About Networking Groups and the BNA

Welcome! The Business Network Alliance was founded in response to the need for business friendly networking groups. What are networking groups? Networking groups are comprised of business persons desiring to grow their business. Group members can include professionals, large and small business owners, sales people, executives, managers and non-profit representatives.

Networking groups are also called leads clubs, leads groups, lead generation groups, leads networks, leads exchange groups, business alliance groups, business leads clubs, business networks, breakfast clubs, connections groups, entrepreneurs groups, referral groups, and tips groups. These organizations are an effective way of improving your personal and professional success.

Look in your local newspaper or business publication. You should find several networking groups listed. Most groups are easy to join and are a great place to network. Finding the right leads group is very important, though. You can end up in a group that places pressure on their members, creating an environment that's not business friendly! You may want to avoid these groups. Many are affiliated with a national franchise and usually have rules like these:

• Strict attendance requirements, including tardy or late penalties.

• Initiation fees plus regular membership dues (monthly fees).

• Required referrals (giving leads) to members weekly.

• Taking a leadership position (as a board member) while in the group.

• Rigidly structured meetings, no going over allotted speaking time.

• Loyalty to the club, meaning you can't participate in other leads groups.

• No freedom to control your category (can prevent positive business relationships).

The Business Network Alliance takes a sharp turn from the above philosophy. What makes our groups appealing to the business community is our structure:

• No requirement to exchange leads. You are encouraged to get to know others in the group, build trust, and develop lasting business relationships. You exchange leads as you become comfortable with others in the group. We are not a social club, so your time won't be wasted.

• Category exclusivity and flexibility. You can "create" and "own" the category you choose, and you can release part of your category to another individual. For example, a computer consultant may specialize in software applications, while another consultant might focus on hardware issues. You may control up to two categories, but represent many. If you represent three or more categories, one must be given to a new person who requires that specific category to join.

• No attendance requirements. Meetings are weekly; however, you are not required to come every week. You are asked to keep a commitment to the group, and not miss more than three weeks consecutively. If you do not attend for three weeks consecutively, your category will be given to someone else. You may have someone come in your place. You will not be penalized for arriving late. You are not required to turn off cell phones or pagers (which are the lifelines for many businesses).

• Simple hierarchy. We don't have a president or vice president. One person (facilitator) or more (co-facilitators) volunteer to run the group, maintain the roster and speaking schedule. There may be a treasurer if the group chooses to advertise or participate in promotional activities. The leadership positions require minimal time and are rewarding.

• No invite requirements. We are committed to growing the group. You are encouraged to invite others as you become comfortable doing so. Group size may be limited to 40, meant to maintain a reasonable dynamic.

• No club exclusivity. You are welcome to attend other networking groups. We won't ask you to attend our group only.

• Simple structure. Each lunch meeting is 1 to 1-1/4 hours, and begins and ends with a 30 to 60 second promo from each member. During the meeting we have either a speaker or an open discussion. Members sign up to speak on a rotating basis. Special guests of members are welcome to speak. Brochures, literature, props, etc., are helpful and recommended. Always have a supply of business cards. You are encouraged to mingle and shake hands with other group members at the end of the meeting.

Does our structure seem too unstructured? Don't worry, a professional environment is always presented in a comfortable setting. Our groups attract those from all areas of business. Want to attend a BNA meeting? Please contact us . You'll be glad you did!