Business by referral in Melbourne's east
BNI Eastern is a chapter of 25 local business owners who meet every Wednesday at 6:45am in Forest Hill to pass each other qualified referrals. One person per profession, no competitors in the room.
Doors 6:30am, meeting 6:45am to 8:30am
326 Canterbury Rd, Forest Hill VIC 3131
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The model
How a referral chapter works
BNI is structured word-of-mouth marketing. The structure is what makes it produce business instead of small talk.
One seat per profession
Only one plumber, one bookkeeper, one mortgage broker. Lock in your category and every lead in the room for that profession comes to you.
You become their sales team, and they become yours
Instead of 24 people chasing their own leads, you have 24 people listening out for yours. They know your business well enough to recommend you by name.
One-to-ones do the real work
Members meet outside the weekly meeting to properly understand each other's business. A referral you can act on comes from that, not from a business card swap.
Givers Gain
The founding principle: give business to others and it comes back. Everyone in the room is there to find work for someone else first.
Why members stay
What you actually get out of a Wednesday morning
Ninety minutes a week, and the rest happens between meetings.
Referrals, not leads
A referral here is a warm introduction from someone who has already vouched for you. Conversion rates are nothing like cold outreach.
A weekly speaking slot
Every member presents each week, and 2 members give a longer feature presentation. It is the cheapest public speaking practice you will find.
Trusted suppliers on tap
Need a conveyancer, an electrician, an HR consultant? You have already watched them present every week for a year.
Accountability
Attendance, referrals given and business closed are all tracked. The chapter runs on measurable contribution, not goodwill.
Training and support
BNI members get access to structured training through BNI Business Builder, plus support from our director consultant.
A room that knows you
We have been meeting since 2 November 2004. Some relationships in this chapter are older than some of the businesses in it.
The chapter
25 businesses, one seat each
From carpenters to commercial lawyers. Every member has been referred, interviewed and voted in.
Open categories
Is your profession still open?
Lock out your competition
Check the list first
We fill one seat per profession. If nobody in the chapter does what you do, the seat is yours to claim.
Come as a visitor
Visiting costs nothing but an early alarm. Sit in, watch how the meeting runs and meet the members before anyone talks about applying.
Apply if it fits
If the chapter is right for you and you are right for it, you complete an application and the membership committee reviews it.
Before you come
Questions visitors ask
Do I have to join?
No. Visitors are welcome to come and see how the chapter runs with no obligation. Most people visit at least twice before deciding.
What does it cost to visit?
Nothing to attend, though the venue charges for breakfast on the morning. Let us know you are coming so we can set a place.
What time should I arrive?
Doors open at 6:30am for open networking. The formal meeting starts at 6:45am sharp and finishes by 8:30am, so you are at your desk by nine.
What if my category is taken?
Chapters change over time and there are other chapters across BNI Melbourne East. Come along anyway and we will point you to the right one.
Do I need to bring anything?
Business cards, and a clear 60-second description of who you help and what problem you solve. That is it.
Is it in person or online?
BNI Eastern meets in person every week at Canterbury International Hotel in Forest Hill.
Come to a meeting
Wednesday morning, 6:30am at Canterbury International Hotel, Forest Hill.Bring business cards.