Business people look for an edge through networking

BNI to host meet-and-greet

By: Stephanie Brown
   Local business professionals believe that the early bird gets the worm.
   Which is why at 7 a.m. on Sept. 27 more 70 people hoping to get a leg up in their field gathered at Pierre’s in South Brunswick to learn about Business Network International.
   BNI is a business and professional networking organization that allows only one person per profession to join a chapter.
   "I think it’s a worthwhile organization," the Jamesburg-Monroe chapter founder and president, Bob Soden, of Dayton, said. "What better way to grow a business than by referrals? It’s really that simple."
   Jamesburg started the local BNI chapter, called the Falcons, in August. The fledging chapter held the breakfast meeting last week to spark an interest in the organization and to serve as a membership drive. The group is not restricted to business in the area.
   The chapter has 20 members, and Mr. Soden said he is looking to recruit about 15 more.
   "We’d like to see membership grow, but we’re looking for quality," said. "We need to have a real confidence in each other in order to recommend each other in business."
   Nicholas Zolofo, BNI Middlesex County assistant director, spoke to the crowd about BNI.
   BNI is structured to cultivate a high level of trust among members and clients, said Mr. Zolofo, who runs an extermination business in Old Bridge called Nik’im Pest Control.
   First, he said, BNI promotes loyalty within the chapter because only one person from a particular profession can join a chapter.
   "When you belong to other chapters, how do you know which Realtor to be loyal to, for example?" he asked. "It’s hard to build quality relationships with people of the same occupation."
   Secondly, every chapter holds mandatory weekly meetings, which are held from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
   "You have to be committed to the organization," he said. "You’re not going to refer someone simply because they are a member of the chapter. You have to get to know and trust them."
   The membership committee evaluates each applicant. Peter Gurka, Realtor GRI, ABR of Reality Executives, Scarpa Realtors of Monroe; Jim Toth, ChFC, of Mass Mutual Financial Group of Jamesburg; and Karen Gough of Corinthian Capital of Jamesburg, head the Jamesburg Chapter Membership Committee.
   "The committee decides who we feel will be the best fit for the group," said Mr. Gurka, who is also the chapter vice president.
   He said applicants are chosen based on their personality and type of business.
   "We look for similar personalities so members can network with each other easily, and also for complementary businesses," he said, while holding a stack of applications.
   For example, since the chapter already has a Realtor, Mr. Gurka said, the Membership Committee would have a keen interest in finding an appraiser, inspector and real estate attorney.
   While filling out an application, Kathleen Eldridge, an appraiser for Central Jersey Appraisal Service, said she was very interested in the chapter because of its personal approach to business.
   "There’s more of a trust and integrity thing — not like a cutthroat outfit," Ms. Eldridge said. "I’m not into that big crowd thing where people don’t remember who you are."
   Brian Prinsell, owner and publisher of Homes & Land magazine based out of Morganville, said he, too, was interested in becoming a member. Mr. Prinsell said networking organizations, such as BNI, helps business become established in town.
   "Networking is a good way to make yourself familiar with members of community," he said. "I like being an integral member of a community."
   BNI charges $370 for a one-year membership, including application and training fees. Meetings are held at Villa Laura restaurant in Monroe. For more information on becoming a member of the local BNI chapter call Bob Soden at (732) 521-0001 or Peter Gurka at (732) 416-3100 ext. 217.