Global networking firm puts up unit in PH

Business Network International, the largest business networking organization in the world, has set up a Philippine chapter to help local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) grow their respective businesses through a referral marketing system.

Such a system has been proven to be effective as the 170,000 members of BNI across 55 countries were able to generate a total of 5.4 million referrals that resulted in $6.5 billion worth of sales.

“SMEs account for 99.6 percent of the total registered enterprises in the country. We are determined in helping the Philippines encourage the growth of small businesses. BNI is targeting SMEs to become members, many of them having limited resources in growing their businesses,” said Edward Ling, co-national director of BNI Philippines.

BNI Philippines, which began operations this year, sees growth opportunities mainly in retail, manufacturing, wellness, and professional services like management consulting, accounting and medical.

This one-stop marketing network currently has two chapters in Makati (Genesis chapter) and Ortigas (Pioneer chapter), which have 70 members. The target is to have six chapters by the end of the year, and about 10,000 members in seven years, Ling said.

For this year alone, sales from referrals among BNI Philippines members are expected to reach at least $10 million.

Joining BNI Philippines, which would entail a membership fee of P24,000 yearly, will enable members to have access to a larger marketing team; enjoy exclusive marketing rights; access the channel of continuous source of new business; be part of a network that expands business and enjoy long lasting business relationships.

“BNI provides a structured networking system for giving and receiving business referrals. The BNI’s Referral Education Program is more about farming than hunting. Members joining BI share ideas, contacts, networks, and business referrals. Being a member of the BNI is like having sales people working for you everyday to market your product or services. It provides an environment where members build and sustain long term relationships based on trust,” Ling explained.