BNI (Business Network International) is the largest referral networking organization in the world. As in other 58 countries where BNI is present, Malta BNI provides a positive, supportive, and structured environment to exchange quality business referrals. Members get the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and most importantly, business referrals. In each of the six Malta chapters, last year, members passed thousands of referrals, which generated thousands of Euros worth of business. But how does BNI operate. National Director David Bullock explains.

“BNI is the largest and most successful business referral organization in the world. Part of this success is built on the fact that only one person from each service, trade or profession is allowed to join a chapter.  So if you are a computer software person and we already have one, we can refer you to another chapter, or help you to open another chapter. Of course, if you are a computer hardware person, you could be eligible to join this chapter,” he said.

Embracing BNI’s philosophy of “givers’ gain”, each chapter operates like a community with each member keeping eyes and ears open also for any business opportunities that may assist their colleagues in the chapter. “How many business opportunities are lost every day simply because they are not in our line of business so we just let them go. At BNI, members maximize such opportunities by sharing them with their colleagues. Nothing is lost, all is gained, as business generates business.”

This brings members closer to each other. Persons who up to a few months before did not know each other, today they socialize together and even go on short holidays abroad together. “Mentioning holidays abroad, BNI members can visit any other of the 6,000 plus chapters across the world. Members from Malta have visited, and even got business, from chapters in Europe, the Gulf, the US, Asia and Australia,” said Mr Bullock.
Asked which occupations benefit the most from networking, the reply was: “It is not the occupation, it is the individual. The occupation or the business can be anything, but you need to be focused, have a business objective or even dream and if you’re willing to make a sacrifice and commit yourself, you are the person we want in the chapter.”

In the short span of 4 years, Malta BNI established six chapters in Sliema, Attard, Valletta, Qormi and St Julians. A BNI Networking Event is now planned for Wednesday 10th June at the Phoenicia Hotel, Floriana, starting at 6.45am and concluding around 10am. “We are aiming to introduce this concept to other businesses, this event is open to first time visitors only as we want to give an opportunity to get them to know how BNI works, and meet other BNI members,” said Mr Bullock.
Interested persons are invited to contact in advance Gordon Pace at gordon@y.com.mt or Carmel Bonello at carmel.bonello@bpc.com.mt. More information about BNI is available from the local website http://www.maltabni.com and the international site http://www.bni.com