WEATHER
Starting a new business venture can be a scary process. That first step can often be the biggest barrier to taking the plunge into the business world.
The Harbor Networking Group can provide assistance in taking that first step and lead to great strides on the road to success.
It can also give a boost to established entities that would like to expand their business through networking. The Harbor Networking Group is a local chapter of Business Networking International (BNI), a nationwide network whose motto is “Givers gain.”
Public relations representative Rebecca Rose said each core group consists of at least 15 members that meet on a weekly basis at the Gig Harbor Golf Club to share ideas and gain educational insights into the world of commerce.
Each meeting features a 10-minute presentation by a member or guest to offer enterprising tips or to talk about the latest business buzz. Each attendee is allowed a 60-second “commercial” — a chance to stand up and tell about their enterprise.
Each branch of BNI has members spanning the gamut of entities, from real estate agents and bankers to carpenters. Each group only allows one representative of a particular profession in order to avoid competition within the group.
“We give each other business referrals so we all become an extension of each others’ sales force,” Harbor Networking Group president John Brogoitti said. “We carry business cards for everyone in the group. Then if we meet someone in need of one of our members’ services, it’s a warm referral. There’s so many businesses out there to choose from — our referrals instill confidence and integrity with our members.”
“It’s really exciting when I hear that somebody needs something, and I know somebody that can fulfill that need,” member Monica Lawrence said.
Lawrence found the networking group to be a valuable tool when she moved to the area from Virginia and got involved in the prepaid legal business for the first time.
“I started generating business through the network right away,” she said. “It was a great place to make friends and feel welcome in a group you’re comfortable with.”
“If you’re looking to expand a business, whether it’s small or large, you can do so almost instantaneously through networking,” Brogoitti said. “The businesses endorse each other through their sphere of influence. We’ve helped a lot of start-up businesses become successful.”
BNI’s nationwide status is invaluable when members move across states, the members said.
“We can help people when they’re moving across country,” Brogoitti said. “Networking breaks down geographical barriers and provides an immediate connection to a community. Someone moving to Florida can look for services in that area through BNI and feel confident about that service. In these busy times, people don’t have time to look through the yellow pages and call a bunch of people.”
“If one group doesn’t have the service someone needs, they can refer them to another BNI group that does,” member Shawn Contento said. “Networking is like an extension of the yellow pages. I’ve used the services of over 80 percent of our members.”
Contento said she knew a couple who was thinking about building a retirement home on the waterfront, but they were leery of the quality of service they might receive from unknown contractors.
“They had the funds, but they were hesitant,” Contento said. “Our referrals gave them the confidence to move forward.”
Contento said that, since October 2007, Harbor Networking has offered 277 referrals within the group and totaled $147,000 in profits for its members.
The group will host an anniversary breakfast and membership drive at 7:30 a.m. March 26 at the Gig Harbor Golf and Country Club, 6909 Artondale Drive NW in Gig Harbor.
7:30 a.m. March 26 at Gig Harbor Golf and Country Club, 6909 Artondale Drive NW, Gig Harbor.
For more information, contact John Brogoitti at 253-279-4232 or Shawn Contento at 253-686-2488.
Breakfast is open to the public.
Print
E-Mail