Networking works at BNI Breakfast

A number of members of the Ascension Parish business community met this morning at Frank’s Restaurant for their weekly networking luncheon. The group is part of Business Networking International or BNI,  who has over 145,000 members worldwide and is the largest business networking organization in the world. According to their statistics, last year alone, BNI worldwide generated 7.1 million referrals resulting in $3.3 billion dollars worth of business for its members.

The local chapter has seen some of that money staying in the community, as internally they have seen over $40,000 since January 1. Essentially, each member refers business to other members and the money quoted is part of that chain of business passed among members.

Each meeting, members get up to tell a little about their companies and recent achievements. The setting, although professional, is informal enough for the ease of communication between members and guests. They follow a sixty-second rule for speaking, which enhances interest and doesn’t leave visitors too bombarded with information.

On a weekly rotation, one member offers a ten minute discussion about their company. This week’s presentation was offered by Daniel Domangue from St. Amant Muffler and Brake Service, as he presented Car Cupid: Falling in Love With Your Vehicle.

The group meets each Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m. at Frank’s Restaurant on Airline Hwy. in Prairieville, and membership fees are involved. For more information on becoming a member or to visit the morning meeting, contact Visitor Host Daniel Domangue by emailing sparkplug@tyrasauto.com.