Alan Bell's Blog

Here's one of my favourite websites:
http://www.bni-citywest.com/

I've been a member of this group for over 3 years, acting as designer and editor of the website along the way. The function of the site is to support the activities of a highly effective Business Networking Group.

If you're not familiar with the whole idea of business notworking, or if your experiences have been with the many sub-standard versions of the idea, it's hard to explain just how important it can be to your business:

• There are times when all, and I mean ALL our business has come from the activities of this group
• It can transform you from a 'whatever' business person, into the real thing
• You get to build relationships with, and learn from top professionals in over-lapping businesses
• You get to build relationships with, and learn from top professionals in EVERY type of business

Focusing just on the communications industry for now (I'll get back to the others another time), here are some of the people and companies I've been lucky to have worked with as a result of joining BNI Citywest;

• Gerard Tannam, Islandbridge Brand Development >>>
  (Gerard approached me originally to put this website in motion, and has had invaluable input throughout).
• John Redmond, Photographer >>>
• Kevin McSherry, Illustrator >>>
• Denis, Adept Advertising >>>
• Hugh, Dcoy Graphic Design >>>
• Valerie and David, Acorn print >>>
• Dara Creative (a significant referral to Adnet throught BNI) >>>

BNI is a worldwide network. Among the other groups I have visited is the BNI Civic Center Chapter in San Francisco. It's one of my favourite business stories that as a result of my visit there, our company was contracted to build the website for this group as well (www.bniciviccenter.com), based on the success of the BNI Citywest website.