EPISODE: 124 – BNI and Auto Repair Go Hand in Hand with Steve Hand
Curious about how BNI can transform your auto repair shop’s success? Discover the secrets to building powerful referral networks, creating meaningful connections, and turning BNI meetings into your most valuable sales opportunity.
In this episode, Brian and Kim Walker sit down with BNI expert Steve Hand to explore how BNI can help you fill your bays, streamline your networking, and grow your business through strategic partnerships. From finding the perfect chapter to mastering the art of specific referrals, you’ll learn actionable tips for making the most of your BNI membership.
Ready to elevate your shop’s networking game and drive more customers through your doors?
Hit play now and unlock the potential of BNI for your business!
Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shops
Timestamps
Introduction to BNI (00:00:10)
Brian introduces the podcast and welcomes Steve Hand, a BNI expert.
Reconnecting After Years (00:00:52)
Steve and Brian reminisce about their long-standing friendship and connection.
The Importance of BNI (00:01:55)
Discussion on why BNI is essential for auto repair businesses and its benefits.
Understanding BNI (00:02:32)
Steve explains what BNI is and how it helps businesses succeed through collaboration.
Weekly Sales Meetings (00:03:14)
Steve emphasizes BNI meetings as crucial weekly sales meetings for businesses.
Looking for Opportunities (00:03:28)
Steve discusses how to identify potential customers during networking.
Building Relationships (00:05:38)
Importance of personal connections and understanding each other’s backgrounds in BNI.
1-to-1 Meetings (00:06:21)
Brian and Steve talk about the significance of one-on-one meetings in BNI.
Activating Relationships (00:07:30)
Steve shares strategies for nurturing relationships to enhance networking effectiveness.
Referral Processes (00:08:19)
Steve explains how to recognize opportunities for referrals within your network.
Gratitude to RepairPal (00:09:17)
Brian thanks RepairPal for sponsoring the episode and highlights its benefits.
Personal Experiences in BNI (00:10:16)
Kim shares her experience of being in two separate BNI groups with Brian.
Themed Referral Campaigns (00:10:59)
Steve discusses the effectiveness of themed referral campaigns in BNI.
Trial and Error in Networking (00:11:41)
Steve reflects on learning through trial and error to improve referral requests.
Sticking to a Campaign (00:12:42)
Steve explains the importance of consistency in referral campaigns for better results.
Story of a Soccer Mom (00:13:01)
Discussion about a successful vehicle repair story involving a soccer mom.
BNI Presentation Challenges (00:13:14)
Addressing difficulties in creating unique 62-second presentations for BNI meetings.
Finding the Right Market (00:14:21)
A pizza shop owner shifts focus from weddings to catering for pharmaceutical reps.
Starting BNI Groups (00:15:56)
Advice for shop owners interested in starting BNI groups in their towns.
County Lines and BNI (00:16:28)
Understanding how county lines affect the establishment of BNI chapters.
Becoming a Connector (00:17:18)
Benefits of starting a BNI group and becoming a key connector in the community.
Choosing the Right BNI Group (00:17:56)
Guidance on selecting the right BNI chapter in areas with multiple options.
Finding Suitable BNI Chapters (00:19:17)
Encouragement to use the official BNI website for locating chapters.
Collaboration Among Non-Competing Businesses (00:20:24)
Discussion on how non-competing businesses can collaborate effectively within BNI.
Value of BNI Membership (00:23:02)
Addressing common objections regarding the financial and time investment in BNI.
Success Stories from BNI (00:24:45)
Highlighting a general contractor’s significant business growth through BNI participation.
Introduction to BNI Benefits (00:25:28)
Discussion on how a mechanic benefited from being part of a BNI group.
Overview of BNI Meetings (00:26:06)
Description of the typical structure and agenda of a BNI meeting.
Networking Process (00:26:54)
Explanation of how networking occurs during BNI meetings, including introductions.
Referrals and Testimonials (00:27:48)
Insight into how referrals are shared and the importance of accountability in BNI.
Tips for Effective Networking (00:28:39)
Advice on being specific when asking for referrals and networking.
Public Speaking Growth (00:30:15)
Personal experiences on how BNI helped individuals improve public speaking skills.
Visitor Experience in BNI (00:31:30)
Encouragement for newcomers to visit BNI chapters before committing to membership.
Contact Information for BNI (00:32:10)
Details on how to reach Steve Hand for inquiries about BNI in North Carolina.
Closing Remarks (00:32:45)
Appreciation for the guest and sponsor, and a call to action for listeners.
How To Get In Touch
Group – Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind
Website – shopmarketingpros.com
Facebook – facebook.com/shopmarketingpros
Get the Book – shopmarketingpros.com/book
Instagram – @shopmarketingpros
Questions/Ideas – podcast@shopmarketingpros.com
How To Get In Touch With The Guest
Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)
