I discovered BNI about 10 years ago when a friend invited me to visit his Chapter. As a solo attorney, I always wanted to find ways to market my firm and build a network. I had tried many forms of marketing. I used direct mail marketing to homeowners which was effective for my foreclosure defense work but I found other forms of marketing lacking. Advertising in various media or focusing on SEO for a website seemed to be a waste of money. Attending networking events like parties from other organizations was not useful because there was no structure to the meetings and no follow-up or accountability. BNI meetings were fun and friendly but still had an agenda where each member got to present their commercial or elevator pitch and each week one member was the featured speaker. BNI tracked referrals, closed business, and attendance. It was the first organization I found where the entire process of marketing through a referral network was completely organized and structured. Years ago, before law school, I attended the NYU Stern School of Business. I learned about finance, management and marketing but the business school taught about marketing from the big corporate perspective and did not even mention referral marketing. BNI filled a gap about what my business school missed. I also like the social aspects of it. My BNI Chapter 54 is a warm and welcoming group of friendly people who all respect each other. The meetings are fun. It’s interesting to hear everyone’s individual perspective. I like having a network of professionals with resources for nearly every business. BNI is like a one-stop shop. Another great thing I like about BNI is that members can visit other chapters and connect with an even-wider network that extends throughout not only NY or the US but worldwide. Being in a BNI Chapter makes us part of a global community.

Scott Lanin
Commercial Litigation Attorney
Lanin Law P.C.
(212) 764-7250 x 201
scott@laninlaw.com