heading to Qld on saturday for the last three weeks of filming on the current feature production i'm on, it'a all about connecting with and marketing yourself to producers and directors who book photographers...it's a hustle and takes time but I've been fortunate to work my way in on a couple of productions and I love being on set and collaborating with different departments and director's and DOP's

[@RonnyVanBaelen]

Great and honest video. I wish all my members would understand what BNI can mean for them and their businesses if they just consequently do what we are learning them.

[@imjosephbobadilla]

Thank you Ronny! It definitely works when you put the effort in.

[@Essays4College]

Joseph and Ronny have you done much networking, cold calling, etc outside of BNI?

[@RonnyVanBaelen]

I'm a BNI professional. The networking I do mostly benefits my members. I don't do cold calling anymore, I used to do it a lot when I was in the business of selling copy machines. I take persistence and mindset, because you get a lot of NO. That's one of the benefits of BNI, you don't have to do cold calling anymore😀

[@Essays4College]

@@RonnyVanBaelen I guess my concern is that the premise of BNI is that the other members will effectively be your salespeople. How good at sales are the other members? What's stopping anyone from just calling up a local real estate agent or lawyer and saying, "Hey let's get together for coffee at the diner every now and then?" Also, another concern I have is how do I know how good the other members are at their craft. Yes, I know that so and so is a lawyer but is he or she any good?

[@imjosephbobadilla]

@@Essays4College I honestly haven't done any cold calling for about 2 years now - the network through BNI plus other word of mouth has compounded to give us a solid client base!

[@BaffledB]

BNI is an amazing opportunity far beyond business. The multi-faceted benefits are far reaching. The investment is so minimal for the potential return. Thanks for sharing.

[@imjosephbobadilla]

100%! I've developed in more ways than just direct business through BNI.

[@BaffledB]

@@imjosephbobadilla it's not just the development. The opportunities and support available when traveling, the connections that can be made for others, the wealth of information...so much. Best ROI out there.

[@imjosephbobadilla]

@@BaffledB I agree! A lady that I share an office with has used BNI to build her business around multiple cities in Australia, and it’s encouraged me to do the same when travelling around the world.

[@calistafalcontail]

Sounds like a brainwashed member who gave them money and now has to promote them.

[@anaphylacticanimal]

​@@calistafalcontailthis has such value, thanks for your contribution.

[@stevestraya]

Thanks for sharing this video Joseph. I can relate to your story well. Been invited to my first BNI tomorrow in Toowong. A friend just said come along cos "I know this is something for you" he said. He probably saw something in me that I didn't LOL. Ex creative agency and client here. Love that depth of field and colour scheme in your video.

[@imjosephbobadilla]

Thanks Steven! Let us know how your visit goes, you may find that it’s something that works well for you. What business do you run? Also Toowong, nice - I have a feeling I know what chapter you may be visiting.

[@stevestraya]

@@imjosephbobadilla Hi there. Visit was interesting. Just there for experience. Will try a few more around New Farm. I help businesses solve their marketing problems particularly related to brand, ads and communications. Currently not doing anything and looking at next steps.

[@skyfamilyclinic7031]

I am from Cambodia, BNI hero, my name Dr Pheakdey. I am in BNI for 4yr till now. we learn alot from BNI.

[@b3ans4eva]

I joined back in 2020 as a digital marketer & managed to get a good power team going with the IT professional who referred me in the first place. However, they left at the start of 2022 after being a member for many years and my referrals dried up to not having any since October 2021. My subscription expired last month & I told the director consultant that I wouldn’t be returning this year because (a) I couldn’t afford the fees for the year because (b) I got no closed business/referrals. Basically, I said if I got one paid referral, that would pay for my membership. I love the idea of network marketing; I got some great work out of it & I love the camaraderie of my fellow members. But I’m asking myself “do I fit in as a B2B in a chapter that is dominated by B2C organisations” & “am I doing anything wrong to promote my services to my colleagues to help them in finding me referrals.” It doesn’t help that our chapter size has been shrinking over the last couple of years too. Right now, my membership is in limbo & I’m not sure if I’m still “on the books” or not.

[@imjosephbobadilla]

It is interesting to see how chapters change over time. Could you perhaps visit and join a different chapter?

[@b3ans4eva]

@Joseph Bobadilla, the closest chapters are a good 2.5 to 3 hours away. There’s a new one starting which is closer, but it’s still a 90 minute return trip. I emailed the director consultant to ascertain what my membership status is.

[@imjosephbobadilla]

@@b3ans4eva That's definitely a shame! 90 minutes round trip isn't the easiest but I do know people who make that kind of commute weekly because they deem it a worthwhile investment in their business - I suppose it's your decision to make on whether it's worthwhile for you and your goals.

[@bossbee7245]

i think if you are not resourceful on creating a good and quality business network or if your not fortunate to then it this is the way, but there always a pros and cons on this that is why be careful,

[@imjosephbobadilla]

This is definitely a great way to start building a business network if you’ve never done it before.

[@MobileProBarber]

Great video thank you. Thinking about joining I operate a mobile Barber Shop.

[@imjosephbobadilla]

Thanks! A lot of people could definitely refer you work through BNI.

[@carlossandoval8607]

Un saludo afectuoso desde México. Lo compartiré con mis capítulos del capítulo mosqueteros así como de la esfera nacional de construcción BNI México. GRACIAS joseph. Muy buena historia y video.

[@Realism91]

I've been around biker gangs, they go by chapters too, it feels weird hearing it outside of gangs. I think large cults also go by chapters.

[@sia1019]

This has been very informative! Thank you !

[@imjosephbobadilla]

You’re very welcome! Let me know if you have any questions at all.

[@kaltrex9465]

An independent single new business in a small group that hasn’t grown is a total loss for that person. Less than 1% of MLM folks succeed in them. I saw so many get destroyed harassed lose money and time from the old insurance -home-attorney trio in all groups I’ve seen.

[@adamwoodie4029]

Tell me more

[@mohammedsawood9308]

Pls tell me more, I want these facts to be heard

[@deluxedrywallinc]

what do you think about a drywall contracting company joining BNI? i was invited by my website designer. he mentioned no drywall companies are in yet only plumbing companies.

[@imjosephbobadilla]

If you can make connections with your referral partners in say the building and trades industries you can definitely make it work!

[@deluxedrywallinc]

@@imjosephbobadilla thanks man. appreciate you taking the time to reply!

[@imjosephbobadilla]

@@deluxedrywallinc all good! Best of luck with the BNI journey.

[@RyanLordOfficial]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@imjosephbobadilla]

🙏

[@beatrizarroyavetoro6138]

Que lindo testimonio. BNI es una oportunidad maravillosa para muchos empresarios en el mundo.

[@imjosephbobadilla]

Thank you for your kind words. BNI indeed offers a wonderful opportunity for many entrepreneurs worldwide.

[@SuperKaku007]

Fantabulous evening everyone, I’m Harsha from BNI Krishnagiri region of OOKKAM chapter in the state of Tamilnadu from India in the category of carton box manufacturer, I’m in BNI for 6 months, very useful for my business and excellent opportunity to understand about networking

[@imjosephbobadilla]

Thanks for dropping by Karthik! Definitely is a great introduction to networking.

[@TheNimaldez]

Can you share with experience / comments on the potential for services such insurance and banking business in BNI?

[@imjosephbobadilla]

Absolutely - the insurance seats in most BNI chapters are one of the most coveted seats and fastest to be taken, as insurance is a really easy category of business to refer. Every business needs some form of insurance and so it's just a matter of building trust with those in the room so that they can refer you to their own network. I've also seen so much success from those doing commercial and personal finance in BNI, once they build trust with the people in their group because again, they are services that are needed by many people.

[@TheNimaldez]

@@imjosephbobadilla Thank you for elaborating on this category.

[@imjosephbobadilla]

@@TheNimaldez happy to help!

[@Islandvibezent]

Any dj companies in your chapter?

[@imjosephbobadilla]

Not in mine but I’m sure there are a few out there!

[@TheNimaldez]

Inspiring talk! Thank you 🙂

[@imjosephbobadilla]

Thank you for watching Nimal!

[@FuzzyAason]

Hey Joseph, I run a drone service business and will also sometimes do videography/photography and create digital assets for our clients. Would be open to discuss if we could collaborate on projects.

[@KLbn2014]

BNI loan is legal?

[@imjosephbobadilla]

Sorry not sure what you mean by a BNI loan?

[@KLbn2014]

Bank of negara Indonesia

[@PajaPatak_]

BNI is expensive, and requires lots of your time in return of very little results.

[@imjosephbobadilla]

Thanks for your comment! I just happened to have the complete opposite experience and built my business from it 👌

[@PajaPatak_]

@@imjosephbobadilla build your business from it, is a huge statement. I have a few marketing channels working full time for last 23 years, and I’m still building my business, and I will keep building it until I retire. If you are able to build your business from BNI alone, i give you huge respect. But i can strongly tell you that you are not telling the truth. BNI requires lots of time and energy, with very little results.

[@Yousaf_Yunes]

Why not just go to your local chamber of commerce?

[@imjosephbobadilla]

You sure can, and I know people who do. The difference would be that everyone in a BNI chapter meets weekly and is encouraged to essentially become your sales team as opposed to a Chamber event being a traditional’ networking event.

[@Yousaf_Yunes]

@@imjosephbobadilla Thank you for responding. I run a small digital ad agency, not plumbing or accounting or dentistry. Is that a good fit for BMI?

[@imjosephbobadilla]

That’s probably the perfect type of business fit for any networking group since all businesses need digital marketing.

[@ArTHOR-MyUNIKO]

Thank you!😊

[@imjosephbobadilla]

You’re welcome!

[@troyquintal809]

Music too loud & annoying, makes it hard to hear you.

[@imjosephbobadilla]

Thanks mate! Great feedback 👌

[@ME-qt2zm]

I will join a Chapter in Germany ❤ BNI Entrepreneur power !

[@imjosephbobadilla]

Great to hear! I hope to visit Germany someday soon.

[@calistafalcontail]

Its a scam. My boss did it and he wasted so much money. Its like a cult.

[@ME-qt2zm]

@@calistafalcontail i know Bro, and out ! Where youre from

[@ClarkeAndre]

1649 Gulgowski Flats

[@saudkhatib2665]

I own a product and food photography company. Its a startup. Let me know your views if I should join BNI or not?

[@imjosephbobadilla]

If you are good at what you do, photography can be a great specialty for any BNI chapter, especially if you know who your target client is and can teach the group how to refer them to you.

[@calistafalcontail]

DONT! They milk you for money. You sign a contract and you make payments to them. There are meetings where attendance is required and you cant get out of the contracts easily. Its a cult. A seemingly nice one but still a scam.

[@SnehaBusiness]

Hello Sneha from BNI mumbai

[@imjosephbobadilla]

Hi Sneha!

[@josephrenfro2409]

I got a invite to go to a meeting…don’t know what to expect but I’m a little confident about what I’m getting in to watching this.

[@imjosephbobadilla]

Good to hear! What type of business are you in?

[@josephrenfro2409]

@@imjosephbobadilla Junk Removal…I hear these things are great for service based businesses.

[@imjosephbobadilla]

@@josephrenfro2409 yes, it’s just a matter of getting to build relationships with the group!

[@cupolove1]

I’m a realtor and just got invited to an event today. I’ll feel it out

[@EricWight-n4y]

Barrows Glen

[@imjosephbobadilla]

@@EricWight-n4y great comment

[@RudolphWendell]

296 Torey Courts

[@HelenRodriguez-c2c]

Ashleigh Ridge

[@MonirahjahanOrpah]

323 Mayert Ramp

[@AndyKarim-i1s]

Lyla Ports

[@NicoleSesco-f2k]

Dudley Coves

[@LeslieWright-s3r]

Lesch Streets

[@imjosephbobadilla]

@@LeslieWright-s3r great comment

[@Pubfolio]

Its a cult. Don't join BNI

[@imjosephbobadilla]

@@Pubfolio bit of a generalisation hey?

[@BrendaThomas-n5o]

Bradtke Key

[@nestycubillan202]

How to join

[@imjosephbobadilla]

Have a look for a chapter near where you are and just go for a visit!

[@calistafalcontail]

DONT! Its a scam and I have seen people losing so much money.

[@ThomasTosh-f6n]

Rath Villages

[@GeraldBrezina-l3r]

Walker Park

[@BryceRaczak-p3z]

Sigrid Fork

[@MichelsonModesty-o6k]

Ernser Locks

[@NidiaSellars-m7c]

Wisoky Passage

[@grandtheftbitcoin]

why is your audio shit?

[@imjosephbobadilla]

@@grandtheftbitcoin I know 😂 I ran it through Descript a few years ago but didn’t get to quality check the whole video. Thanks for your feedback!

[@grandtheftbitcoin]

@@imjosephbobadilla no problem, I'll wait for the 3 year update

[@eely3846]

You lost me when you said you would have to be the only videographer..in group..that us a communist approach..free trade means I can compete with 3 others, and we are encouraged to improve.

[@imjosephbobadilla]

Sure thing, do what works for you!

[@calistafalcontail]

Its a scam trust me. You senses are right. I know someone who was so brainwashed by this crap and hes now in debt.

[@nicholassimonds2658]

@@calistafalcontailif $900 dollars in fees a year was enough to put the guy in debt I don’t think BNI was his problem.

[@OliverDraper-s7j]

Zemlak Way

[@imjosephbobadilla]

@@OliverDraper-s7j what’s that?

[@PitmanElijah]

2425 Koch Pike