If you own, or manage, your own business, run, do not walk, to BNI (Business Networking International) .

Your business will grow. Your understanding of how to run a business will grow. And you’ll meet a bunch of terrific people.


So why did I leave?

I had the chance to work on my own writing—plays, a novel—instead of other people’s writing.  I’m gonna keep doing the latter, so if you want something written—web content, articles, brochures, memoirs—let me know.  But I’m going to stop marketing my freelance business, and start marketing my own writing.

And I know how to market my own writing thanks to BNI, where I learned about referrals and networking as an art.

Why BNI?

Structure.  The meetings are incredibly well organized. That doesn’t mean boring. We get to know each other through one-to-one meetings. So there’s lots of catching up, happy teasing, and love through the rough spots.

Referrals.  We refer one another.  If you need any kind of home repair, painting, etc; if you need any kind of insurance; if you need acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, dentistry, psychotherapy; if you need anything at all, give me a call.  I know a lot of great people.  I know them well.  I’ve used their services.

Training.  BNI offers annual training. The meetings all have an Education Minute. And there’s a whole roomful of entrepreneurs to learn from.

Why didn’t I join sooner???

Because of the cost of dues—which I made back in six months. Because I had to be at every meeting, 7:15 a.m. every Tuesday, or send a substitute. But when I knew I had to take the opportunity to do my own writing, I hated to leave!

There’s this great Bollywood movie that has a scene with everyone singing and dancing on top of a moving train. Somewhere in that song is “I love-a you all!” 
I can't find it on You Tube.  But--

I love you all.