Who has joined them and with what results?
I am currently in two. some are better than others. All depends on the people inside. In one group we get a ton of mini-blind sales. the other group we get most of the biz from the Realtor. Overall I would say it’s worth it but not sure to what extent.
How often would you guys meet?
You also sell blinds? I would think those two services marry well together yes?
Do you mind if I ask what your dues/fees are?
Each group meets one a week. One is about $320 a year and the other is about $120 a year. Each group fee pays for breakfast too. Blind and windows do great together. Every invoice for window cleaning has a add for blinds and vice versa. Once I get my blind cleaning machine set up we will be doing better…I hope, lol
do you sell or clean blinds?
The BNI group we joined was almost $400 per yr. and it has already payed for it’s self with the referals we have recieved. I think it’s great and you get to practice your public speaking.
Both. I am an authorized dealer for Graber and Hunter Douglas. I used to only clean metal and wood blinds but in October my new ultrasonic blind cleaning machine will be here. With that I can clean almost all types of blinds and shades. I’m excited about the machine. I’m like a kid in a candy store.
I wish you much success.
thank you very much. I will let you all know if it works out at the end of winter. trying to use blind cleaning to supplement the slow window cleaning during winter time.
I just had a customer talk me into sitting in on their BNI group. I will let you know how it goes… it helps that she has 2 interested referrals to give me right off the bat 
Cool.
I’ve attended 2 BNI meetings in the past year, as a visitor, too.
what is your opinion of them?
+1
I think that for those 3 hours a week (including travel time in my case) I can achieve a lot more business growth by spending that time on my existing marketing machine and methods.
I also think that a lot might depend on the makeup of each group, though, in terms of potential connections and leads. The group I attended was very average and unimpressive.
Interesting.
I can’t help but wonder how varied these groups can be? Further, it makes me wonder how other service related business’ may go? Say lawn care or carpet cleaning. The kind of things people really HAVE to have rather than indulge in.
I was in high hopes your reply would have been different.
No, I’m not a believer in BNI at this point. I know that other guys openly are, but I’m not.
I also have a friend in the financial services market who has been in the group for a while, and after his first year, he still didn’t get any worthwhile leads.
It’s hype-driven, and cheerleading largely, and not worth the substantial investment of time compared to other more effective business-building options.
With BNI you have to make sure to pick a good group. As Paneless said, some can be just an average makeup of professionals and some are very experienced and good. About 30% of my new business this year has been through my BNI group. We are a solid group who really try to round up business for our fellow members. My group meets for about an hour and a half a week. It’s helps that we also meet about 10 minutes from my house.
So, your BNI group is only as good as it’s members. If you’re going to join, check out multiple groups in your area. Be sure to look at the other professions in the group to see which one could have the most impact on your business.
Jeremy Anglin
Reflections Window Cleaning LLC
Spokane Valley, WA
Well stated.
The BNI group that I am in is in the doldrums… going downhill fast. Other BNI groups in the area, give me more referrals than my own group does. I also will be letting my membership expire and then join the other group who I do much more with. This other group is dynamic and fun, my group, boring, bored and can not even get the umphff up to go to a picnic together… LOL
Another group in the area, meets once a month, has a business speaker or professional speaker, and is well worth the very very small investment to join overall, good leads so far and very worthwhile.
I was also considering asking Kevin to consider coming as a guest speaker, The Naked Window Cleaner, and naked marketing system… 
(seriously asking)
I think this is VERY true, and the main reason I always decline these invites.
