BNI Friends Advocating Business Visitor's Day

Are you ready for the Metroplex's most affordable business networking opportunities?

Plano based Friends Advocating Business chapter of Business Networking International is holding a Visitors Day on Tuesday, April 19, with a special breakfast and ample networking opportunities for an anticipated 50-plus individual businesses at 8-10 a.m. (CDT) at the Holiday Inn, 5110 No. President George Bush Tollway, Garland, Texas 75040.

The group's semiannual meeting with invited guests and a solid program about word-of-mouth and relational networking gives visitors an opportunity to join an organization with over 5,500 chapters in some 55 different countries. The worldwide BNI effort also generated more than 6.5 million referrals and $2.8 billion in closed business in 2010, thanks to the training and power of the local chapters' messages and organization.

The Plano baased Friends Advocating Business chapter of BNI has been together for five years and already has helped members produce over $8.6 million in business since organizing in 2006 and close to $1.6 million over the last 12 months.

Unlike some other business organizations, there is only one member of each local chapter in a preferred profession. That locks out competition within the chapters, which feature (for example) only one home inspection business, marketing/PR firm, dentist, chiropractor, massage therapist, printing company, cleaning company, and/or a single home nutrition distributor.

"We help other members in Friends Advocating Business make contact with people in the community and beyond," said current president Harold Mitchem of Ambit Energy, "and it has been a great referral service for virtually everyone in the chapter."

"I founded Friends Advocating Business in February 2006 with the belief that it would provide the means to work less and produce more," said founding member George Elwell of Real Care Realty. "Over the past 5-plus years that has been true - I do not have to do as much prospecting with 20-plus Advocates working for me every week. Friends Advocating Business has provided the best return on investment of all of my business generation efforts."

Others have had similar success stories. Internet development specialist Gregg Smith of Agile Web Solutions estimates that 30-40 percent of his business has been generated by BNI.

The Friends Advocating Business chapter has outstanding professionals from virtually every North Dallas/Plano/Wylie/Carrollton suburban area. It just is seeking a few more area business people from many walks of life to help grow and expand the chapter's business scope.

This group also looks forward to introducing honored guests to BNI leadership groups and will be available before and after the scheduled program.

Breakfast is $10, and there will be a business card exchange for all members and guests.