When people think of BNI, they usually think of breakfast meetings, early starts and face to face networking.
That isn't changing. Our in person chapters across Lancashire continue to do a fantastic job helping local businesses build relationships and generate business.
However, over the last few years I've seen something else happen.
Online chapters have gone from being a necessity during lockdown to becoming a genuine choice for some businesses.
Not every business owner wants to spend time travelling to a meeting. Some work across the whole county. Others cover the UK. Some simply need a networking option that fits around thier busy schedules.
That's why we are launching BNI Lancashire's first online chapter.
Before anyone asks, this isn't an experiment.
We've already seen what can happen when an online chapter is run properly.
BNI Vision, our online chapter in Greater Manchester has passed £11m in invoiced business since its launch during lockdown.
The reality is that business owners don't join BNI because they enjoy meetings. They join because they want to build relationships that lead to opportunities, introductions and ultimately more business.
The only difference between online an offline groups...is the spelling. Whether those relationships start across a breakfast table or across a Zoom screen matters far less than most people think.
What matters is consistency, trust and getting to know the people around you.
For businesses that work across Lancashire, an online chapter offers something different. A business owner in Lancaster can build relationships with people in Chorley, Preston and Blackpool every week without leaving their office.
That's a powerful proposition.
As with every BNI chapter, there will only be one person from each profession, and we're currently looking for the founding members who want to help shape the culture of the group from day one.
The goal isn't simply to launch another networking group.
The goal is to create a chapter that helps Lancashire businesses make more money.
If you'd like to find out more, or see whether your profession is available, I'd love to have a conversation.
(photo is of BNI Vision, Stockport.
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