Can cocktail parties or after hour drinking at the corner bar save the economy?

Often, business people dont have a clue how to build their business through word of mouth, Most of them know its very important, but they think they cant do much about it.

Can cocktail parties or after hour drinking at the corner bar save the economy?

With many businesses struggling during this economic downturn, BNI (Business Network Intl) has proved the exception. Headquartered in San Dimas, Calif., BNI, the worlds largest professional networking organization, has continued to grow exponentially, posting double-digit growth every year since it was founded in 1985.

Last year alone, BNI added chapters on almost a daily basis bringing its worldwide total to 2,675.

BNI founder and CEO Dr. Ivan Misner, author of the New York Times bestseller Masters of Networking, credited the success of this locally grown organization to its structure and system.

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."

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.

There are more than 80 chapters in the Greater Los Angeles area alone and BNI, with chapters in 14 countries, continues to expand. Last year, 54,000 members worldwide passed nearly 2.8 million referrals. Since its inception, members have referred almost $1 billion worth of business to other members.

For more information about BNI, visit www.bni.com. Or if you would like to experience firsthand the benefits of networking the BNI way, or interview Dr. Misner, who is also on the business faculty of Cal Poly University, Pomona, call Michael Drew at 714-540-0331.