Locally Headquartered International Networking Organization Posts Another Year of Double-Digit Growth

While many businesses are struggling during these challenging economic times, BNI has continued to grow exponentially, adding chapters on almost a daily basis worldwide this past year. In 2002, its more than 54,000 members passed nearly 2.8 million referrals world-wide.

(PRWEB) May 19, 2003 -digit growth every year since it was founded in 1985. Last year, the organization added 350 chapters bringing its worldwide total to 2,675, and in the past five years has more than doubled its numbers.

While many businesses are struggling during these challenging economic times, BNI has continued to grow exponentially, adding chapters on almost a daily basis worldwide this past year. In 2002, its more than 54,000 members passed nearly 2.8 million referrals world-wide.

Dr. Ivan Misner, author of the New York Times bestseller Masters of Networking, started BNI with the first chapter in Arcadia, Calif. The professional business networking organization now has more than 80 chapters in the Greater Los Angeles area alone and is continuing to expand.

Misner, who grew up in the San Gabriel Valley, credits BNIs success to its structure and system. Chapters are limited to one person per professional classification or specialty, and members meet weekly where they build personal relationships with other qualified professionals. The organization, which holds two conferences annually and has an extensive library of audiotapes, also places an emphasis on education and training for its directors, leaders and members.

Often, business people dont have a clue how to build their business through word of mouth," said Misner, dubbed the Networking Guru" by Entrepreneur magazine. Most of them know its very important, but they think they cant do much about it. BNI provides the system to do something about it."

Networking is especially essential during a struggling economy, the likes of which many Californians know firsthand. In a tough economy, it's your social capital that has value," Misner said. Businesses need to get creative and add to their traditional marketing efforts. Developing their networking skills and learning how to build their business through word-of-mouth can be their saving grace."

BNI is headquartered in San Dimas, Calif., and has chapters located in 14 countries. Since its inception, members have referred almost $1 billion worth of business to other members. For more information about BNI, visit www.bni.com.

If you would like to schedule an interview with Dr. Misner, who is also on the business faculty of Cal Poly University, Pomona, or find out about specific chapters in your area, call Michael Drew at 714.540.0331.