How Melbourne and Geelong Networking Groups Are Building Stronger Communities Locally Using Word of Mouth Marketing

Small businesses are an integral piece to building stronger communities, as they contribute to a town or suburb’s diversity, richness, growth, connectedness and the local economy. But research released by Shop Small Australia last year showed that three quarters of Australian small business owners thought business was getting more difficult, and 40 per cent admitted they felt the future of their business was uncertain.*
 
BNI Melbourne and Geelong networking groups are bucking these trends in their local areas, by offering small businesses a chance to connect with like-minded people to share ideas, offer guidance and generate money for the region through word of mouth marketing. These networking groups don’t only generate business for themselves and other members, their efforts also strengthen local communities by keeping the money in the region, because people work and do business with fellow community members. www.bni.com.au
 
BNI executive director Braith Bamkin believes it’s important to keep profits in the region for the town’s longevity. “Networking with local people and businesses is a powerful way to build a community. And that’s really important to regional towns, especially places like Geelong where the people have heard a lot of bad news lately,” says Braith.
 
“Even during the difficult times, everyone has the power to make a difference to people’s lives and businesses. When times are tough, BNI members know that they have a group of people around them that really care about their business, especially if they’re a small business or a solo owner.” www.bni.com.au
 
By investing and keeping money in the local community, Braith says people will remain gainfully employed, healthy, happy and successful, and the community will become stronger and friendlier.
 
“As the world becomes more and more complicated, it’s becoming easier to do business with people on the other side of the globe. Supporting your community means nurturing the things you hold dear to you – your family and your way of life,” Braith says. "There are very few opportunities for business owners to have a look at their business because they’re always in their business. BNI offers people a chance to reflect and hear feedback. It’s so valuable.”
 
BNI members experience advice, referrals from word of mouth marketing, support, camaraderie, knowledge, different perspectives and collaboration, complemented with a support system full of opportunities to learn and grow. The networking group provides opportunities to create personal and professional connections for members to flourish in local communities.
 
Discover more about how BNI Melbourne and Geelong networking groups are building stronger communities using word of mouth marketing at www.bni.com.au.
 
Source:
*http://www.smh.com.au/small-business/growing/resilience-at-the-heart-of-australian-small-business-20141127-3las3.html
 
 
About BNI MWG
 
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.bni.com.au.
 

Contact Information

Braith Bamkin

Executive Director

BNI MWG

(61) 425 211 094

braith@bnimwg.com.au