I joined BNI (Business Networking International) in January 2024 and it has been an eye opening and expansive journey. BNI is a referral marketing networking organisation founded by Ivan Misner in 1985. There are around 200 000 members in 7 500 local chapters worldwide. The general idea is that there is one person from each profession in each chapter and each member meets with the other members (and anyone in the world that they feel may be a good connection for them and their business) and gets to know their business with the premise of looking out for referrals for that persons company. It expands your network exponentially in ways one can’t do on their own without a very expensive marketing strategy.
It has been confronting (in a good way) to be around so many accomplished and driven business owners. Some of the questions I have been asked about my own business by other members has really made me take a step back and consider how my business works and what it, and I, stand for.
The ideas that flow during meetings with these business owners have also been incredible. It has been such a privilege to be surrounded by so many people who think so differently to me when it comes to business. In casual conversation they have thought of possibilities for my small business that I may not have ever thought of, or may have taken a lot longer to come up with myself.
If the concept of BNI piques your interest and you would like to hear more about BNI, or if you would like to join me at one of our weekly meetings, get in touch via email on katgrudko@gmail.com.
The below are some of my favourite portraits that I have taken of some of the members in the BNI Southern Suburbs chapters and of the Regional Team here in Cape Town.
Thank you to each and every person who has trusted me with taking their portraits. It was so great to have you in front of my lens. I love all of the pictures!
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Photography: KAT GRUDKO PHOTOGRAPHY
Location: RONDEBOSCH OVAL & KAT GRUDKO PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO
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Featuring the following powerhouse business owners:
Bjorn Salsone
Jody Kolbee of WritersHand Studios
Wiedaad Emeran of Be At Ease Coaching
Harmony Botya of InHarmony Virtual Assistant
Thuvesh Naidoo of Thuvesh Naidoo Financial Planner & The Hereford Group
Keith Coleman of Colhouse
Lee-Anne Webster of LWebster Consulting
Glynda Smith of Kaleidoscope Flowers
Annie Olufuwa of Story’d
Claire Van Zyl Visionary Life Services
Euwan Erwee of The Acumen Group
Timothy Jones of 1618 Advisory Services
Marise Hefer of In House Bond Brokers
Megan Lee of Lee & Truter Attorneys
Robbie Owen of Geosat
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