VIP visitor for Llanelli business breakfast club
The growing Thursday morning business breakfast club at Llanelli’s Diplomat Hotel had a VIP visitor at a recent meeting.
Peter Sylvester, Business Network International (BNI) executive director for South Wales, was in town to spread the word about the power of networking.
The former Harley Davidson motorcycle executive shared his thoughts on the power of the BNI network.
“There is a wonderful breakfast club here in Llanelli and it is plain that you work very hard to help each and make sure that you all survive and thrive in business,” he said.
The Business Network International (BNI) Chapter in Llanelli has expanded in recent weeks, but is still looking for new members.
The busy Thursday morning club meets at The Diplomat at 7am.
“Meeting first thing in the morning is great,” said Llanelli chapter (local branch) director Graeme Fox.
“We all have busy days and meeting first thing in the morning means that it doesn’t intrude onto the rest of the working day.
“It also means that we start the day energised as there’s a lot of energy and enthusiasm in our meetings. The meetings really have a buzz.
“It’s a place where networking can really pay dividends and it’s a place where people appreciate exchanging ideas and information. And our members also appreciate that we are a great support network. We are there for each other.”
It is estimated that each seat around the Llanelli BNI breakfast table is worth more than £12,000 in business.
The key to this is in the make-up of the BNI membership. No two businesses in the BNI are allowed to be in the same category, so you get a mix which can be as varied as the proverbial butcher, baker and candlestick maker.
In Llanelli, the membership includes a solicitor, interior decorator, plasterer, electrician, builder, web designer, IT support consultant and an environmental auditor.
“It really is a great mix,” said membership committee member Phil Evans.
“As well as the networking and the support BNI provides, the meeting also enables members to pass business referrals to each other, which can vary from firm orders from one business to the next or an introduction to a potential client.
“The business between the BNI members is monitored and in money terms we know that the BNI members have done more than £200,000 worth of business between each other since September, 2009.”
Mr Evans added: “In addition, we have regular training sessions and guest speakers. So, we are able to combine an entertaining way of business networking with some innovative ways of making sure we stay on top of our businesses in these difficult economic times.
“The BNI experience is different to other networking organisations, but we are very open and accessible and would be delighted to welcome potential members who just want to come along on a Thursday and see what we are about.”
BNI details: Endeavour BNI (Llanelli), Director Nick Romanello. Email address nicholas@bni-southwales.com. Venue Diplomat Hotel, Felinfoel, Llanelli, SA15 3PJ. Meeting time: Thursday 0700am - 0830am
If you are interested in joining the Llanelli BNI, then ring Phil Evans for an informal chat on 07796 990493
Website –
www.bni-southwales.com
BNI business breakfast at The Diplomat Hotel, Llaneli, left to right, Nick Romanello, area director for Swansea and South West Wales, Peter Sylvester, executive director for South Wales, and Graeme Fox, Endeavour Chapter director for the Llanelli BNI, Business Network International.
Peter Sylvester, Business Network International (BNI) executive director for South Wales, was in town to spread the word about the power of networking.
The former Harley Davidson motorcycle executive shared his thoughts on the power of the BNI network.
“There is a wonderful breakfast club here in Llanelli and it is plain that you work very hard to help each and make sure that you all survive and thrive in business,” he said.
The Business Network International (BNI) Chapter in Llanelli has expanded in recent weeks, but is still looking for new members.
The busy Thursday morning club meets at The Diplomat at 7am.
“Meeting first thing in the morning is great,” said Llanelli chapter (local branch) director Graeme Fox.
“We all have busy days and meeting first thing in the morning means that it doesn’t intrude onto the rest of the working day.
“It also means that we start the day energised as there’s a lot of energy and enthusiasm in our meetings. The meetings really have a buzz.
“It’s a place where networking can really pay dividends and it’s a place where people appreciate exchanging ideas and information. And our members also appreciate that we are a great support network. We are there for each other.”
It is estimated that each seat around the Llanelli BNI breakfast table is worth more than £12,000 in business.
The key to this is in the make-up of the BNI membership. No two businesses in the BNI are allowed to be in the same category, so you get a mix which can be as varied as the proverbial butcher, baker and candlestick maker.
In Llanelli, the membership includes a solicitor, interior decorator, plasterer, electrician, builder, web designer, IT support consultant and an environmental auditor.
“It really is a great mix,” said membership committee member Phil Evans.
“As well as the networking and the support BNI provides, the meeting also enables members to pass business referrals to each other, which can vary from firm orders from one business to the next or an introduction to a potential client.
“The business between the BNI members is monitored and in money terms we know that the BNI members have done more than £200,000 worth of business between each other since September, 2009.”
Mr Evans added: “In addition, we have regular training sessions and guest speakers. So, we are able to combine an entertaining way of business networking with some innovative ways of making sure we stay on top of our businesses in these difficult economic times.
“The BNI experience is different to other networking organisations, but we are very open and accessible and would be delighted to welcome potential members who just want to come along on a Thursday and see what we are about.”
BNI details: Endeavour BNI (Llanelli), Director Nick Romanello. Email address nicholas@bni-southwales.com. Venue Diplomat Hotel, Felinfoel, Llanelli, SA15 3PJ. Meeting time: Thursday 0700am - 0830am
If you are interested in joining the Llanelli BNI, then ring Phil Evans for an informal chat on 07796 990493
Website –
www.bni-southwales.com
BNI business breakfast at The Diplomat Hotel, Llaneli, left to right, Nick Romanello, area director for Swansea and South West Wales, Peter Sylvester, executive director for South Wales, and Graeme Fox, Endeavour Chapter director for the Llanelli BNI, Business Network International.
Comments