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UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: ronnie paton on February 04, 2013, 09:08:53 pm

Title: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: ronnie paton on February 04, 2013, 09:08:53 pm
going to first BNI tomorrow with sales guy 630 am :o
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: formb on February 04, 2013, 09:19:00 pm
Haha have you got your 60 seconds sorted?

I did it for a year, I did enjoy it mostly. In the end I decided it wasn't for me.
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: PoleKing on February 04, 2013, 09:19:22 pm
What's BNI?
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: formb on February 04, 2013, 09:21:08 pm
Businesses get together once a week and try to get work for each other through referrals.
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: Richard iSparkle on February 04, 2013, 09:23:26 pm
Businesses get together once a week and try to get work for each other through referrals.

did you get much work from it?

i get asked to join various things like this every couple of months
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: formb on February 04, 2013, 09:25:05 pm
Very little. It is the kind of thing that the more you put in the more you get out.
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: ronnie paton on February 04, 2013, 09:26:16 pm
60 seconds :o

not been told about that haha i guess i have to stand up and tell them what my business is about
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: R.C Property on February 04, 2013, 09:32:23 pm
one of the ones here, you have to give a 10 minute speach about the business and yourself!
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: formb on February 04, 2013, 09:34:47 pm
Yes you do.

Keep it simple you'll be fine.

Every one give 60s then there is a keynote who does 10mins
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: PoleKing on February 04, 2013, 09:36:29 pm
I did one of these last week, it was called B2B.
IMO it seemed a false economy. £500 joining fee (first 2 meetings free but limited use) then £12.50 a meeting inc breakfast (very nice breakfast but not worth £12.50 on its own) I made it in year 1 (assuming 25 meetings (every 2 weeks) over £800 in year 1. I thought it'd be better spent elsewhere. Just mo though, i'd be interested in others experience...
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: Moderator David@stives on February 04, 2013, 09:46:06 pm
I attend Falmouth Business club, relaxed atmosphere, £8.00 for breakfast, no commitments.

I haven't really got much out of  itapart from mixing with grown ups.

don't worry about your speech just tell them what you can do, no need to waffle about  H&S etc they wont be interested, just basically tell them you can do anything no matter what size, Big or Small, don't forget to mention gutters pressure washing etc
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: richard jagger on February 04, 2013, 09:47:05 pm
Its a good time to shine but,FOR £ 500 QUID THEY CAN GET STUFFED. SOME WISE ASS IS MAKING A LOAD.
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: ronnie paton on February 05, 2013, 03:45:59 pm
well first meeting and been asked to quote for 2000 rented houses window cleaning/gutter cleaning/cleaning and oven cleaning

any advise on how you would go about this??
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: Small but perfectley formed on February 05, 2013, 03:50:23 pm
It's a wind up  ;D
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: tompoole on February 05, 2013, 04:05:27 pm
Went on these when I worked in the print, good laugh really
Had to do a 60 second intro every week then every ten weeks
Do a presentation , have to say it was fun, not really work
The start of My first 60 seconds went something like this
" hi   I'm Tom , I've been cross dressing at weekends for the past
Two years ........... Oooops sorry wrong group"
Only got one laugh and one complaint saying I should take
It more seriously.... At least most saw funny side in the end
And had a great group for about two years...
Good luck with yours
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: ronnie paton on February 05, 2013, 04:27:24 pm
hahaha at first my thoughts were "not for me" but when i spoke to the property manager i was lie :o

having a meeting next week with him
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: colin purewater on February 05, 2013, 04:44:31 pm
well first meeting and been asked to quote for 2000 rented houses window cleaning/gutter cleaning/cleaning and oven cleaning

any advise on how you would go about this??

If you not winding us up Ronnie  I got an excellent
Lead as soon as I walked thought the door
When I went! So did the landscaper Nxt to me!!
Then they pass the sign up forms round before breakfast
To sign on the dotted line  8)

I rang the landscaper a week or so later
His hot lead added up to nothing and do did mine ...

Neither of  us signed up luckily

Fookin con men  :-*
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: ronnie paton on February 05, 2013, 04:47:28 pm
i never thought of that but i must say for what £1000 for a year its worth a gamble.

you get two free visits so ill try and get something agreed before my next visit? if i can.

Lanscaper introduced me and he said he has had a couple of job already
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: formb on February 05, 2013, 05:13:13 pm

I got an excellent
Lead as soon as I walked thought the door
When I went! So did the landscaper Nxt to me!!
Then they pass the sign up forms round before breakfast
To sign on the dotted line  8)

I rang the landscaper a week or so later
His hot lead added up to nothing and do did mine ...

hmmm sounds familiar that.

I did 1 year. It didn't cost me a grand but that was a few years ago. On the plus side I did meet quite a few good people. (some not so good also)
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: jamie bennett on February 05, 2013, 05:23:01 pm
I have just finished being a member at my local BNI group, I got a few jobs but nothing major and they have all since finished anyway it cost me £1200 for the year, some people in the group did very well from it especially the builder in the group, in the year he got referrals totalling £250,000, but they were sizeable jobs. I will not return
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: Ian Lancaster on February 05, 2013, 11:50:32 pm
Before I retired I was a member of our local 'Top Dog' group.  Very relaxed and informal. No registration fee but £7 each time (I think) with a bacon sarnie and hot drinks included.

Got a couple of jobs out of it.  Went more for the laugh than anything else - some of them were so far up their own a***s they could see out of their mouths ;D

Lot of good sorts as well - just hardworking types trying to do the best they could.

Well worth it - not for new jobs but helped get my name 'out there' - more people who know who you are the better.
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: Mike #1 on February 06, 2013, 07:38:39 am
I went a few years back but not foe me the people who were attending were outside my area and after 2 meetings one guy who was with a energy provider tryed to get me signed up to his company.

As a sales person going to peoples houses , As soon as said not intrested he started saying how I would not get any refferals until I joined and payed the £500 fee

So never bothered anymore they were not my kind of people. Mike
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: robertphil on February 06, 2013, 07:43:27 am
an ex army guy tried to get me to join, i liked how he offered conselling to blokes with ptsd  but i wasnt impressed with the cheap leather look folder full of cards  he told me id get one of these and i reckon he was on commision for new members
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: formb on February 06, 2013, 09:45:06 am
i reckon he was on commision for new members

Not exactly. The way BNI works is the more people who attend every week the more likely that you are to receive a referral for work. Window cleaners are ideal members for BNI as they tend to have a customer base which is larger than most. How many times have you been asked 'do you know a good plumber/sparkie/builder' if you have your wee BNI wallet thingmy on you, you have their business cards ready to pass on to your customer.

It is quite a good idea I think, it is just unfortunate that it tends to be attended by sharks who see it as a room full of mugs that they can rip off. As with everything this is a minority spoiling it for everyone else.  ::)roll
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: Paul Clapham on February 06, 2013, 10:28:02 am
I used to attend a BNI group a number of years ago did not like it at all .

 I have no problems doing "sales" , but I do have a problem referring and recommending professionals / trades people who I have not done any business with myself or via my company.     
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: George P on February 06, 2013, 03:51:07 pm
how did you get on ronnie?, worth going
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: Gav Camm lammy 283 on February 06, 2013, 03:52:35 pm
how did you get on ronnie?, worth going


yeah he got 2000 house gutters to quote
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: George P on February 06, 2013, 04:06:12 pm
how did you get on ronnie?, worth going


yeah he got 2000 house gutters to quote

take it your not a fan then ;D
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: Gav Camm lammy 283 on February 06, 2013, 06:58:21 pm
Wasn't being scarky he as 2000
House gutters to price
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: George P on February 06, 2013, 07:06:26 pm
hes done well then for a 1st visit, did think you were taking the p155 though ;D
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: ronnie paton on February 06, 2013, 08:43:38 pm
Meet up with him Monday so ill know better then
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: Moderator David@stives on February 07, 2013, 12:07:27 am
Ronnie has got to quote for the sponsors of Man U, absolutely true
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: ronnie paton on February 07, 2013, 06:41:49 pm
Thanks Dave
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: Moderator David@stives on February 07, 2013, 09:26:13 pm
Ronnie is now an official cleaner for Man U sponsors

Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: Gav Camm lammy 283 on February 07, 2013, 10:00:37 pm
But he don't clean old Trafford
Does he  ;D
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: Moderator David@stives on February 07, 2013, 10:43:25 pm
Not yet
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: Gav Camm lammy 283 on February 07, 2013, 11:06:04 pm
not ever dave lol
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: landy2 on February 08, 2013, 12:55:33 pm
When you say sponsors who do you mean there are loads of there sponsors
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: ronnie paton on February 08, 2013, 01:07:07 pm
come on gav thats no way to get some valentine chocolates
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: Gav Camm lammy 283 on February 08, 2013, 04:10:57 pm
come on gav thats no way to get some valentine chocolates

lol ;)
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: Mike #1 on February 08, 2013, 04:47:04 pm
I used to attend a BNI group a number of years ago did not like it at all .

 I have no problems doing "sales" , but I do have a problem referring and recommending professionals / trades people who I have not done any business with myself or via my company.     

Totally agree mate you cant recommend someone just because they seem okay .

I only recommend people who have done quality work in my own house . Mike
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: ronnie paton on February 22, 2013, 10:44:45 pm
thought i would bump this up to updat about my BNI, well i ve quoted for the 2000 properties and the feed back seems really good, now if we get this it will really make us bringing 6-8 new vans and 12-16 staff its huge.

i also know its best not to count my chickens, i would say its worth the cost(about £1000 with  52 breakfast a year)!

if this materlises i will come on here singing from the roof tops if not i wont be the millionaire i once thought lol

never less still intersting to join and see different views different buisnesses and different personalities
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: KLEENAWAY on February 23, 2013, 12:08:43 am
Ron, i got asked to join one of these yday from my mortgage adviser who used to run his local one and he said they are sh*t hot and that i would get alot of work from it. Apart from that big quote have you had any other leads? Im not really into licking other peoples ars*'s.....unless ill get something out of it haha

Danny
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: A & J Owen Window Cleaning on February 23, 2013, 10:03:36 am
I think the main problem we found with BNI (and we did get work out of it) is that you have to turn up every week or send a sub, you have to go on training sessions, you have to have 121's with other members and it can be hard to find referrals! Unless its changed since I was there you get disciplined/chucked out if you don't obey the rules.
Would work better for someone who has others doing at least some of the work because otherwise I felt it took too much time out of the working day.
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: bobplum on February 23, 2013, 11:14:09 am
going to first BNI tomorrow with sales guy 630 am :o

are you telling me there is a 6.30 IN THE MORNING :o
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: deeege on February 23, 2013, 11:22:25 am
Ron, i got asked to join one of these yday from my mortgage adviser who used to run his local one and he said they are sh*t hot and that i would get alot of work from it. Apart from that big quote have you had any other leads? Im not really into licking other peoples ars*'s.....unless ill get something out of it haha

Danny

He's hardly going to tell you they are an expensive waste of time is he? He's after a referral, that's how these things work.
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: KLEENAWAY on February 23, 2013, 12:01:01 pm
Ron, i got asked to join one of these yday from my mortgage adviser who used to run his local one and he said they are sh*t hot and that i would get alot of work from it. Apart from that big quote have you had any other leads? Im not really into licking other peoples ars*'s.....unless ill get something out of it haha

Danny

He's hardly going to tell you they are an expensive waste of time is he? He's after a referral, that's how these things work.

I know what your saying mate but I know the guy pretty well and I train with his son. Im sure if you went to a canvassing or leaflet distribution company, they would say how good they are ect. The good thing about it is you can go a couple times for free and you can pay for it over the year rather than all up front.
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: ronnie paton on February 23, 2013, 04:18:00 pm
its a refferal some dont give them some say here is a refferal for me has i need new business cards.

I guess its about scratching each others backs a little but and a BIG BUT if you can price a job the size of 2000 properties monthly window cleaning and quarterly gutters ii will be scratching backs with a large smile!
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: Small but perfectley formed on February 23, 2013, 05:54:00 pm
If they are private rented or HA it won't be happening .
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: telfordwindowclnr on February 23, 2013, 09:09:40 pm
its a refferal some dont give them some say here is a refferal for me has i need new business cards.

I guess its about scratching each others backs a little but and a BIG BUT if you can price a job the size of 2000 properties monthly window cleaning and quarterly gutters ii will be scratching backs with a large smile!
I wish you all the very best ronnie. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. In all the excitement though, don't forget to do that solar job! ;)
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: Frankybadboy on February 24, 2013, 08:03:17 am
Ronnie has got to quote for the sponsors of Man U, absolutely true
i thought it was man city ;D ;D ;D ;D :P :P
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: ronnie paton on February 24, 2013, 02:37:04 pm
Ok small you clearly know better than the owner of the estate agents hey????

Don't you hate the doubters  ::)roll
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: Small but perfectley formed on February 24, 2013, 02:59:51 pm
Been in the cleaning industry 30 yrs  heard it at  before  :o  
Good luck you will need it
This is not a dig at you Ron just been around the block a few times .
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: ronnie paton on February 24, 2013, 03:15:49 pm
So I've been in the business since I was 12 and I'm not wet behind the ear! Have 21 years experience and if you was in the meeting I had you would know why and how it would work! So I would say your opinion stands for nothing has you have no idea of the situation.
No offence, it jut sounded like a butter response .

I also know it may not materialise but I know it is also very possible it will
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: telfordwindowclnr on February 24, 2013, 11:26:56 pm
So I've been in the business since I was 12 and I'm not wet behind the ear! Have 21 years experience and if you was in the meeting I had you would know why and how it would work! So I would say your opinion stands for nothing has you have no idea of the situation.
No offence, it jut sounded like a butter response .

I also know it may not materialise but I know it is also very possible it will
I agree. No one thought I would get British Gas Solar, but I did. ;)
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: Danny Guest on February 25, 2013, 02:36:43 pm
So I've been in the business since I was 12 and I'm not wet behind the ear! Have 21 years experience and if you was in the meeting I had you would know why and how it would work! So I would say your opinion stands for nothing has you have no idea of the situation.
No offence, it jut sounded like a butter response .

I also know it may not materialise but I know it is also very possible it will

If you ever count time invested principles you would know its only a positive that they have taken the time to have a meeting and it all counts on their invested time so i would say its looking good so far.

Key points i would advise here is timeframe they are considering on commencement of work if you do get the contract. I would make a point in negotiation to let them know that you have to invest a lot of money on equipment then you need time to recruit and train the personel to the standards your promising.

Just be cautious, i know a director who used to work within Southern Cross Care that went bust last year and it was all down to expanding too quickly. If you get the terms in your favour it sounds like a good bit of business

Good luck

Danny
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: Danny Guest on February 25, 2013, 02:37:53 pm
Danny (Kleenaway)

Is your friend one of the Hyland brothers?

Danny
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: KLEENAWAY on February 25, 2013, 04:35:56 pm
Danny (Kleenaway)

Is your friend one of the Hyland brothers?

Danny

Certainly is mate, you know them??
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: Danny Guest on February 26, 2013, 09:47:31 am
Yeah they arranged my mortgage. I know Craig does a BNI and Keith also does one but its moved location. I get on with their dad very well

It used to be held at a hotel I do. I have thought of joining but I know  quite a few of the members already and we already pass work around. I know I clean the windows of 20% of one group in St. Helens but I'm working on the rest

Danny
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: Soupy on January 09, 2014, 04:59:13 pm
How did your BNI go Ronnie? Still going?
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: A & J Owen Window Cleaning on January 09, 2014, 05:07:48 pm
did this for a year but we had nothing out of it. a lot of running around for quotes. didn't really enjoy it not for trades people. for you if you do commercial yes will prob get something. for the 60sec talk keep it quirky and sign off with a slogan like ours  " let us put the shine back into your life"
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: lal on January 09, 2014, 07:50:33 pm

 I was invited to a BNI meeting a couple of month's ago here in galway ireland as a first time guest.
 The meeting started at 6.45 am prompt every thursday, this chapter had 16 members had been going 2 years
but seem to struggle to get new members to join,  By the time you pay your joining fee plus annual membership
fee plus 10 euro a week breakfast fee plus vat = 1500 euros+ alot in my view when you have to rely on referals
amongst the chapter [ Group] to get work. I googled BNI to research it more, its all over the world, very strictly
run and organised, some suggest its like a cult. some do well out of it but a lot dont and leave, so there is a big emphasis on members to recruit new members. Anyway i thought it wasn't for me.
Regards
lal
Title: Re: first BNI tomorrow
Post by: David Kent @ KentKleen on January 09, 2014, 08:50:00 pm
There is only one winner in a busy/successful 'BNI' group!

THE GUY WHO RUNS IT!

Your money pays his wages! Simple, the more people that join his chapter or his 'other' chapters the more money HE makes.

Its a franchise, you are paying the organiser for making the arrangements for you all to meet up.

All very very good, as long as you are the one running the chapter!! :-*