Business network opens PE chapter

BUSINESS REPORTER

BUSINESS Network International, a worldwide business referral organisation with 24 chapters already in South Africa, has opened its doors in Port Elizabeth.

The network focuses on promoting business referrals among its members to increase their bottom line.

“BNI is a great way for businesses to experience growth by duplicating their marketing efforts through word-of- mouth,” says Mike Levin, BNI national director for South Africa.

“Our style of networking is based on the philosophy of ‘givers gain’. If I help you, then you’ll help me and we’ll all do better business and also build up trust.” In 2004, R9-billion worth of business was done through 3,1 million referrals in the 3 800 BNI groups in 23 countries including the US, Canada, the UK and Australia.

“This is the type of economic impact we hope to make on South African businesses!” says Levin.

Speaking at the breakfast launch of the organisation this week, David Russell, regional director for the newly established BNI Ibhayi chapter in Port Elizabeth said: “We now have 20 members – many of them entrepreneurs – who are passionate about their business and will get together regularly to network and build relationships.”