WELCOME TO MANHATTAN BNI!

New York City's #1 Business to Business Referral Network

Executive Director Todd Hallinger, Founder & BNI Chairman Dr. Ivan Misner and Executive Director Mike Brathwaite.	As a member of Manhattan BNI you will become part of a real community of entrepreneurs as opposed to a virtual one; and yet enjoy many of its benefits. As a vital member of a chapter you will bond with many other professionals seeking the same kind of "Word of Mouth" referrals as you.
For 23 years BNI has used a simple but elegant philosophy that exemplifies membership, "Givers Gain", or, "what goes around comes around". This elemental approach to prospecting for clients through a positive interactive methodology has seen BNI grow to 100,000 + members in 39 Countries around the world. In Manhattan, we currently have 950 members and 45 Chapters. Twelve yrs. ago, Manhattan BNI Executive Directors Mike Brathwaite & Todd Hallinger had a vision few recognized at that time. They shared a belief and passion that Manhattan could support a referral marketing platform like BNI and thrive. It has been a great journey for many and we continue to learn and innovate as we grow. We have two main "Core Competencies": Accountability & Education. This is reflected by our strict attendance policy. If no one HAS TO SHOW they might not. If you are not at the meetings you do not learn what types of referrals members are looking for. In evaluating networking organizations we have found that the BNI commitment is more one of time than any other consideration. There is a "Confidence Curve" involved in all networking as there is no substitute for when "Time" meets "Trust". Ironically, those that stay members the longest DO get the most referrals and productivity out of their membership. As well, we teach our members the do's & don'ts of referral marketing. We mandate that all new members attend an MSP, Members Success Program. This referral training gives them a flavor of our community along with some of its traditions and all the information and tools available to their membership. These are given monthly. We have a highly talented team of Directors available to coach and mentor all aspects of networking within Manhattan BNI. We pride ourselves on providing a state of the art website where you can now explore our community and see what we can offer you. But, only seeing is believing, and we encourage you to visit a chapter near you soon, for as some sales guru noted,"you can't give a haircut over the phone". We look forward to meeting you at a Chapter event in the near future. Happy networking and good luck! Best regards, Mike Brathwaite Todd Hallinger Executive Directors Manhattan BNI News from BNI