December 2023: Featured Evergreen Insiders
BNI Rock Pointe Referrals Chapter
BNI is the world’s leading business referral organization supporting 300,000+ member businesses in over 75 countries worldwide, that refers out more than $20+ billion dollars worth of business on an annual basis. In 2021, Jeremy had the opportunity to come alongside BNI’s Southeast Tennessee Region, and Executive Director Elaine Zambos to be part of a leadership team that would lay the foundation for a new BNI chapter- the BNI Rock Pointe Referrals Chapter.
Today, Jeremy proudly represents BNI’s Rock Pointe Referrals Chapter as a founding member, and also enjoys being part of an even larger network of 24 chapters in the Greater Chattanooga area, all operating under BNI’s Southeast Tennessee Region which is led by our December 2023 Featured Insider, Elaine Zambos.
Meet Elaine Zambos, Executive Director for BNI's Southeast Region
In this conversation, you’ll learn about Elaine's belief in the power of connectivity and mutual growth, the opportunities that BNI has afforded her, and one of the people responsible for leading BNI to more than $42,000,000 in new business.
What was it about this business that made you want to be a part of it?
I Love BNI! I loved BNI as a member because I truly believe in the core value, Givers Gain. The BNI members are so positive and driven to be successful. I want to be with people who are like minded and are always striving to be better.
What has been the biggest evolution that you and/or the business have experienced since starting out?
BNI is a networking organization that connects people. During the pandemic we switched all of the members from meeting in person once a week to a zoom platform. We stayed there for almost a year and a half. When we were coming out of the pandemic, some chapters decided they liked zoom and continued to network on a virtual platform. We even started a virtual chapter post pandemic.
The other evolution we are seeing is the growth. We have more than doubled our membership base over the last 5 years. After the pandemic we saw many people leave corporate work and start their own businesses. BNI is a great place for new business owners.
Does your business have a stated mission statement, the reason for its existence?
The mission of BNI is "Changing the Way the World Does Business". It’s a world where we don't make cold calls, buy leads or knock on doors. A world where we receive our business from referrals and the relationships we have built.
Has there been a particular relationship with someone without which you would most likely not have experienced the success you have?
Yes, Josh McGinnis is the reason I have experienced success. He asked me to join his BNI chapter. If he wouldn't have invited me to join, I would not currently own the local BNI franchise.
What makes your business unique and how does it contribute to the vibrant culture of Chattanooga?
BNI is a membership-based organization that holds their members accountable. If you don't live up to the code of ethics or policies/guideline, you will be asked to leave BNI. Accountability is one of our core values and it's what makes BNI work. Last year the members of BNI passed over $42M, that's $42,000,000 in business!
Can you share a significant challenge your business has faced, or is facing, and how you've overcome it or plan to overcome it, especially considering Chattanooga's evolving landscape?
As with many businesses, managing growth can be a challenge. We have experienced exponential growth, and we are adding members to our regional leadership team. We are adding 4 additional people to our team.
What exciting plans or developments can Chattanooga residents look forward to from your business in the near future?
BNI has just formed a partnership with the Chattanooga Football Club. We will be integrated their team base with our members. We are also coming up on our 40th anniversary. This year we are doing a lot of things during International Networking Week, February 4th - 10th, 2024 with an event with the CFC and international networking with BNI members in Sydney, Australia.
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Thank You
As we conclude our insightful conversation with Elaine Zambos, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for her taking the time to share her journey and the remarkable story of BNI's growth and impact here in Chattanooga.
