Morning all. Went to my first BNI meeting today, it was an eye opening experiance with a lot of friendly banter going on. It was nice tool actually, as all the stories I've heard/read makes it out to be fairly 'grey'....
I was invited along by another member and told that if I do join there would be no competition as I would join as the one and only bookkeeper. However there is an accountant in the group and he was sworn in today (so also new). I gave my 60 pitch, said I did tax returns, vat returns, final accounts for small sole traders etc etc....
However when I was approached by the member ship committee I asked the question... 'With the accountant here, what could I do? As most of my work has been technically 'barred' as its stepping on his toes'. They sat me down and had a chat with me and the accountant and he basically confirmed what I thought.... If I joined then all I could do is 'bookkeeping' no tax returns, no final accounts, no vat..... So that's 60% of my work gone! Although he did say I 'could get you leads for bookkeeping work' oh... Oh great... I thought.
I now feel deflated that the accountant has literally pi$$ed on my fire and told me in a round about way that all I'm good for is bookkeeping. Has anyone else come across this? How did you overcome it?
Another question I'd like to ask is did you get your money 'back' in generated leads?
All advise welcome as I'm in a quandary... Join and I could be looking at making small amounts of money 'bookkeeping' maybe not get the work and end up in the red because of it.
or don't bother and go it alone and find it harder to make money but just plod along...? Anyone?
I have never been a member but I do see the benefits of BNI. It can be significant be the only one of your category in the room.
In this situation it probably won't work as you cannot promote your other services and even if someone else brought you an accounting lead you could find it causes problems. Do you also think the account will only be allowed to recommend you for bookkeeping work? It would not be as clear cut.
How about finding another chapter locally that may be able to get you in? Or look for some other independent similar groups, such as Business Over Breakfast etc.
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You could join as there may be small Sole traders there that don't actually want a high street accountant as they are too expensive.
I net work with a couple of accountants and so far it has been good. I wouldn't worry about the VAT returns as normally if you do the bookkeeping the VAt returns are automatically done by you. I do Bookkeeping and payroll and don't do end of year accounts but I work closely with a few accountants and hand the year end over to them, they certainly don't want any of the stuff I do so it works very well.
don't give up just because the accountant thinks hes above you because hes not, hes probably just trying the same as you to get business. All it means is you can't talk out aloud about everything, but there is no stopping you when you are face to face with a potential client and on your own. Sometimes its all about personality when you are face to face with someone, bend over backwards (not literally), and smile, a good service goes along way. (God that sounds dreadful is it really a bookkeeping site?)
Also how much does it cost to join?
Networking takes time to build and won't be an instant fix, but you will get yourself known which is really important. Networking has worked for me and good advertising.
HTH Go and have a glass of wine tonight that will calm you down!
I too have been looking at getting involved with some networking. I found the details recently for the Business over Breakfast meetings. The problem I have is introducing myself and doing a pitch infront of other people. I am not the bravest. My business is only part time as I work full time as an Assistant Management Accountant. I want it to build up nice and steady but it's too steady at the moment. No work coming my way. Just the one client to my name.
I suppose I could ask the organiser if there are already accountants or bookkeepers in attendance. If there are no bookkeepers then it may well be worth me going.
ClawzCTR don't be put off by that one bad experience. Have a look around for a different networking group. What about Chamber of Commerce? They do local meetings.
I have been a member of Bni for about 5 years now in 2 different chapters, my original chapter folded and I transferred to the next town, worked closely with both Accountants and found them helpful and we do work together. I would go as far to say that handover year ends etc run better than with most accountants as you get more feedback and the allusive adjustments.
I am the worst Networker ever as I hate the 60 second spots (mine are usually about 10 secs) and my 10 mins give me sleepless nights, my 10 mins was this week and the accountant asked me questions about RTI.
I find the knowledge in the room from other professionals always helpful.
I've been in BNI for almost a year now, and have picked up £10k of bookkeeping work.
It's correct that you can't talk about accounts, SATRs, and VAT in your 60 seconds. However, there's nothing to stop you talking about it durng your 1:1's with other members...
Jo, that's exactly what I've been told by by some other members of my other networking group I go to. Have a one to one... if they sign up as a client then what's to stop you talking to them about the rest...! wink wink!
10k you say!!! WOW. Only problem I have now is I don't have/cant find the fees... Called the bank to see if I could get an overdraft on the account or a credit card, but because I don't have the same amount of money coming in per month as I want to borrow they wont let me. I've tried pleading my case with them saying I've made a 247% increase on gross profit compared to last year, even said that joining could get me that amount again next year, if not more! Still an out right no, I even said can i come into the branch with the financial documents and prove it... 'No sir, as there are no business advisor's in your area'...FFS!!!
This chapter made over £1.3m worth of invoice-able income last (rolling) year, if I even take 0.5% of that in my first year that's £6500!!!!!! BUT NO.... because the business doesn't take the £645 needed A MONTH they wont let me have it!!!
(and before you ask I've tried family and personal, just aint happening... :( )
Amanda, its £645 for the first year, then £110 less the years after. (its the admin fee for the sign up) It also costs around £10 per meeting for the dinner/breakfast where ever it is you meet normally a monthly DD.
As for talking EVERYONE in the room has to stand up and do a 60 sec intro, the invitOR introduces the invitIEE then they stand up and talk. It is nerve racking, but i was told 'why are you here?' and 'you know your business better than ANYONE!!' so just go with the flow! :D
