If you happen to drive by Essex Town Hall some Tuesday morning just before 7:30am and notice a huddle of men in women in front of the doors, don't worry, they're not about to stage a protest. These are 25 of the most dedicated business professionals in their respective fields waiting to get out of the cold to begin their weekly Business Network International meeting.

The River to Shore Group joined this new group that is to be chartered 2 February 2010 so that we could meet other business owners in myriad professions whom are committed to growing their businesses as seriously as we are. We are often asked by the many clients we serve "Do you know some who does (fill in this blank) that we can trust, will show up, and do a good job?"

It require's an auditorium and many tables to hold the expanding membership

BNI is the best place for us to meet so many different types of business owners who excel at what they do. Business Network Int'l was started in 1985 with a single purpose: to develop the referral business of the members. From that point, BNI has grown to the vast networking group it has become.

BNI is in 42 countries with over 100,000 members. There are almost 1,500 members in Connecticut in almost 60 Chapters. We allow one person per profession to join each chapter, thus guaranteeing exclusivity to the members in their business category.


Pictured: Jim O'Shea, BNI Area Director speaks it's new chapter members.

Annual membership in BNI costs less than a business suit - it's the most cost-effective way to market yourself in today's highly competitive marketplace. If you value having 30, 40, or more other business people marketing you to others, then BNI is the right place for you!

We have just 25 different types of businesses in this soon to be chartered businesses. We're looking for many more. Are you a photographer, payroll company, cleaning company, real estate appraiser, or handy man or know of one that wants to grow their business and be associated with the excellence that is required to become a member? Then please come as my invited guest any Tuesday at 7:30am at Essex Town Hall Auditorium to see what it's like and what we do. Consider it a standing invitation. There are literally 50+ plus more business types we're looking to recruit. A nearby chapter that is just 2 years old passes 400 referrals per month to it's members. Those who are referred get top notch service from that business. The referrer thanked profusely for turning them on to the source. It's a give and take that can't be topped. I hope to see you Tuesday. 

For more information on BNI visit: BNICT.com