Donegal has come out on top as Ireland’s leading county for business networking.
More than 1,200 Irish businesses who are members of the world’s largest business networking group, Business Networking International (BNI) are celebrating the generation of €43.6 million worth of business in 2012, marking an increase of more than 9% on business generated in 2011.
And the Donegal chapter of the Irish group is celebrating after it was named the top business networking group in both Ireland and the UK.
Members of BNI in Ireland benefit from a unique referral system which is similar to having dozens of sales people working as part of a their team. It is this “word of mouth marketing” that has enabled Irish members to generate almost €150 million worth of new business since 2009.
Donegal’s Stronghold Chapter came out on top with the most referrals among its 47 members on a weekly basis. This puts the Donegal Chapter who meet each week in Lough Eske Castle ahead of over 600 groups and 15,000 members in both countries.
Speaking of the group’s success, Aidan McHugh, Stronghold Chapter Director said, “We are thrilled to be announced as the top performing Chapter in the UK and Ireland. This is a huge achievement for us given the fact that there are over 600 groups in Ireland and the UK. However, each of our members work extremely hard to identify business opportunities for one another and it is this dedication which has brought us to this point.”
BNI Ireland South and West which incorporates chapters predominantly along the western seaboard support over 3,000 jobs among its members and expect numbers to grow this year.
Speaking of Ireland’s success, Sandra Hart, Executive Director of BNI Ireland South & West said, “Ireland has always been a nation of networkers and these figures prove this. Our members span a range of sectors from health to finance, trades and corporate services, proving that networking works for every business regardless of where you are based. There is still business to be won and done in Ireland and our members are testament to this. I believe the more companies which network effectively together, the stronger our local and national economy will become.”
She continued, “The Stronghold Chapter is testament that you do not need to live in a big city to generate lots of business. By having dedicated support around you anything is achievable. BNI is about building relationships and trust with like minded business people to grow your business and we look forward in aiding this drive in 2013.”
