BNI History

History of BNI

BNI was started in 1985 by Dr Ivan Misner, one of the world's leading experts in networking and word-of-mouth marketing, and is now the world's largest business referral organisation with over 3,000 chapters throughout North America, Europe, Australia, Asia and Africa.

Dr Misner was a management consultant when he started BNI, and worked with companies that needed assistance in the area of strategic planning and organisational development. As a business consultant, he received most of his business through referrals. However, he was not satisfied with the type of business groups that existed and he put together a networking group that he felt was structured, focused on doing business, and had an emphasis on positive reinforcement and support. That organisation became BNI.

BNI provides a structured and supportive system of giving and receiving business. It does so by providing an environment in which you develop personal relationships with dozens of other qualified business professionals. By establishing this "formal" relationship with other people, you will have the opportunity to substantially increase your business

The BNI Coombe Wood chapter started in 1997 and and has passed over 1150 referrals in the first 4 months of 2008 alone.

BNI is based on a proven concept by BNI Founder, Dr Ivan Misner, called "givers gain." If I give you business you'll give me business and we'll both benefit as a result.

We are very mindful of the fact that we are all members of the chapter working on each others behalf both to give and receive new quality business referrals. Whilst we are focused on new business opportunities we also have a social aspect to the group!

Do contact our Chapter Director for more information about joining.

BNI Coombe Wood meets every Wednesday at Coombe Wood Golf Club near Kingston upon Thames. The meeting runs from 6.30am - 8.30am.