

5,774,106
Michelle,
It depends on your personality. Some do well in groups like BNI like Joe Petrowsky who is a shining example of this. It also depends on the makeup of the group as well as the leadership of the group. Like real estate agents not all groups are great.
My suggestion is to check everything out, go to a meeting and see how you feel.
All the best, A
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Sandy Padula & Norm Pa...
, CA
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Debbie Gartner
White Plains, NY
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Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
2,538,789
Good morning Michelle. I have been a member of my BNI group for 17 years, consider it my second best client. There is also no one that gives out more referral than me, so I get a lot in return.
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Sandy Padula & Norm Pa...
, CA
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Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
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Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
5,585,039
in my opinion, it's too time consuming and to network within a group and see a monetary result will take a very long time.... I like to see results much faster....it's business....
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John Meussner
Fair Oaks, CA
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Sandy Padula & Norm Pa...
, CA
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Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
1,466,257
Michelle Grunberg I filled in for a person in my office for some BNI meetings. They were very demanding and if you didn't bring in a referral that week, you got some funny looks from the other members. I belonged to a commercial real estate networking group which was outstanding.
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Sandy Padula & Norm Pa...
, CA
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Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
8,244,964
Some BNI groups are outstanding and others may lead to disappointing results.
Follow the blogs of Joe Petrowsky for outstanding information on developing your referral network.
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Sandy Padula & Norm Pa...
, CA
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Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
4,322,295
Michelle Grunberg - you can create your own little network with your own affiliates in your business.
Buffini and Company shows how easy it is to do that.
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Michelle Grunberg
Ijamsville, MD
1,097,755
It can be beneficial, but I think picking up the phone and being visible is an easier way to network. I've seen some people have success with BNI and similar groups, but I've seen many more people join and not get anything out of it.
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Michelle Grunberg
Ijamsville, MD
1,759,637
I think you will find a real estate agent already a member in every BNI group in your area. We have been members of networking groups in the past and never saw any business. Spend your money and time wisely.
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Michelle Grunberg
Ijamsville, MD
160,231
Thank you so much for all these wonderful suggestions and advices
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Sandy Padula & Norm Pa...
, CA
5,396,554
I got thrown out of a BNI group once--too independent for them. Too me, it's too much like a cult and I'm past the stage of life where I want so many rules and regulations. But there are lots of different kinds of networking groups in many towns and it's good to find one or two that suit your style and personality.
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Sandy Padula & Norm Pa...
, CA
3,988,144
I think it could have benefits. I have attended some but not am a permanent member. Conflicts in schedule have prevented me from being a regular.
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Sandy Padula & Norm Pa...
, CA
292,735
In my area there is someone who does neighborhood walks. Each week is a different area. I think this is a better way to network than these clubs .
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Sandy Padula & Norm Pa...
, CA
921,504
Networking groups can be beneficial.
However, I do not participate expecting a river, a stream or even a trickle of leads. My purpose in membership is to create resources that allow me to deliver solutions for those who contact me regarding real estate.
Is it worth the money? NO. Attend as a guest. But it is a place to begin so you can learn how to do your own networking. EVERYONE you need in this business is only one person away. Understand that and your networking efforts becomes your catalyst to relationship building.
Think about it. Now every phone call you make can have REAL purpose and elevate the individuals you contact to higher relevance.
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Sandy Padula & Norm Pa...
, CA
1,658,238
I joined a group that required monthly payment to a founder, I got no benefit, just because it was promises and the founder focus was to get paid, not to help them. I do believe, though in networking, and I love AR meetups, so some other networks I attend( find them via evite, FB, local associations, local hobby groups).