Frequently Asked Questions

Networking is not an accident...it's an attitude!

Can anyone join BEN?
We only allow one person per professional category. For example, if you are a residential Estate Agent and we already have one, we can place you on the waiting list or refer you to another group (providing one exists in your area).

Which professions will benefit the most from networking?
Almost any profession can benefit from networking with other great people. As long as you bring the right attitude you will find success.

Are members required to bring visitors?
No, you're not required to, however you are always encouraged to bring visitors! You can never have too many resources. The wider your pool of resources becomes, the more appealing you are to your clients.

How many meetings do I attend before I can join?
Visitors are invited to attend any time and we do allow visitors to attend twice as a guest before joining.

Do guests receive referrals?
No, guests do NOT receive referrals. Referrals are made based on relationships and it takes time to build relationships. Many members do not receive referrals for a few weeks until their relationships with one another develop.

What is the minimum requirement for passing referrals?
There is no minimum. We do not “police” the number of referrals you pass. As a member of BEN, you are held accountable for passing qualified referrals and for reporting back to the group at the weekly meetings on the status of referrals received.

What is the attendance policy?
As a member of BEN you are expected to attend weekly meetings. We do, however, realise that sometimes life (and even business!) can get in the way. When a member is absent for three (3) consecutive weeks, a phone call is made to determine if there is a problem with the membership. If there is no problem, the member is strongly encouraged to attend the meetings on a regular basis or risk losing the category they represent. Termination of membership is at the discretion of the owner of the group.

What are the fees involved to join?
There are annual membership fees and meeting room dues. Application fee is returned to you if your membership is denied. Annual membership fees are non-refundable. Meeting room dues are billed on a monthly basis, payment is by standing order and is not refundable.

Do I get a chance to showcase my business?
Each week, we have a “Member of the Week” who receives 10-15 minutes to speak in detail on their profession. Members are selected on a rotating basis.

What is Brainstorming/Mind-Mapping?
A way to focus our attention on the target markets of our Member of the Week. It also helps us recognise those referral opportunities that present themselves in our daily lives that we may have otherwise missed if not for this exercise.

Who do I contact if I'm going to miss a meeting?
Martin Day – Please let us know if you're going to miss a meeting. Once you join, it will be expected that you will attend our meeting every week.

How do we know new members are reputable?
Guests typically attend by word-of-mouth invitations. Before someone comes to a meeting they have usually already spoken to, been recommended by or have been invited by a current member.

What if a member gets a poor referral?
Communication is the key to the success of BEN. Each week members are given the opportunity to report on the referral(s) received. This report will contain information as to whether this was a good referral, a great referral, an “okay” referral or a terrible referral. Referrals received that are not rated as acceptable will be discussed as to why the referral was not acceptable and how could this be avoided in the future. This is not to “point fingers” at anyone for a poor referral, but is intended to help educate our members on how to give proper referrals.

Who can I call if I have more questions?
Martin Day (07971 963264) or Mandy Cardwell (07970 388119) – or E-MAIL BEN