It takes a lot to surprise me these days (i am just too old I guess) but I have to tell you that last night I was surprised…very pleasantly I have to say. I was invited to the first anniversary of the BNI Lisbon Lider Club (which when said in Portuguese sounds like Bennie…). BNI is a 22 year old business and professional organisation that allows one person from each trade or profession to join a chapter (group…and you can have various chapters in a city). With over 4,900 active chapters, and 100,000 members, it is said to be the most successful business referral organisation in the world. All the hype apart, what I found striking was that fact that people of all age groups were very actively involved…yes all Portuguese, even though the format was very American.

The first thing that was interesting was the fact that we were “instructed” to bring lots of business cards. At the pre dinner drinks we were all given the opportunity to get to know each other. Now normally this means you enter the room, stick with one or two people and you go to dinner. Not these guys. Just before dinner we were (again) “instructed” by the chapter leader, Fernando Antoniotti, to take some time (he gave us 4 minutes) to exchange as many cards as possible…in a room of some 50 people. Everyone ended up with more than 20 new business contacts.

We then went to dinner (restaurant Clube dos Empresários in Lisbon)(recommended for sure) and sat at tables of our choosing and started further contacts with a new group of people. However, what I thought was very innovative was the fact that during the various dinner courses, everyone present was invited to give a (no more than) one minute presentation of themselves and their business. (you try describing what you do in one minute…).

The atmosphere was extremely informal and everyone was just so totally open to contact. Even people that seem shy were able to present themselves…and very well I have to say.

Each chapter has weekly meeting, which start at 6:45 (this is a global ritual) in the morning and finishes at 8:30, the idea being that you still have a days work ahead of you.

I have to say, I liked it. Enjoyed the company of the people and their attitude. Certainly admired the way they are all going the extra mile. I will certainly be going for more, as I would certainly recommend you reading more about the organisation. There is sure to be a chapter near you…

 

 BNI and the Jets [3:00m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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