Business Network International (BNI) marks the beginning of International Networking Week by demonstrating the importance of forming strategic business alliances.
Dubai: International Networking Week, an annual international event, takes on added significance this year given the current economic climate - never has it been more important to maintain and sustain key business relationships.
Networking has long been a key word in the business world but has mainly been seen by the mainstream as a distribution of business cards. Networking in recent years, pioneered by BNI's National Director for the UAE, Bijay Rajnikantt Shah, has taken on a more strategic and focused approach.
Shah commented, "During these uncertain times we feel it's important for businesses to engage in activities that can help with creating a more efficient business development approach. Essentially, networking is about building long term relationships and cultivating and nurturing them - in the words of the BNI founder, Dr. Ivan Misner, the whole process is more of a marathon than a sprint. Such activities are driven by the need and intention to grow your business."
The start of the week is to be marked by a luncheon on the 1st February at the Dusit Hotel, Dubai, featuring professional guest speakers from around the world including, Ron Kaufman, a leading educator and motivator for uplifting customer service and superior service cultures with many years of professional speaking and training experience. Ron will bring his unique approach to learning and leadership and demonstrate the importance of increasing and maintaining service standards during these hard financial times.
By all accounts, the economy is going to get worse before it gets better. And when times are tough, networking seems like the last thing anyone wants to do, However, it is in these challenging days that you need to consolidate old and cultivate new working relationships and let your peers know how they can help you and vice versa.
Shah concluded, "It is now time to be proactive and create strong strategic alliances with key industry people to create a long term success and growth for companies. At BNI we offer members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and most importantly obtain business referrals. Given these considerations, business networking events such as this will be an invaluable tool for businesses in all industries throughout the coming year."
The luncheon will be taking place at the Dusit Hotel, Dubai from 12-3pm on the 1st February. For more information contact info@sirenconsulting.com
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International Networking Week:
The luncheon at the Dusit will take place on the 1st February from 12-3pm and is open to the wider business community. Tickets will cost AED 297 per person and reservations can be made by contacting info@sirenconsulting.com or calling 04 321 5351.
International Networking Week™ is an initiative of BNI and will feature a number of networking events across the world.
The goal of International Networking Week™ is to celebrate the key role that networking plays in the development and success of businesses across the world.
Simultaneous events will be held globally to celebrate International Networking Week.
The focus of these events will be to bring together representatives of government, businesses and the community to network with each other, to understand the concept of good networking and to listen to talks by key networking specialists from across the world. These speakers will offer advice and information on how businesses can grow and succeed through good networking practices.
Invitations to attend are open to the wider business community, members of other networking organisations, students, press representatives and interested parties from all levels of government and business. The purpose of International Networking Week™ is to raise the profile of networking in the wider community, recognising it as an essential tool for success in today's business climate.
About Business Network International:
Belonging to BNI is like having dozens of sales people working for you because all of them carry several copies of your business cards around with them. When they meet someone who could use your products or services, they take out your card and recommend you. It's as simple as that! It's simple because it's based on a proven concept by BNI Founder, Dr. Ivan Misner, called "Givers Gain." If I give you business you'll give me business and we'll both benefit as a result.
Last year alone, members of BNI passed 5.5 million referrals which generated over $2.2 billion dollars (U.S.) worth of business for its members! BNI is a business and professional networking organization that allows only one person per professional classification or specialty to join a chapter.
For more information on BNI, please contact:
Chris McDonnell, Siren Consulting
chris@sirenconsulting.com
or call - 04 3215351
© Press Release 2009
