Melbourne and Geelong Business Network Reveals How to be Successful in Business

In this day and age of the internet and technology, where the introduction of social media has made connecting locally, nationally and even abroad effortless and fun, why are people feeling more isolated, misunderstood and lonely?

Executive director of BNI’s Melbourne and Geelong business network chapter, Braith Bamkin, isn’t surprised that an increase in communicative technology has been linked with a decrease in feelings of belonging and connectiveness. “The more the world changes, the more it stays the same,” he says. “We’re tribal beings – we like living together for safety, companionship and security. It’s the same today even with all this technology. People are feeling isolated because they value intimate relationships,” says Braith. www.bnimwg.com.au

“You can have hundreds or thousands of followers on social media, but it doesn’t give you intimate relationships. There are so many layers to interaction – verbal, sensory, audible, non-verbal communication – and the internet just doesn’t allow this to happen. Building relationships takes time and effort.”

With a degree in organisational psychology, Braith attributes the extraordinary global success of BNI becoming a “cross cultural phenomenon in over 60 countries” to the networking group’s “understanding the human need for relationships”. In its 30th year, the world’s most thriving word of mouth marketing organisation, BNI is still rapidly expanding and continues to share its knowledge of how to be successful in business with people around the world..

In Australia last year alone, BNI members generated more than $350 million in business referrals, with $100 million of that wealth in Braith’s Melbourne, Western Melbourne and Geelong business network community, and over $7 billion worth of revenue worldwide. www.bnimwg.com.au

Braith says: “BNI’s 30 year system addresses a fundamental need of belonging, which is evident by its ongoing success in a multitude of languages in over 60 countries around the globe. What happens in India, Australia, Laos or America is all the same, and it works because we’re all human.” www.bnimwg.com.au

For the people asking ‘what is networking’, it’s a community of like-minded people that create the space for other members to learn, share, collaborate, support, reflect and refer, according to Braith. “If you have a servant’s heart, and you want to help people in a positive way, then joining BNI is a wonderful experience. I would encourage people to visit a BNI meeting in their local area. Even if joining BNI is not right for you, getting to meet positive, supportive and proactive business people similar to yourself is really rare.  You might just meet that one person who can change the course of your company.

“It doesn’t matter how big or small your business is, it’s the people you know and the people others know that support you in the best way.”

Discover more about how to be successful in business through supportive networking with BNI at www.bnimwg.com.au.
 

About BNI

Business Networking International (BNI) is a global networking organisation that offers members the benefits of connecting with like-minded people, and opportunities for business growth and increased profits. With around 180 000 members in over 60 countries, BNI is the most successful business referral organisation of its kind. Last year, Australian BNI members generated more than $350 million in business referrals through their participation. In that same period BNI members worldwide passed more than US$7 billion, with $3.3 billion in new business alone.

Recently, BNI celebrated 15 years of operation in Australia with its proven strategy to increase business growth and profit. Attending a meeting is open to all business owners; simply complete a request to visit online at www.bnimwg.com.au

Contact Information

Braith Bamkin

Executive Director

BNI Melbourne, Western Melbourne and Geelong

(61) 0425 211 094

braith@bnimwg.com.au