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It is now acknowledged that one of the most effective forms of marketing is word of mouth, whereby a business is referred by an existing client or colleague. At Opus Accounting we appreciate the effectiveness of Networking as a means of increasing awareness of our brand and as an opportunity to receive and give referrals.

BNI and 4Networking – the clash of the Titans?

We are members of both BNI Aldermaston (Nigel Coombs) and 4Networking (Grahame Johnson) and regularly attend local events. 

Which is the most effective and valuable? It depends very much on you, your business and what you are looking for.

Both organisations although similar in some respects differ in their rules and approach.  In some ways BNI is more restrictive in that only one representative from a trade or profession is allowed to join a specific group (Chapter) to safeguard the person’s opportunity to receive referrals.

4N, on the other hand positively encourage similar professions to attend the same event to identify ways to collaborate and work together. As a member of 4N you can visit as many different groups as you like as often as you like across the UK.

In addition to the above organisations, of which we have direct experience there are many more to choose from.

If you would like to experience a BNI or 4N meeting then please let us know, we would be delighted to book you in and figuratively, hold your hand if you are new to Networking!

To attend a BNI Meeting email nigel.coombs@opusaccounting.co.uk

To attend a 4N Meeting email grahame.johnson@opusaccounting.co.uk

The costs of Networking can be quite significant and the likely return on investment needs to be considered.  Be cautious in terms of the quantity and value of likely referrals. Remember, these organisations are businesses themselves and, like all of us are in business to make a profit.

A last word of caution there is only one letter difference between

NETWORKING and NOTWORKING