Nov 23, 2022 4 min read

Business Network International, the world’s leading business referral organization, recently added a new chapter – The Game Changers, which was formed in October in Washington.

BNI Western PA is actively growing its existing chapters in Pittsburgh, Washington, Greensburg, Indiana, Meadville, Clarion, and all over the 20 counties of Western Pennsylvania, said George Zacherl, executive director of Southwestern PA BNI.

“We have tried to have a chapter in Washington before, but it didn’t come together until now,” Zacherl said. “We currently have 16 members. Our target number is 27 to 33 chapter members.”

BNI members meet online or in person weekly in 70 countries to learn about each other’s businesses and refer valuable new clients.

BNI works by combining proprietary technology and intensive training so members can generate valuable new client referrals via other BNI members across town and, increasingly – across the globe. Members also use the trusted environment to hone their leadership skills, build lifelong relationships, recruit new talent and even find fresh capital to grow their businesses.

“BNI was a concept developed by Dr. Ivan Misner in the mid-80s,” Zacherl said. “Dr. Misner, who ironically was born in Pittsburgh, moved with his family at a young age to Southern California. Dr. Misner was a business consultant who unfortunately lost one of his largest clients. He needed to rebuild his business, and the more and more he thought about it, he realized that his best and most loyal clients were referrals. So, he started Ivan’s networking group.”

Zacherl said with the concept of weekly meetings, and one person per business classification, Misner’s idea caught fire.

“Within a year, he had 20 chapters in Southern California,” he said. “Fast forward almost 38 years, BNI is now in over 70+ countries with almost 300,000 members and well over 10,000 chapters. The BNI Game Changers chapter in Washington is one of the newest chapters and one of 30 chapters in Western PA.”

Misner said in a press release that networking is more about farming than it is about hunting.

“It’s that farming approach that produces reliable success in any part of the business cycle. Today more than ever, you need a trusted network. You might be in business for yourself, but you don’t need to be in business by yourself,” Misner said.

Zacherl said there are several reasons why BNI members are so successful.

“The first can be found in our two-word philosophy of ‘givers gain,’ he said. “The more you give, the more you will receive in return. Members take a vested interest in learning about other members’ businesses. This allows them to recognize opportunities where their clients, customers, friends, family, etc. can benefit from using the products or services of the other members.”

Zacherl said second, by working together with members and deeply understanding each other’s business.

“Members are setting more appointments, closing more business, and most importantly, working with clients and customers that on average generate 25 percent more revenue for them,” he said.”

Third, once a person is accepted by the chapter, they are the expert for the chapter.

“No one else from that business classification would be allowed to be part of the chapter,” he said.

BNI’s activities drive enhanced growth for BNI’s 280,000 members in today’s uneven economic recovery and lead to economic development and job creation for thousands of communities worldwide – many of whom were severely impacted by the pandemic.

“Businesses are desperate to find reliable ways to grow. An overlooked avenue for reliable revenue growth is referrals. We want businesses to be successful over the long term. By participating in a tight-knit and purpose-driven network, businesses can grow in any economy,” says BNI Chairman and CEO Graham Weihmiller in a press release.

Zacherl said as the executive director of BNI Western PA, he firmly believes that BNI is the greatest system ever created by its members.

“Over the years, the almost 4 million previous members and thousands of directors have shared their best practices creating a turnkey system that works for everyone,” he said. “Here in Western Pennsylvania, the members of our chapters generate on average between $25,000 to $40,000 of revenue for the other chapter members. It is a great way to grow your business.”

For more information visit bni-westernpa.com.