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In this episode of The BNI UK Podcast, Ed Nell catches up with UK National Director Ollie Turpie around two and a half months into his new role. Ollie reflects on what he has learned so far, the importance of getting out into chapters, the passion he has seen across the network, and the opportunities he believes exist to grow BNI UK. He also shares his priorities around launches, retention, membership growth, brand awareness and making sure existing members continue to receive real value from their membership. Key Takeaways Listen and learn before trying to change things. Ollie says much of his early time in the role has been spent listening, learning and understanding the network. Rather than assuming he already has all the answers, he has focused on engaging with franchise partners, regional teams and members to better understand both the opportunities and challenges facing BNI UK. The real value of BNI becomes clear inside the chapters. One of Ollie’s biggest learnings has come from attending chapter meetings and seeing first-hand how members support each other. He says the most powerful moments are not simply referrals being passed, but examples of relationships, trust and introductions genuinely changing businesses and lives. Relationships can create immediate practical impact. One story that particularly stood out involved a member whose parents had experienced a break-in. Through the chapter, someone was found within around 45 minutes to repair the damaged door and make the property secure. For Ollie, it demonstrated how valuable a trusted network can become beyond traditional business referrals. Leaders need to stay connected to what is happening on the ground. Ollie plans to spend around 30–40% of his time in the field going forward. He believes many of the most important insights come from speaking directly with members, chapters and regional teams rather than relying solely on information from the office. BNI has an opportunity to become better known. One of Ollie’s biggest surprises was that BNI felt like a “best kept secret”. He sees major potential to raise the organisation’s profile through stronger marketing, social media and sharing more of the positive stories and results already happening across the network. Growth has to come from several directions. Ollie identifies three clear priorities: launching more chapters, improving retention and growing membership. For him, these areas are closely connected and all depend on making sure members receive a credible return on the time and money they invest in BNI. Key Moments “What stood out most for me during this process so far is the passion of the people across the network.” (On one of Ollie’s biggest impressions during his first months as National Director.) “BNI is much more about referrals. It’s about trust, relationships, but more importantly it’s about giving back to the community.” (On what he has learned from seeing chapters and members in action.) “We managed to get someone out within 45 minutes to repair the door, make it all safe and get things resolved.” (On seeing the practical power of trusted relationships within a BNI chapter.) “You make the real learnings and change when you’re out in the field.” (On why Ollie wants to spend more of his time visiting chapters and engaging directly with members.) “I was quite shocked that BNI appeared to be the best kept secret.” (On the opportunity he sees to improve brand awareness across the UK.) About BNI BNI is the world’s largest referral networking organisation. Local chapters meet weekly with a proven agenda based on Givers Gain®, helping members build credibility, share qualified referrals and grow revenue. With training, 1-2-1s and clear metrics, BNI turns business networking into predictable results for SMEs and professionals. Visit as a guest to experience the format. Find Out More: https://bni.co.uk/en-GB/index The BNI UK Podcast is produced by The Media Insiders https://www.themediainsiders.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The BNI UK Podcast, Ed Nell and UK National Director Ollie Turpie welcome Mark Wilkes, Executive Director of BNI Black Country South. Mark shares his journey from someone who initially dismissed business networking to becoming a member, Ambassador, Director Consultant, Area Director and ultimately Executive Director. He explains how trusted relationships, collaboration and strong chapter culture have shaped his BNI experience, and why communication, shared goals and the right team are central to building successful chapters and regions. Key Takeaways BNI is about relationships, not selling to the room. Mark’s original view of networking was people exchanging business cards and trying to sell to one another. His first BNI meeting changed that perception completely. Hearing from everybody in the room and seeing that there was a structured process behind referral networking made him realise BNI was about something much bigger than simply finding customers at a breakfast meeting. Trusted relationships can transform your business. Mark initially joined BNI looking for reliable suppliers and business connections. One referral from another events company led to a relationship with a local council that is still generating regular work six years later. For Mark, it demonstrates how one trusted introduction can have a long-term impact far beyond the initial piece of business. Collaborate with people in your own industry. Rather than viewing similar businesses purely as competitors, Mark believes there is huge value in building relationships with people working in the same sector. During Covid, he connected with BNI members across the events and weddings industry, helping create an international weddings and events power team that continues to meet years later. The network is bigger than your local chapter. One of Mark’s stories involves using a relationship with a BNI member in Sweden to reach the team around Ariana Grande. While the introduction did not ultimately lead to the desired outcome, it demonstrated the extraordinary reach of the wider BNI network and the connections that can become possible when members actively collaborate beyond their own chapters. Strong chapters succeed when everyone moves in the same direction. Mark believes successful chapters reach a point where members collectively understand and believe in the process. When everyone owns the same goals, whether that is growing membership, improving traffic-light performance or increasing referrals, momentum builds. Leadership then becomes about supporting that shared ambition and recognising success. Key Moments “I’m sorry, I don’t do networking.” (On Mark’s original reaction to being invited to his first networking meeting.) “We’re still working with that council six years on.” (On a referral from another events company that became a long-term client relationship.) “Collaboration is what I’m aiming at… getting to know people in your own industry because we don’t all do the same.” (On why competitors and businesses within the same sector can become valuable partners.) “Teams are successful when everybody believes in that goal.” (On what separates thriving chapters from those that struggle.) “Everybody starts paddling in the same direction.” (On the point where a chapter collectively understands and commits to the BNI process.) About BNI BNI is the world’s largest referral networking organisation. Local chapters meet weekly with a proven agenda based on Givers Gain®, helping members build credibility, share qualified referrals and grow revenue. With training, 1-2-1s and clear metrics, BNI turns business networking into predictable results for SMEs and professionals. Visit as a guest to experience the format. Find Out More: https://bni.co.uk/en-GB/index The BNI UK Podcast is produced by The Media Insiders https://www.themediainsiders.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The BNI UK Podcast, Ed Nell and National Director Ollie Turpie welcome Julie Cameron Executive Director of BNI Coventry and Warwickshire. Julie shares her journey from walking nervously into her first BNI meeting seven years ago to taking on the region alongside her husband Glenn. She explains how BNI helped her rediscover her own identity, why understanding the system transformed her membership, the leadership roles that shaped her, and why she believes relationships, community and the courage to ask are at the heart of BNI success. Key Takeaways Sometimes you have to walk through the door before you know what is on the other side. Julie almost abandoned her first BNI meeting before it had even started. After five years focused on being a mum, the experience of walking into a room where people wanted to know about her, her ideas and her business was both frightening and exhilarating. Her advice to anyone feeling nervous about networking is simple: give it a go, because you never know what it might unlock. Understanding how BNI works changes everything. For the first four or five months, Julie admits she enjoyed the meetings but did not really understand BNI or even what constituted a referral. A conversation with her Director Consultant changed that. Once she understood that a referral was an opportunity to do business, rather than business already completed, the system suddenly made sense and her approach completely changed. Use the systems rather than trying to reinvent them. Julie believes BNI gives members the systems, processes and tools they need to succeed. The challenge is understanding and using them. Once she began following the process properly, she saw the potential available not only within her chapter but across the wider region. Leadership is about the team, not the title. Of the many roles Julie has held, Vice President was particularly influential. She describes it as an opportunity to take a helicopter view of the chapter, but says success ultimately comes down to the people around you, creating a team that wants to move in the same direction and ensuring people do what they say they are going to do. Key Moments “For me it was about recognising who I was and who I could be in that room.” (On how her first BNI meeting helped Julie reconnect with her own identity after five years focused on being a mum.) “Just do it, because you never know quite what’s on that other side of that door.” (On overcoming the nerves of attending a first networking meeting.) “I didn’t get BNI when I first started.” (On spending her first few months enjoying the experience without fully understanding how to make the membership work.) “It’s an opportunity. It’s an opportunity to do business.” (On the simple explanation of a referral that transformed her understanding of BNI.) “They become your family… you get to know, like and trust them.” (On the relationships and sense of community that can develop within a BNI chapter.) “We love building a community. We love helping people.” (On why taking on the Coventry and Warwickshire franchise felt like a natural next step for Julie and Glenn.) “Fundamentally what we want this business to do is to give us choices.” (On their long-term ambition to create a strong, sustainable regional business.) “It’s that team that you can trust, that team that you can rely on and the team that works with you, not for you.” (On the importance of building the right team around the Coventry and Warwickshire region.) About BNI BNI is the world’s largest referral networking organisation. Local chapters meet weekly with a proven agenda based on Givers Gain®, helping members build credibility, share qualified referrals and grow revenue. With training, 1-2-1s and clear metrics, BNI turns business networking into predictable results for SMEs and professionals. Visit as a guest to experience the format. Find Out More: https://bni.co.uk/en-GB/index Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 17 - A New Chapter: Mike Holman on His EMEA Role, the Future of BNI and Why Africa Excites Him Most In this episode of the BNI UK Podcast, Ed Nell sits down with outgoing UK National Director Mike Holman for what feels like a genuine milestone conversation - a proper farewell to the UK role and a deep dive into what comes next. Mike's new title is Vice President of EMEA Franchise Operations, and this episode is the fullest picture yet of what that actually means - from coaching new franchisees in the Netherlands to building a global onboarding strategy, opening up new territories across Africa and Europe, and thinking about what BNI looks like five years from now. Key Takeaways Mike's new role is about helping new franchisees thrive in their first 12 months. As VP of EMEA Franchise Operations, he is coaching purpose-driven people who have invested their savings and in some cases their mortgages into a BNI franchise - and he wants to give them the knowledge, accountability and structure to succeed. The BNI model travels across cultures without changing its core. The agenda is identical whether you are in a UK chapter or a Dutch one. What shifts is how different cultures approach business - UK members tend to want local referrals, while members in parts of Asia think globally from day one. Accountability is the most powerful coaching tool Mike has. He is not there to tell people they are doing great. He is there to hold them to the goals they set themselves - the same way the teachers and coaches people remember most fondly pushed hardest and expected the most. BNI's technology developments are making the model even stronger. AI tools now help members write their weekly presentations and identify ideal referral partners. Leadership processes that were previously done manually are being automated. The 41-year-old structure still works - and now it has real innovation behind it. Key Moments "BNI changes people's lives. It sounds evangelical - but when you hear the stories, you appreciate the impact." "Accountability isn't a bad word. If somebody tells me they want to achieve something, I have a responsibility to hold them to it." "We'd love people to say I need to go BNI the way they used to say I need to get the Hoover out." "I want to look back in five years and feel I helped put together a complete support system for franchisees in BNI." About the Host Mike Holman is the outgoing UK National Director for BNI, the world's largest business networking organisation, and incoming Vice President of EMEA Franchise Operations. He has spent over 20 years as a BNI franchisee and four years leading BNI UK. BNI is built on the philosophy of "Givers Gain" - supporting others to succeed in order to achieve your own success. With a strong focus on commitment, accountability, and personal development, BNI provides a proven framework for long-term business growth. Find out more: https://bni.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the BNI UK Podcast, Ed Nell and outgoing National Director Mike Holman introduce the new UK National Director of BNI - Ollie Turpie. Just three weeks into the role at the time of recording, Ollie shares his background in franchising, how he came to land the job and what he is already thinking about as he finds his feet. It is a warm and candid episode that gives BNI members, franchisees and chapter visitors their first proper look at the man who will be shaping BNI UK's next chapter. Key Takeaways Ollie brings over 15 years of franchising experience to the role. From automotive parts distribution to senior leadership across major franchise networks, supporting business owners to grow is what Ollie describes as his genuine passion - and precisely what drew him to BNI. The appointment came via a nine stage interview process - and a near miss first time around. Ollie originally applied for a Franchise Director role at the end of 2025, got to the final two and was not taken forward. When the National Director role was advertised, he reached back out and went through the process again. He got the call on a Monday morning and nearly crashed the car. BNI has significant white space across the UK still to be filled. Mike makes the point clearly - as well-known as BNI feels, there are large parts of the country with no chapter presence at all. Growing the franchisee network into those areas is one of Ollie's primary missions. Member return on investment is the thing Ollie is already losing sleep over. Within the first 48 hours, Ollie identified that too many members are not getting the referrals and results they came for. Fixing that experience is where he sees the biggest opportunity to create momentum. 2027 is shaping up to be BNI UK's year. Mike's view is that Ollie has the rest of 2026 to land, build his thinking and communicate his vision - and that 2027 should be a landmark year for the organisation. Key Moments "I've purposely been quite cloaked in my social media presence - but I'm here now." - Ollie Turpie: International Man of Mystery "When I started three weeks ago I had a full head of hair. Sadly it's all gone." - Ollie about his start in BNI "I nearly crashed the car a couple of times. I was that excited." - about becoming BNI UK National Director "It's learning. It's listening. And then we work out where we need to be." - Ollie's plan for his first few weeks About the Host Ollie Turpie is the UK National Director for BNI, the world's largest business networking organisation. He works with thousands of members across the UK to help them build strong relationships, generate consistent referrals, and grow their businesses through structured networking. BNI is built on the philosophy of "Givers Gain" - supporting others to succeed in order to achieve your own success. With a strong focus on commitment, accountability, and personal development, BNI provides a proven framework for long-term business growth. Find out more: https://bni.co.uk/ The BNI UK Podcast is produced by The Media Insiders https://www.themediainsiders.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the BNI UK Podcast, Ed Nell and UK National Director Mike Holman dig into testimonials - what they are, why they were created, and how to give one that actually makes a difference now that they no longer count toward traffic light points. Mike shares the origin story behind testimonials in BNI, breaks down a simple structure for writing one that genuinely builds credibility, and explains why removing the points incentive may have made testimonials more meaningful, not less. Key Takeaways Testimonials are about credibility, not just gratitude. While members can speak well of themselves, hearing someone else genuinely endorse your work shifts your credibility to a different level entirely. The tradition started by accident. A chiropractor in a US chapter offered free treatments that nobody took up, until one member tried it, loved it and insisted on telling the room - creating the format that became the testimonial. A good testimonial follows problem, solution, result. State who you are and your business first, then explain the problem you had, how the person solved it, and the specific benefit it created. Delivery matters as much as content. Printed, written testimonials read aloud to the room - rather than directly at the person - carry more weight and signal genuine effort. Removing the points has improved the quality. Without traffic light incentives attached, testimonials are now given for the right reasons rather than to hit a target, giving them more genuine value. Key Moments "Testimonials massively help people with their credibility - thank you for the impact it's made on me, wow, credibility now goes to a different level very, very quickly." "Just saying they were good doesn't give them any competitive advantage of other people out in the marketplace." "Giving them something physical in the meeting makes them feel more valued and it has greater impact." "Now it's got purpose - and probably that's the best way it should be." "Nobody buys anything unless they've checked out the reviews. They call them reviews, but they're testimonials to the services." About the Host Mike Holman is the UK National Director for BNI, the world's largest business networking organisation. He works with thousands of members across the UK to help them build strong relationships, generate consistent referrals, and grow their businesses through structured networking. BNI is built on the philosophy of "Givers Gain" - supporting others to succeed in order to achieve your own success. With a strong focus on commitment, accountability, and personal development, BNI provides a proven framework for long-term business growth. How to Get Involved Website: https://www.bni.co.uk If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, share it with your network and leave a review. The BNI UK Podcast is produced by The Media Insiders https://www.themediainsiders.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the BNI UK Podcast, Ed Nell is joined by UK National Director Mike Holman and Operations Director Simon McGuinness for a debrief on BNI's recent national conference - a milestone event marking 30 years of BNI in the UK. The conversation goes behind the scenes of what it takes to plan a three day event for 420 delegates, reflects on the £7 billion in business generated by UK members since 2010, and covers a major personal announcement from Mike about his next move within BNI. Key Takeaways This year's conference was the largest two day event BNI UK has run. 420 delegates, around 50 speakers and up to 30 exhibitors came together for three days, the result of roughly eight to nine months of dedicated planning. Mike Holman is moving into a new EMEA role. After four years as UK National Director, Mike announced he will be supporting new franchisees coming into BNI across Europe, the Middle East and Africa - a return to his roots as a former franchisee himself. The 30th anniversary was a moment to reflect and accelerate. Since 2010 alone, BNI UK members have generated over £7 billion in recorded business and 13 million referrals, with much more believed to go unrecorded. Dr Ivan Misner's appearance was a major highlight. The BNI founder hadn't attended a UK conference in around a decade, and his presence - alongside a fireside chat with UK co-founder Gilly Lawson - became one of the standout moments of the event. Next year's conference is heading to Twickenham. With over 100 tickets already sold for an event eleven months away, the team are already eyeing potential rugby-themed keynote speakers to suit the venue. Key Moments "We've generated over £7 billion worth of business for local business people - and that's just what's been recorded." "Nobody should feel alone in business. BNI has the opportunity to bring people together." "When Gilly asks you to do something, you should be saying yes." "Picking your favourite speaker session is a bit like asking who your favourite child is." "How we top what we've just done is a major concern at the moment, to say the least." About the Host Mike Holman is the UK National Director for BNI, the world's largest business networking organisation. He works with thousands of members across the UK to help them build strong relationships, generate consistent referrals, and grow their businesses through structured networking. BNI is built on the philosophy of "Givers Gain" - supporting others to succeed in order to achieve your own success. With a strong focus on commitment, accountability, and personal development, BNI provides a proven framework for long-term business growth. Find out more: https://bni.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the BNI UK Podcast, host Ed Nell is joined by National Director Mike Holman and guest Aaron Donnelly, Managing Director of Complexus Limited. Aaron shares how he communicates a highly technical offering - from telemetry and security to tracking people, vehicles and assets - in a way that non-technical audiences can understand and confidently refer. The conversation focuses on simplifying your message, using real-world scenarios and helping others clearly identify who to introduce you to. Key Takeaways Simplify your message Avoid overwhelming people with technical detail. Focus on outcomes and real-world use cases that are easy to understand. Be specific about who you want Clearly naming target clients at the start of your pitch increases the chances of members recognising and referring opportunities. Use storytelling to explain value Real-life examples help people understand how your service is used and why it matters, making it easier to remember. Focus your weekly message Don’t try to explain everything. Pick one area of your business each week and communicate it clearly. Get to the point quickly In one-to-ones and conversations, establish early whether there’s a fit. This respects time and keeps conversations productive. Key Moments “You’re not selling the tech - you’re selling what it enables.” “Say who you’re looking for at the start - slowly.” “Don’t try to explain everything in 60 seconds.” “Get to the no quicker - it saves time for both of you.” About the guest Aaron Donnelly is the Managing Director of Complexus Limited, specialising in telemetry, security and tracking solutions across vehicles, assets and people. With a background in military and technical leadership, Aaron helps businesses monitor and protect what matters most. About BNI UK BNI (Business Network International) is the world’s largest business networking organisation, helping members grow their businesses through structured referral marketing and meaningful relationships. How to Get Involved Website: https://www.bni.co.uk If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, share it with your network and leave a review. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the BNI UK Podcast, host Ed Nell and National Director Mike Holman are joined guest David Bartlett, a locksmith from the Maverick chapter in Suffolk. David shares an incredible real-life story that highlights the true power of community within BNI. What started as a routine call-out turned into a collective effort across multiple members and chapters to transform the life of a vulnerable elderly woman — showing how relationships built through BNI can extend far beyond business. Key Takeaways BNI is about more than business While referrals drive growth, the relationships built within BNI can have a meaningful impact on people’s lives beyond commercial gain. Trust is built through relationships Taking the time to understand people — both within your chapter and outside it — strengthens trust and creates deeper connections. Givers Gain in action When members come together with a shared purpose, the impact can be far greater than any one individual working alone. Small actions can lead to big outcomes A single conversation or moment of care can grow into something much bigger when others rally behind it. Community creates lasting bonds Working together on something meaningful strengthens relationships and reinforces the culture within a chapter and region. Key Moments “It started as a normal call - but it turned into something much bigger.” “We didn’t want anything - we just wanted to help.” “Seeing her sit in a clean, safe space again was magical.” “You never know what someone else is going through.” About the guest David Bartlett is a locksmith based in Suffolk and a member of the Maverick BNI chapter. Passionate about security and helping people, David takes a personal approach to his work - ensuring customers feel safe and supported during difficult situations. About BNI UK BNI (Business Network International) is the world’s largest business networking organisation, helping members grow their businesses through structured referral marketing and meaningful relationships. How to Get Involved Website: https://www.bni.co.uk If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, share it with your network and leave a review. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the BNI UK Podcast, Ed Nell and UK National Director Mike Holman explore a common question - can BNI members join multiple networking groups? The discussion clarifies the difference between casual contact networking and strong contact networking, and why BNI has specific policies around membership. Mike explains that the restriction isn’t about control, but about protecting members’ time, credibility, and results. The episode dives into commitment, return on investment, and why trying to split focus across similar groups can ultimately hold members back rather than help them grow. Key Takeaways Understand the difference between networking types: Casual contact networking is broad and relationship-based, while strong contact networking - like BNI - is structured specifically to generate business. You can’t split commitment effectively: Being part of multiple strong contact groups means dividing your time and focus, which reduces effectiveness and credibility within each group. The policy protects members, not the organisation: BNI’s rule exists to ensure fairness, trust, and maximum return for all members, not to limit opportunities. If BNI isn’t working, look inward first: Before seeking other groups, assess your own activity, messaging, and engagement - often the issue is clarity or consistency. Leverage the wider BNI network: With access to regional, national, and global connections, you don’t need multiple groups to find the right referral opportunities. Best Moments “You can’t be 100% committed to two groups at the same time.” “It’s not about protecting BNI - it’s about protecting the members.” “You’re diluting your commitment and your return.” “People like you, they just don’t know how to help you.” “Joining BNI is like joining a gym - you have to use it properly to see results.” About the Host Mike Holman is the UK National Director for BNI, the world’s largest business networking organisation. He works with thousands of members across the UK to help them build strong relationships, generate consistent referrals, and grow their businesses through structured networking. BNI is built on the philosophy of “Givers Gain” - supporting others to succeed in order to achieve your own success. With a strong focus on commitment, accountability, and personal development, BNI provides a proven framework for long-term business growth. Find out more: https://bni.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the BNI UK Podcast, host Ed Nell is joined by National Director Mike Holman and guest Emma Easton, Director at Business Communicate and a BNI member of over 11 years. Emma shares her perspective on building a true “tribe” within BNI — moving beyond tracking numbers and focusing instead on genuine relationships, trust and shared success. The conversation explores how consistency, authenticity and deeper connections lead to stronger referrals and long-term growth. Key Takeaways Focus on people, not just data While tools like the traffic light system provide structure, real success comes from building genuine relationships with your referral partners. Upgrade your one-to-ones Move beyond “tick-box” meetings. Approach one-to-ones with intention, strategy and a clear outcome to deepen relationships. Consistency builds trust Showing up, being prepared and following through on commitments are the foundations of credibility within your chapter. Create shared momentum Referrals shouldn’t be one-off transactions. Stay involved, follow up and work together to grow opportunities over time. Look internally first If results aren’t where you want them to be, review your own activity, effort and strategy before looking elsewhere. Key Moments “People buy into people - not just numbers.” “You put in what you get out - but you have to really go for it.” “BNI gives you the foundation, but it’s what you build on top that matters.” “It takes time to build trust - but it can be lost very quickly.” About the guest Emma Easton is a Director at Business Communicate and a long-standing BNI member with over a decade of experience. Known for her energy and commitment to helping others succeed, Emma focuses on building strong relationships and creating high-performing teams within BNI. About BNI UK BNI (Business Network International) is the world’s largest business networking organisation, helping members grow their businesses through structured referral marketing and meaningful relationships. How to Get Involved Website: https://www.bni.co.uk If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, share it with your network and leave a review. The BNI UK Podcast is produced by The Media Insiders https://www.themediainsiders.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the BNI UK Podcast, Ed Nell speaks with UK National Director Mike Holman about a challenge every BNI member will face at some point - receiving a bad referral. They explore what actually defines a “bad” referral and, more importantly, how to respond in a way that strengthens relationships rather than damages them. Mike shares a refreshing perspective that shifts the focus away from blame and towards accountability, communication, and education. The episode is packed with practical advice on improving referral quality, refining your messaging, and turning frustrating situations into long-term opportunities for growth. Key Takeaways Take responsibility, don’t assign blame: If you receive a bad referral, start by looking at how you may have miscommunicated what you’re looking for rather than assuming poor intent. Education is the key to better referrals: Your network can only refer effectively if they clearly understand your ideal client - vague messaging leads to vague referrals. Refine your 60-second and one-to-ones: If multiple people are giving poor referrals, it’s likely a messaging issue. Be specific, clear, and consistent in how you communicate your needs. Always respond with professionalism: Thank the person, apologise, and have a constructive conversation - ideally face-to-face or over the phone, not via email. Every referral is an opportunity to improve: Even poor referrals can highlight gaps in your process, whether that’s communication, follow-up, or your sales approach. Best Moments “A bad referral is anything that you don’t want.” “Say thank you for the referral… and apologise.” “If you don’t deal with a bad referral, you deserve the next one.” “You’re asking people to shop blind if you’re not specific.” “Don’t be the person talking about others behind their back.” About BNI BNI is the world’s largest referral networking organisation. Local chapters meet weekly with a proven agenda based on Givers Gain®, helping members build credibility, share qualified referrals and grow revenue. With training, 1-2-1s and clear metrics, BNI turns business networking into predictable results for SMEs and professionals. Visit as a guest to experience the format. Find Out More: https://bni.co.uk/en-GB/index Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the BNI UK Podcast, host Ed Nell and National Director Mike Holman are joined by guest Rich Hayden, Managing Director of Made By Seven and a founding BNI member with over 22 years’ experience. Rich shares his journey from ineffective, transactional networking to building a powerful, accountable network that has generated millions in business - not just locally, but globally. Packed with real-life storeys, practical advice and honest reflections, this episode highlights how small actions - done consistently - can lead to significant long-term success. Key Takeaways Networking without accountability doesn’t work. Without structure, follow-up and consistency, networking becomes little more than a social activity rather than a driver of real business. Consistency drives results. Long-term success in BNI comes from sustained effort over time, not short bursts of activity. Step into leadership roles. Taking on responsibility within your chapter increases visibility, builds confidence and accelerates business growth. Protect the experience for guests. Creating a positive, high-energy environment helps convert visitors into members and strengthens the overall network. Small actions create big outcomes. Something as simple as offering a coffee, following up or making someone feel welcome can lead to significant long-term opportunities. Key Moments “Networking without accountability is merely a coffee club.” “Your personal brand is what people say about you when you’re not there.” “Show up - don’t just turn up.” “If you’re going to be in the room, be the most positive person there.” About the guest Rich Hayden is the Managing Director of Made By Seven and a founding member of BNI Enterprise in Ilkley. With over two decades in BNI, Rich has generated millions in business for fellow members and built global connections through the organisation. Known for his energy, consistency and commitment to personal development, Rich is a strong advocate for accountability-led networking and building a powerful personal brand. About BNI BNI is the world’s largest referral networking organisation. Local chapters meet weekly with a proven agenda based on Givers Gain®, helping members build credibility, share qualified referrals and grow revenue. With training, 1-2-1s and clear metrics, BNI turns business networking into predictable results for SMEs and professionals. Visit as a guest to experience the format. Find Out More: https://bni.co.uk/en-GB/index The BNI UK Podcast is produced by The Media Insiders https://www.themediainsiders.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the BNI UK Podcast, host Ed Nell is joined by National Director Mike Holman and guest Emma Robson, Director of Stort Valley Gifting and member of BNI Success for Business in Harlow. Emma shares her journey of launching a business during COVID after redundancy and how BNI played a pivotal role from day one - even securing her first customer before officially launching.  This episode is packed with practical insights on making BNI work effectively, from mastering one-to-ones and refining your weekly presentation to building long-term client relationships and maximising return on investment. Key Takeaways Start networking early. You don’t need to wait until your business is established - BNI can generate opportunities and clients from the very beginning. You get out what you put in. Success in BNI comes from consistent effort: one-to-ones, subbing, optimising your profile and actively engaging with members. Use real examples in your 60 seconds. Talking about recent work and real clients helps others understand how to refer you more effectively. One-to-ones drive real business. Building relationships and truly understanding other members leads to stronger referrals - even when you’re not in the room. Leverage your network for ideas. BNI isn’t just for referrals - it’s a powerful sounding board for developing new products, services and business ideas. Key Moments “80–85% of our business comes from networking - much of that through BNI.” “You have to put a lot in to get it back.” “That one-to-one led to 190 hampers - and I wasn’t even in the room.” “Use your 60 seconds to talk about what you’ve actually done this week.” “BNI didn’t just support our business - it helped shape it.” About the guest Emma Robson is the Director of Stort Valley Gifting, a business specialising in bespoke corporate gifting and hampers using locally sourced products. A member of BNI Success for Business in Harlow, Emma has built her business largely through networking, with a strong focus on relationships, creativity and customer experience. https://stortvalleygifting.co.uk/ About BNI BNI is the world’s largest referral networking organisation. Local chapters meet weekly with a proven agenda based on Givers Gain®, helping members build credibility, share qualified referrals and grow revenue. With training, 1-2-1s and clear metrics, BNI turns business networking into predictable results for SMEs and professionals. Visit as a guest to experience the format. Find Out More: https://bni.co.uk/en-GB/index The BNI UK Podcast is produced by The Media Insiders https://www.themediainsiders.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The BNI UK Podcast, Ed Nell and National Director Mike Holman welcome Andrew Payne of UK Property Service SW Ltd and BNI Spirit in Devon. Andrew shares how, in less than a year, he has used BNI not just to generate direct business, but to build a trusted national contractor network that helps him service commercial properties and student accommodation across the UK. He explains how BNI Connect, leadership, visibility and relationship-building have enabled him to say “yes” to clients more often and grow with confidence. Key Takeaways Andrew joined BNI with a clear goal: to create a reliable network of trusted contractors across the country. For his business, the value is not only in direct referrals but in being able to quickly source dependable people to help fulfil client needs nationwide. Trust makes speed possible. Before BNI, finding contractors meant lengthy checks, references and onboarding. Through BNI, Andrew has been able to fast-track that process because the network already carries a level of trust and credibility, helping him respond to urgent client requests far more quickly. BNI Connect can become a national business tool. Andrew has used BNI Connect strategically to find members across the UK, including as far afield as Northern Ireland. Rather than limiting his focus to his local chapter, he has treated the wider BNI network as an extension of his business infrastructure. Leadership in BNI strengthens leadership in business. Serving as Vice President has helped Andrew identify weaknesses in his own organisation, improve preparation, and sharpen his leadership skills. He highlights how much of what is learned in BNI is transferable into day-to-day business. Be present if you want people to trust you. Andrew credits trust-building to regular visibility: weekly meetings, leadership involvement, member days, socials and ongoing conversations. His view is simple – if you are not building relationships, you are missing the real value of BNI. Problem-solving creates referrals. Andrew’s approach is to be a “yes person”. When clients ask for something, he focuses on finding a solution rather than saying no. Because he knows the network is there to support him, he can confidently help clients solve problems beyond his in-house team’s direct capabilities. A strong chapter vision drives momentum. Andrew is ambitious not only for his own business but for his chapter. He wants BNI Spirit to become the biggest chapter in Devon and top the regional traffic lights, while also helping launch another chapter in the west of Devon as part of the legacy he wants to create in BNI. Key Moments “I knew that I could go straight onto the BNI Connect app… and I could fulfil those services within an hour.” (On using the wider BNI network to respond quickly to client needs.) “With BNI being BNI, it already has that trust value in it.” (On why the network helped remove friction from sourcing reliable contractors.) “I’m a yes person… no doesn’t enter my mind.” (On his problem-solving mindset and how BNI supports it.) “If you’re not building those relationships, I must admit, you may as well look at the Yellow Pages.” (On the importance of conversations, trust and real relationship-building in referral networking.) “I’d like to be the biggest chapter in Devon and I’d like to be top of the regional traffic lights.” (On his vision for growing BNI Spirit and creating chapter-wide success.) About BNI BNI is the world’s largest referral networking organisation. Local chapters meet weekly with a proven agenda based on Givers Gain®, helping members build credibility, share qualified referrals and grow revenue. With training, 1-2-1s and clear metrics, BNI turns business networking into predictable results for SMEs and professionals. Visit as a guest to experience the format. Find Out More: https://bni.co.uk/en-GB/index The BNI UK Podcast is produced by The Media Insiders https://www.themediainsiders.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.