Bijay Shah, National Director, BNI UAE talks about how the power of networking has helped over 1000 members of BNI UAE generated business worth AED 2.5 billion. He also highlighted that BNI UAE is organizing its flagship networking event BNI EXPO 2023 on June 24th in Dubai

Kindly define BNI and key activities worldwide.
BNI, a 38-year-old global networking organization, allows only one person per profession to join each chapter. With over 306,000 members in 77 countries, and representing over 300 different professions, BNI has proven to be a valuable platform for increased referral business.

BNI offers the advantage of having a dedicated sales team at your disposal. Through its structured referral networking system, BNI facilitates the exchange of business connections among members, leading to valuable referrals.

BNI provides its members with essential tools and training to cultivate enduring business relationships with driven professionals. These connections are focused on achieving tangible results and are built on the mutual goal of helping each other acquire more customers. By identifying and inviting key referral partners, members within a chapter can contribute to the growth of one another’s businesses.

How long has BNI been in the Middle East and what is your strength in the region?
BNI UAE marks its 18th anniversary with a strong community of over 1,000 dedicated members who support the local business community through word-of-mouth referrals. BNI UAE members have achieved impressive results, exchanging more than 330,000 successful referrals and generating AED 2.5 billion in business. This showcases the effectiveness of networking and cultivating robust business relationships, particularly in navigating difficult circumstances.

Members from BNI UAE participated in a record-breaking year, where BNI expanded to over 10,900 chapters globally with members generating US $20.6 billion in business. Whilst many businesses came to a standstill due to economic uncertainty, BNI UAE continued to grow in 2023 with a record of over 30% growth in its membership and generating over 48% more business compared to the previous year.

What major initiatives are you running in the region?
BNI has been operating in the United Arab Emirates since September 2005. At BNI UAE, we actively engage with local businesses and organizations, hosting joint events and collaborating with the wider business community. Inclusivity is a key pillar of our brand, with over 30 nationalities, both genders and diverse age groups represented within our network.

At BNI UAE, continuous learning is at the core of our approach. We offer gamified learning experiences, workshops, and online resources that equip our members with networking skills and help them generate valuable referrals for each other.

BNI EXPO is our key flagship networking event in the Middle East, which offers a unique opportunity for professionals to intersect innovation with referrals and forge valuable business connections. The second edition of BNI EXPO 2023 is scheduled on June 24th in Dubai and will offer a diverse array of sessions and panel discussions, empowering attendees to network and stay abreast of the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the business world.

How can one join your network and what do you offer to your members?
To get started with BNI, the first step is to locate a local Chapter and register for a meeting. Visiting the Chapter in person is crucial to finding compatible referral partners. Once you’ve identified a suitable Chapter, you can apply for membership through the Membership Committee. This involves completing an application and undergoing an interview. During your visit, you’ll witness the power of networking in action as members establish connections and exchange referrals to foster business growth. Becoming a BNI Member grants you access to an exclusive network committed to expanding your business. By cultivating relationships with fellow Chapter Members, you’ll establish a supportive network that extends beyond the regular meetings.

What value do you bring to the table for startups and how can startups utilize the power of networking by joining BNI?
BNI UAE brings value to startups in the UAE market by offering networking opportunities and a supportive community. With diverse members representing various industries, companies can connect with potential partners and clients. BNI provides comprehensive training and resources to enhance networking skills and referral utilization. Being associated with BNI enhances credibility and reputation, opening doors for growth. The collaborative environment allows startups to access collective expertise and mentoring. BNI UAE accelerates growth and helps companies navigate the local business landscape with confidence.

What tips can you offer to startups and budding entrepreneurs besides joining your network?
Lifelong learning has been one of our core values for over 18 years. We understand the importance of personal and professional growth for our members. That’s why we provide our chapter members with opportunities and resources to enhance their business and networking skills. My suggestion to startups and budding entrepreneurs who are new to this region would be:

• Getting involved and building meaningful relationships is integral to success. Take time to get to know the other person, their goals, achievements, and motivations. Ask questions to understand how you can help them.
• The person who helps you may not always be the person you helped. By focusing on helping others, you will eventually achieve success, but it’s not a transactional process.
• If you want to build a powerful personal network, understand that networking is not the end goal but a means to grow your business. The law of reciprocity is about giving, supporting, and helping others so that they, in turn, help you.