Networking within our chapters is a great way to exchange new business and develop new relationships. However, it's also a good idea to expand our networking sphere beyond our chapter. The new ConnectBNI site started by Hazel Walker and designed by SpinWeb, is a great online resource for supplemental networking. Here are some ways this site can be used for networking.

Meet other referral partners from other locations. In a recent conversation with Hazel, I learned of a situation where a BNI member in the Southern part of Indiana met another BNI member in the Northern part of the state and ended up doing business together. Now that's helping BNI members overcome geography!

Build your online profile and reputation. Many sites like Facebook and LinkedIn allow individuals to build up credibility online by answering questions, posting valuable information, and keeping an up-to-date profile that keeps others informed. ConnectBNI allows BNI members to do the same thing but within the sphere of the BNI community, where reputation is of the utmost importance.

Create an information hub for your chapter. The ConnectBNI site is a social networking site, which means it is designed to promote communication! Your chapter members can carry on discussions, post content, and share information online through the site. Think of it as an after-hours BNI event that runs 24/7!

These are some great ways to use ConnectBNI to supplement your networking. To get started, visit ConnectBNI.com and create a profile. All you need is an email address. Happy online networking!