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As I stepped out on my own to open a sign and engraving company, I knew I needed a customer base.

For six months I tried various avenues of advertising and marketing: direct-mail, magazines, yellow pages, Google. The phone calls I received were solicitors selling more ads.

One day, a customer invited me to her networking group. But it was too small. A member of THAT small monthly group invited me to a business association meeting, 300 members strong. I came home with 40 business cards (12 from the same insurance company!). That group was too large.

I mentioned my story to a small yet powerful networker, Naida Torres, from AM Insurance Services. She told me "BNI is what you're looking for." She showed me a networking group with the camaraderie of the small group and the drive of the large chamber. This BNI group was just right!

Attending my first meeting, I saw the incredible potential as members passed on referrals. Members asked what I did; they didn't just shove their business cards at me.

Over the past seven months, I've given over 100 referrals, invited a couple guests, attended all the meetings on time, have had over 120 1-to-1's, 7 3-to-1's, 12 2-to-1's. I've also visited or subbed in 12 other chapters.

Because of this investment of time, my gross income has increased 723%.

Also, because of BNI I've been introduced to chambers of commerce and gained a confidence in approaching strangers. Most importantly, I've gained incredible business knowledge.

I truly thank you, BNI.

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One Response to “The Just Right Networking Groups”

1. J25 BNI » Episode 106: “What’s Your Story?” Says:
   May 27th, 2009 at 11:51 am

   [...] Javier Unzueta has increased his income 723% as a result of joining BNI. [...]