Business Network International (BNI), a leading international networking group, has passed millions of referrals that has translated into billions of dollars in business generated between members, according to BNI Manila CBD Managing Director Ronnie Marquez.
In a statement, Marquez said that BNI has almost 11,000 chapters and over 299,000 members in 76 countries globally.
In the Philippines, Marquez reported that with over 40 chapters and 1200+ members, businesses generated amounted to P4 billion in the last 12 months alone.
“At the height of the pandemic, we quickly pivoted to digital solutions and were able to launch online chapters that helped ensure the growth in terms of membership and what we call TYFCB (businesses passed between members across multiple industries),” said Marquez.
In the Manila CBD Region, three online chapters were formed in the middle of the pandemic with a total of 105 new business members, helping reach a combined P572M worth of business passed between members in 2022. “At the heart of these achievements is our core value, Givers Gain, where members give referrals to each other, helping them stay afloat and thrive especially during the recent crisis,” he said.
To underscore the importance of networking, BNI Manila CBD Region will hold a one-day conference on February 10 at Dusit Thani Manila in celebration of the 16th International Networking Week. Dubbed CONNECT MNL. Connections That Work.”, it is an opportunity to further expand BNI’s philosophy in knowledge-sharing and opening the gateway to more connections and collaborations for BNI members in the Philippines.
BNI’s CONNECT MNL conference will feature resource persons and business leaders who will discuss different topics concerning business matters in the “new normal”. These topics include World and Philippines Macro Trends, Opportunities and Challenges.
A macro perspective of the business environment will also be discussed by one of the country’s leading private analysts, Jonas Ravelas.
On the Role of Collaboration in the New Environment, business expert Ricky De Vera will explain the different business environments from the “Black Swan” during the pandemic to how to be prepared for the “White Leopard” in 2023.
Jaypee Soliman, senior vice-president of UnionBank, will tackle collaboration with small businesses; while Miguel Lindo, Franchise Development and Communications Director of BNI will share about the “Master Connector” effect which is at the core of BNI’s thrust of “changing the way the world does business”.
The topic “Why Building Connections and Relationships Matter” will be tackled by multi-awarded and successful businessman, Zooperman Chairman and President of the Zoomanity Group Robert Yupangco, who will share his experiences on the role of connections and networking in growing his business.
In addition to learning opportunities, Marquez said that Connect MNL ensures meaningful industry discussions, represented by trade association partners such as Philippine Marketing Association (PMA), International Council for Small Business (ICSB), United Architects of the Philippines Diliman Chapter (UAP), Junior Chamber International Makati (JCI), among others.