TRUCKEE, Calif. – Word-of-mouth referrals are very powerful. It’s a good lesson to learn that giving others business leads will encourage them to direct business your way, too, when there is an opportunity. Members bring business leads for other members every week at Business Network International meetings.

BNI was started in January 1985 by Founder and Chairman Dr. Ivan Misner. BNI provides a positive, supportive, and structured environment for men and women to further their business through word-of-mouth marketing.

The Truckee-Tahoe BNI chapter meets every Tuesday morning, 7:15 a.m. at For Goodness Sake, 10157 Donner Pass Road in Truckee. Established in 2003, they have passed $246,234 worth in closed business referrals since October 2012.

The BNI philosophy can be summed up in two words, “Givers Gain.” The more you help people grow their business, the more business you get in return. Members are generally so motivated and inspired they have an edge over their competitors. Personal marketing using word-of-mouth marketing should be planned in the same way as advertising and Internet strategies. BNI can play an important part of the process. Contact between people is becoming more important for success in business – it is easier to do business with the people you know and who trust you.

According to http://www.bni.com, BNI is the largest and most successful networking organization in the world. The Truckee -Tahoe BNI chapter is currently interviewing new businesses to be part of their successful chapter. Contact Patti Curtis at 530-582-5600 or pmcurtis2600@msn.com for more information.