TAHOE/TRUCKEE, Calif. and#8212;-Are you a business owner? What if you had a sales team of 200 to 400 people you didnand#8217;t have to pay? Now take that fantasy to the next level: what if you multiplied that sales team by 40? Mountain High BNI in Truckee, one chapter of a global network called BNI International, is a business and professional networking organization that acts as your expanded sales team through an effective referral system. Currently nearly 40 members strong, this group of upbeat and driven business owners meets weekly at The Savvy Dog in Truckee every Tuesday morning 7 a.m. sharp for 90 minutes of structured networking. Members share business tools, ideas, learn how to better present their services, and develop friendships. Through the concept of and#8220;Giverand#8217;s Gainand#8221; and#8212; the idea that if I help you, youand#8217;ll help me and#8212; members establish personal relationships with other business professionals dedicated to supporting each otherand#8217;s businesses.

In 2010, the 145,000 plus members of BNI internationally generated $2.8 billion worth of business, through referrals. Mountain High BNI alone referred $352,956 in closed business in the last 12 months. Because oneand#8217;s own reputation is on the line when giving a referral, members are guided by high levels of professional standards of integrity, goodwill and responsibility. BNI members, on average, increase their sales 20 percent in the first year, and the positive attitude at the meetings immediately makes a strong impression on any visitor.

Membership is limited to only one person from each profession per chapter and the great news is Mountain High BNI has open categories for individuals who will bring enthusiasm and integrity to their meetings. Interested business owners are encouraged to visit a meeting to learn how BNI could increase their business. Find out more on the Facebook page and web site at http://bnicv.com/ca-sacramento-mountain-high-bni/. For info call Cesar Lopez at 530-563-6787. The Savvy Dog is located at 11448 Deerfield Drive, C-1, Truckee.

and#8212; Karen Terrey, MFA, Tangled Roots Writing, offers creative writing workshops and one-on-one writing coaching in Truckee.