MEDIA RELEASE
9 June 2008
40th Auckland morning business network group launched
‘Word-of-mouth’ business group looks for members
The 40th Auckland chapter of the business networking group BNI was launched this month, taking the number of BNI groups
to 21 in central Auckland and 40 in the Auckland region overall (94 countrywide).
Despite BNI New Zealand’s policy of not launching anymore chapters in the central city because of the already high
numbers, three people got together in February and through their sheer persistence the BNI Business People chapter was
launched recently with 15 members.
President of the chapter, Kerry Alcock, says it is very hard for mortgage brokers, such as himself, insurance and
property brokers and real estate agents to find open spaces in a networking group, particularly in BNI because the
organisation limits membership of any one group to just one person from any industry, trade or profession to eliminate
competition.
“It makes sense if you are in a business that is referral driven to increase that referral base, but it doesn’t take
long to realise the incredible sense of satisfaction you get from the business you pass on to others. BNI’s philosophy
of ‘Givers Gain’ and the BNI process behind it makes it possible for us to help each other.
“Over the few short months I have been involved, I have watched the development of chapter members who started off
softly spoken, quiet, cautious and even diffident into people who are confident, outgoing and active – both giving and
getting referrals,”says Kerry.
The chapter currently has 15 members and is looking to fill categories in automotive repair and servicing, panelbeating,
plumbing and the wellness industry, including a chiropractor, masseuse and nutritionist.
People interested in joining the BNI Business People chapter – which meets in Halsey Street, can call Kerry on (09) 360
5617
ENDS
ABOUT BNI
BNI is New Zealand’s biggest structured referral network with 94 chapters from Dunedin to Northland. Each chapter
typically consists of between 20 and 40 business owners and sales people, who work to generate referrals – within a
structured environment – for each other as part of a team.
For more information: www.bni.co.nz