A RECRUITMENT specialist is reaping the rewards after joining a local networking group.
Jo Hand, Managing Director of Jo Hand Recruitment joined her local Business Network International (BNI) group – and within six weeks has totted up £250,000 in referrals.
Jo joined the BNI Premier Chapter Group, which meets at Eaglescliffe Golf Club, and is urging other businesses to find their local networking groups and do the same.
She said: “Groups like these are incredibly important, the figures don’t lie and I would urge people to join their own local branch.
“The BNI brand is so well established worldwide and has such a proven success rate that when I saw a new lunchtime group forming I jumped at the chance.”
The idea behind the group sees business owners meet regularly to build relationships with each other. This allows them to put out requests for clients in various sectors during a 60-second pitch, and then fellow BNI members try to help with referrals and introductions.
Presentations, group discussions and internal networking are also encouraged at the meetings, which take place every week.
Since returning to BNI, Jo has gained new contracts in a range of sectors from engineering and hospitality to manufacturing and office work.
Paul Alsop, Director Consultant for BNI, added: “BNI groups throughout the region are coming together to support each other in business.
“It is having a real impact on the local economy, and that is proven by the success that Jo Hand has had in recent weeks.
“Businesses recommending each other locally prevents cash from slipping out of the region, and we are delighted with the overall success of this particular group and look forward to that continuing in the future.”
For more information about signing up to the BNI, and details of forthcoming meetings, visit www.bni.co.uk